Bird migration is the regular seasonal movement of birds between breeding and wintering grounds. Many species of birds migrate long distances each year, traveling thousands of miles between their summer breeding grounds and wintering areas. There are a number of reasons birds migrate such long distances each year. Why do birds migrate long distances? There are several key reasons birds undertake these incredible journeys each year: Food availability – Birds migrate to areas where food is more plentiful at different times of year. Many species time their migration to coincide with peaks in food availability. Breeding habitat – Birds migrate…
Author: Peter Knight
A bird mill is a type of grain or seed mill that is designed specifically for crushing and grinding grains and seeds for bird feed. Bird mills allow bird owners, breeders, stores, and sanctuaries to create customized bird food blends from raw materials like wheat, millet, oats, corn, and other grains and seeds. Why Use a Bird Mill? There are several advantages to using a bird mill rather than buying pre-made bird food: Cost savings – Buying raw grains and seeds in bulk and milling them yourself can save up to 70% compared to buying pre-made bird food mixes and…
Pileated woodpeckers are large woodpeckers that are found throughout much of North America. They are characterized by their large size, black bodies with white stripes on the face, and crest of red feathers on the head. Pileated woodpeckers inhabit mature forests and primarily eat insects, especially carpenter ants, as well as fruits and nuts. Their range covers a significant portion of the United States, though they are absent from some areas. Northeastern States In the northeastern United States, pileated woodpeckers can be found in all of the New England states as well as New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland,…
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a viral infection that can affect birds and some mammals. There are many different strains of bird flu virus, most of which do not affect humans. However, some strains, such as H5N1 and H7N9, have caused concern due to their ability to occasionally spread to people and cause severe illness. Bird flu is most commonly spread to humans through contact with infected poultry. Outbreaks in domestic poultry flocks can have devastating impacts on the poultry industry and the environment. What is bird flu? Bird flu refers to illness caused by infection with…
The black-bellied whistling duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) is a distinctive waterfowl species found in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America. With their long legs, broad bill, and distinctive vocalizations, black-bellied whistling ducks are a unique component of wetland ecosystems. However, due to habitat loss and other threats, populations of black-bellied whistling ducks have declined in some areas, leading to questions around their conservation status and whether they are a protected species. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of black-bellied whistling ducks, their habitat and distribution, conservation threats, and protections that may be in place at federal,…
Ravens are commonly known as omnivorous birds that eat both plant and animal matter. However, there has been some debate among ornithologists and bird enthusiasts regarding whether ravens actually lean more towards being carnivorous or herbivorous. In this article, we will analyze the raven’s diet and behavior to determine if it is more accurate to classify them as carnivores or herbivores. What Do Ravens Eat? Ravens are opportunistic eaters and their diet varies greatly depending on the food sources available. However, the majority of a raven’s diet is made up of meat and insects, which would suggest they are more…
The Scarlet Tanager is a medium-sized songbird found in forests across much of eastern North America. Its brilliant red body and black wings make it one of the most striking birds found in its range. But where exactly can Scarlet Tanagers be found across the continent? Here we’ll explore the full range of this beautiful forest songbird. Where is the core breeding range of the Scarlet Tanager? The core breeding range of the Scarlet Tanager centers on the eastern half of the United States and southeastern Canada. This bright red and black bird breeds in deciduous and mixed forests from…
Staying warm during cold weather hunting and fishing activities is crucial. The right gear can make a huge difference in comfort and enjoyment. Two popular options for keeping the lower body warm are waders and hunting bibs. But which is better at retaining body heat – waders or bibs? The Basics of Waders and Hunting Bibs First, let’s review the basics of waders and hunting bibs: Waders – Waterproof pants that extend from the feet to the chest. Usually made of rubber, nylon, or neoprene. Designed primarily for fishing but also worn by hunters. Hunting bibs – Insulated pants that…
There are many types of birds that dig holes in the ground to make their nests. Some of the most common hole-nesting birds include kingfishers, parrots, owls, puffins, sand martins, bee-eaters, and woodpeckers. The specific type of hole-nesting bird depends on the region, habitat, and size of the bird. For example, kingfishers nest in burrows along riverbanks, while burrowing owls nest in prairie dog holes in grasslands. Regardless of habitat, these cavity-nesting birds share common traits and behaviors when it comes to selecting nest sites, excavating cavities, and raising young. Hole-nesting offers several advantages over building an open nest. Underground…
Quick Answer Yes, it is possible to put too much cayenne pepper in birdseed. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin which can be irritating to birds if used in large amounts. A small amount of cayenne pepper can deter squirrels and other mammals, but too much can irritate or harm birds. Cayenne Pepper Effects on Birds Cayenne pepper contains a compound called capsaicin which gives the pepper its spicy heat. Birds do not have receptors for capsaicin and are not affected by it in the same way mammals are. However, if cayenne pepper makes up more than 1-2% of a birdseed mix,…