Birds require fat and protein in their diet to survive and thrive. Providing high-fat foods can help attract birds to your yard and give them the energy they need during harsh winters, migration, and nesting season. Making your own fat bird food is easy, affordable, and allows you to control exactly what goes into the food. This article will provide tips on the best ingredients to use, recipes to try, and how to serve fat bird food safely. Why Do Birds Need Fatty Foods? Fat provides birds with concentrated energy to power them through demanding times of year. Here are…
Author: Peter Knight
Snowball the cockatoo is a famous dancing cockatoo who became an internet sensation in 2007 when videos of him dancing to music were posted on YouTube. With his diverse range of dance moves and ability to keep to the beat of songs, Snowball charmed millions of viewers. But over 15 years have passed since he first became famous – so is this talented bird still alive today? Quick Facts About Snowball the Cockatoo – Species: Sulphur-crested cockatoo – Born: 1996 (estimated) – Home: Bird Lovers Only rescue center in Duncan, South Carolina – Owned by: Irena Schulz – Became famous:…
Grackles are a type of blackbird found throughout North America. They are medium-sized birds with glossy black feathers that often have a purple or blue iridescent sheen. Grackles are very social birds and can be found in large flocks, especially during migration and winter. But just how long do these noisy birds stick around? When do grackles migrate? Grackles are migratory birds that move between breeding grounds in the northern United States and Canada to overwintering grounds in the southern United States and Mexico. The timing of grackle migration depends on the species and location: Common grackles start migrating north…
Brown-headed cowbirds are a species of bird that are native to North America. However, there has been some debate around whether they are truly native to all parts of the United States or if their range has expanded through human changes to the landscape. To understand the answer, we need to look at the historical range of brown-headed cowbirds and how it has shifted over time. Historical Range of Brown-headed Cowbirds Brown-headed cowbirds have a long evolutionary history in North America. Their ancestors diverged from tanagers around 5 million years ago and were originally associated with bison herds on the…
Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures that capture people’s imaginations with their incredibly fast wing beats, their ability to hover and fly backwards, and their beautiful iridescent plumage. If you’ve had the good fortune to come across an injured or orphaned hummingbird, caring for it can be extremely rewarding. However, rehabilitating a hummingbird requires specific knowledge and care. Here is a comprehensive guide on what to do if you rescue an injured or orphaned hummingbird. Assess the bird’s condition The first step when you find an injured or orphaned hummingbird is to quickly assess its condition. Look for any visible injuries, bleeding,…
Townsend’s warblers can be tricky to identify due to their similarity to other warbler species. However, with some key identification tips, you can learn to recognize these striking yellow and olive-green songbirds. Overview Townsend’s warblers (Setophaga townsendi) are small songbirds that breed in coniferous forests across western North America. They migrate to wintering grounds stretching from Mexico to Guatemala. These warblers display bright yellow undersides with olive-green upperparts, black streaking, and distinctive facial patterns. Their song is a high-pitched zipping or spiraling warble. Similar Species Several warbler species closely resemble Townsend’s warbler. Here are some other warblers that are often…
Bald eagles remain an iconic symbol of the United States and represent strength, freedom, and wilderness. While bald eagle populations have rebounded remarkably since the 1970s after the banning of DDT and protection under the Endangered Species Act, they still face a variety of threats today. Habitat Loss One key threat facing bald eagles is continued habitat loss. Bald eagles typically nest in large trees near water sources, using the same nests year after year. Development near shorelines for homes, businesses, and agriculture removes crucial nesting sites. Eagles are very sensitive to disturbances near their nests and will often abandon…
Quick Answers Feeding wild quail can be okay in some circumstances, but should generally be avoided. Small amounts of food provided irregularly are less likely to cause harm. However, feeding can make quail dependent on humans, negatively alter behavior and migration patterns, spread disease, attract predators, and lead to an unbalanced ecosystem. It is typically best to enjoy wildlife in its natural state without interfering by feeding. Specific regulations may also restrict or prohibit feeding of certain wildlife species in some areas. Should You Feed Wild Quail? Quail are ground-dwelling game birds found throughout much of North America. These small,…
Hummingbirds are known for their small size, rapid wing beats, and ability to hover in midair. They have long, slender bills adapted for drinking nectar from flowers and are found only in the Americas. However, there are some insects that resemble hummingbirds in appearance, the most notable being certain species of sphinx moths. Sphinx moths, also known as hawk moths, are a group of insects in the family Sphingidae. Many sphinx moths have long, narrow wings and bodies, allowing them to mimic the look of hummingbirds while feeding on flower nectar. The key difference that distinguishes sphinx moths from hummingbirds…
Doves are beautiful birds, but they can also be a nuisance for homeowners. Their cooing can be loud and distracting, and their droppings can damage property. If doves have taken up residence in or around your home, you may be looking for safe and effective ways to discourage them from staying. This article explores humane methods for keeping doves away from your house or yard. Why Do Doves Come Near Homes? Doves are attracted to homes for several reasons: Food sources like bird feeders or trash bins Shelter in trees, roofs, or ledges Birdbaths or other water sources Nesting spots…