Hummingbird feeders allow us to easily provide nectar for hummingbirds in our yards and gardens. Choosing between glass and plastic hummingbird feeders can be difficult as both have advantages and disadvantages. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at the key factors to consider when deciding between glass and plastic feeders including durability, ease of cleaning, insulation, price, appearance, and more. With the right information, you can pick the best hummingbird feeder for your needs. Durability One of the main factors when choosing a hummingbird feeder material is durability. Glass and plastic have very different durability characteristics: Glass – Glass is…
Author: Peter Knight
Cockatiels are popular pet birds that can live 15-25 years. They are known for their sociability, playfulness, and ability to mimic speech. Cockatiels are relatively easy to breed, making them a good option for bird breeders looking to raise young birds. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to breed cockatiels successfully. Preparing for Breeding Proper preparation is crucial for a successful cockatiel breeding program. Here are some key steps: Acquire a breeding pair – You’ll need a bonded male and female cockatiel. Look for birds that are at least 1-2 years old and have bright plumage and a lively…
Joshua trees are a type of yucca plant that are native to the Mojave Desert in the southwestern United States. Their unique and iconic appearance, with spiky, twisting branches extending from a thick trunk, makes them one of the most recognizable plants of the desert southwest. Joshua trees got their name from Mormon settlers who crossed the Mojave Desert in the mid-19th century – the trees’ distinctive shape reminded them of a biblical story in which Joshua reaches his hands up to the sky in prayer. While Joshua trees may seem like an unlikely place for birds to make their…
Hummingbirds are unique and fascinating birds that are known for their extraordinary hovering flight capabilities, rapid wing beats, and ability to fly backwards, upside down, and in place. Here we will explore some of the most amazing traits and abilities that make hummingbirds truly remarkable. Small Size and Light Weight Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world. The bee hummingbird from Cuba holds the record as the world’s smallest bird, measuring just 2 inches long and weighing less than 2 grams. The lightweight, compact size allows hummingbirds to hover in place while drinking nectar from flowers, with some species…
Hummingbirds are amazing little creatures that bring joy to backyard birdwatchers everywhere. Their ability to hover and fly backwards sets them apart from other birds. And they are the only bird that can fly backwards! Feeding hummingbirds is an excellent way to get up close and personal with these energetic birds. But what is the best way to offer them a tasty treat like peanut butter? Can Hummingbirds Eat Peanut Butter? Hummingbirds certainly can eat peanut butter! This high-protein food is an excellent source of energy for busy hummingbirds. The fat content in peanut butter exceeds that of nectar from…
If you’ve ever been kept awake by a persistent chirping noise coming from outside, you’re not alone. This mysterious sound can be frustrating when you’re trying to sleep. But what causes this noise and where does it come from? Crickets One of the most common sources of nighttime chirping is crickets. Crickets are known for their signature chirping sound, which comes from the males rubbing their wings together to attract females. The chirping acts as a mating call. During the summer months when crickets are most active, this chirping can become especially loud and noisy at night. Crickets tend to…
The great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) is a large and powerful bird of prey found across a wide range of habitats in North and South America. As a predator that feeds on a variety of small to medium-sized mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, the great horned owl occupies an important position in many food chains and webs. Understanding the trophic level or position of the great horned owl in its ecosystem can provide useful insights into its ecological relationships and role. This article will examine what a trophic level represents, the typical trophic levels found in ecosystems, and the…
Bird mites are small, eight-legged parasites that can live on the skin and bite humans. Though tiny, their bites can cause severe itching, irritation, and discomfort. Bird mites typically bite uncovered areas of the body, especially the arms, shoulders, neck, and face. Common Areas for Bird Mite Bites Here are some of the most common places on the body that bird mites tend to bite: Arms – The arms are often exposed and provide easy access for bird mites to bite. Mites can crawl under sleeves and bite all along the arms. Shoulders – Like the arms, the shoulders offer…
A biventricular pacemaker, also known as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), is a type of pacemaker used to treat heart failure. It helps coordinate the pumping of the left and right ventricles of the heart. Some biventricular pacemakers also have a built-in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). An ICD monitors the heart rhythm and can deliver electric shocks to restore a normal rhythm if a dangerous arrhythmia occurs. So some biventricular pacemakers have defibrillator capabilities, while others do not. What is a biventricular pacemaker? A biventricular pacemaker is a special type of pacemaker used for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). It helps coordinate the…
The limpkin (Aramus guarauna) is a unique wading bird found in wetlands throughout parts of Florida, as well as Central and South America. Known for its distinct crying call that echoes across marshes and swamps, the limpkin has become a symbol of these iconic ecosystems. As development and habitat loss threaten many wetland species, one question becomes increasingly important: how far west and north into the United States does the limpkin’s range extend? Specifically, can these medium-sized, long-legged birds be found in the state of Texas? Quick Answer Yes, there are limpkins found in Texas, primarily in isolated wetland pockets…