Category: For the Birds

The American Goldfinch

The sun is shining brightly over the edge of the woods and over large patches of weeds. There is a beautiful song toWEE toWEE toWEEto tweer tweer tweer, and then, as you approach, comes a frighened ti ti ti ti ti di di di, as a burst of yellow joins the sunlight in the sky. This is the American …

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The Splendent Satin Bowerbird

This is not a backyard bird in the United States, but rather in Eastern Australia along the Coast. I just happened to be listening to a program Saturday morning and I thought, “I have to learn more about this bird.” The Satin Bowerbirds are medium in size. The male Bowerbird actually has a blue head …

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The American Bald Eagle

Did you know this majestic bird can be found in every state except Hawaii? So, unless you live in Hawaii, you have an American Bald Eagle sighting near you! Seeing one of these amazing birds in flight is unforgettable and something I recommend trying to see for anyone, let alone a bird watcher. Bald Eagles …

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What if You Have an Unwanted Bird’s Nest?

What does a person do if a bird makes a nest in a place where the homeowner does not want birds to roost? This is a bit tricky, because it is actually a federal offense to remove nests that are active and belonging to migratory birds. An active nest means they are building the nest …

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Indigo Bunting

The male Indigo Bunting in the breeding season is a brilliant blue. Indigo refers to the dark, purplish blue of a plant once grown in some of the southeastern states, especially South Carolina, or the dye of the same name. The natural dye was the original coloring for blue jeans (now synthetic). The Indigo Bunting …

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Welcome Home Purple Martins!

Purple Martins are members of the swallow family. They are almost 8 inches long and have a wingspan of just over 15 inches across. Of course the species of birds got their name from the beautiful color of the males. The males have a deep purple bluish color on their feathers and their feathers seem …

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The Elusive Bluebird

The Eastern Bluebird is a small thrush. Smaller than the Robin with fairly long wings and short legs. Their bills are short and straight. The blue color is what makes them catch the eye, but they are fast and blend well with brush and foliage because of their brownish underneath feathers. The male birds of …

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The Robin – Our First Sign of Spring

The other day another teacher and I were talking about robins. My friend is from Alabama. I said to her, “Well, up here, when we see a robin, we know spring is not far behind.” In reply, Gail said, “Come on, Robins!” There have been some years when the robins have not left this part …

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Plan Now for Birds Later

We have had a long January this year. It’s been snowy and seemingly colder than usual. But now that February is here and Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow, many of us are now thinking of Spring. If you are also planning to have birds welcomed into your yard this Spring and Summer, now is a …

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