Why it’s difficult to tally your backyard chickadees
Flock sizes vary, and the birds wander along a route in their winter ranges, passing through the best areas several times a day. Read More “Why it’s difficult to tally your backyard chickadees”
Attracting Birds
Author and radio host Laura Erickson explains how to attract birds to your yard, behaviors to watch for, and more.
Our noisy world stifles the joy of listening to birds
Contributing Editor Laura Erickson laments on how loud our world is and how she is missing the silence. Read More “Our noisy world stifles the joy of listening to birds”
Some day, you may be able to offer hemp seed as bird food
Hemp seed hasn’t been available as bird food for decades, but that may soon change. Read More “Some day, you may be able to offer hemp seed as bird food”
After losing a favorite tree, it’s time to plant anew
Contributing Editor Laura Erickson reflects on the loss of a favorite tree — a huge Norway spruce — and considers her options for what to plant next. Read More “After losing a favorite tree, it’s time to plant anew”
Why you should participate in Project FeederWatch
The annual winter bird count tracks trends at North American feeders and has helped scientists monitor populations and uncover avian diseases Read More “Why you should participate in Project FeederWatch”
Not looking for lawns: Quail want plants that provide food and cover
The best way to attract quail to your yard is by having native plants and trees that provide natural food and cover. Read More “Not looking for lawns: Quail want plants that provide food and cover”
Natural food and water are key to luring warblers
The best ways to attract warblers to your yard is by having natural food and water sources for the birds. Read More “Natural food and water are key to luring warblers”
Laura Erickson on insect population decline
Where have all the insects gone? Last summer, the journal Science published a summary of several long-term studies from America and Western Europe documenting massive declines … Read More “Laura Erickson on insect population decline”
Laura Erickson on the pros and cons of feeding birds jelly
Several decades ago, one of my friends suggested that I set out jelly and oranges for orioles. She said orioles in her yard lost interest … Read More “Laura Erickson on the pros and cons of feeding birds jelly”