What fun it is to see these flashy little birds in Minnesota. I'm happy when a Red-breasted Nuthatch shows up at my feeder because these small, active birds are a rare sighting here for me and have proven not easy to see in this part of the country. Their nasal "yank-yank" call is distinctive and … Continue reading Red-breasted Nuthatch
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Northern Cardinal
A cherished backyard songbird. Updated since 11/2/2023. The presence of cardinal birds in my yard brings fresh fun. Their vibrant red plumage, a burst of color against the green backdrop, provides me a sense of natural beauty. Their songs create a melodious backdrop to my gardening time, enhancing the serenity of my surroundings. Cardinals' loyalty … Continue reading Northern Cardinal
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Squeaky tiny little sparkles of the sky. The presence of hummingbirds in my yard transforms the ordinary into an enchanting spectacle. These iridescent jewels of the sky, with wings that blur like magic, bring boundless joy. Their aerial ballet, darting from flower to feeder, is a mesmerizing display of agility. Each visit is a fleeting … Continue reading Ruby-throated Hummingbird
White-breasted Nuthatch
Lively and bouncy tree creepers. The presence of nuthatches in my yard gets me to peering out the front window. These charismatic birds, with their distinctive upside-down climbing and head-first descents, inject a playful energy into the trees and birdfeeders in my yard. Nuthatches' rhythmic tapping and probing for insects add a natural percussion to … Continue reading White-breasted Nuthatch
Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Merlin Bird ID mobile app
Identify the birds you see and hear using your phone The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Merlin Bird ID app is one of my favorite nature phone apps. It is designed to help people identify birds in North America. The Merlin Bird ID mobile app is a powerful tool for bird enthusiasts, developed by the Cornell … Continue reading Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Merlin Bird ID mobile app
Gray Catbird
Mimics. Secretive, melodious birds. Gray Catbird - All About Birds Photo GalleryGray Catbird - Audubon Catbirds are medium-sized songbirds known for their distinctive "mewing" calls, which resemble a cat's meow. Belonging to the Mimidae family, they are skilled mimics, capable of imitating the songs of other birds and even environmental sounds. The gray catbird, common … Continue reading Gray Catbird
Bird migration forecasting
Predicting bird migrations with real-time forecasts. I have shared my respect and appreciation for nature and its conservation including wild birds many times already, so it is no surprise that I monitor and take an active interest in fall and spring bird migrations. Thanks to some recent technology and innovations, tracking bird migrations patterns is … Continue reading Bird migration forecasting
Grackle
I love seeing Grackles in my yard and at my birdfeeder because their vibrant, iridescent feathers add a splash of mystic and energy to my garden. Their lively, social behavior brings a sense of childish wonder and mischievous vitality, making every visit lively. Watching them interact and forage provides endless fascination, and their bold presence … Continue reading Grackle
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Striking, melodic, colorful, adaptable, migratory, sociable, graceful, arboreal, charismatic birds. The Rose-breasted Grosbeak, with its striking black and white plumage accented by a vibrant splash of rose-red, brings a burst of color and melody to any yard lucky enough to host them. Their sweet, melodious songs fill the air, adding a charming soundtrack to the … Continue reading Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Harris’s Sparrow
It is a special treat to sight a Harris's Sparrow at the bird feeder. The Harris's sparrow, an enigmatic visitor, stirs a unique joy at seeing it at the birdfeeder. The rarity of sighting this bird seems to help with transcending the mundane, infusing my ordinary bird watching with a touch of wonder. Each sighting … Continue reading Harris’s Sparrow