Excuse me…what did you say?
Have you noticed the birds singing more now that Spring is here? Their songs are filling the air with life and energy—so much so that you may find yourself wondering: what are they actually saying? If you’ve ever wondered about the meaning behind these beautiful sounds, you’re not alone. According to Sally Roth, author of […]
Keeping Hummingbirds Happy and Healthy: The Importance of Fresh Nectar, Especially in Summer Heat
Hummingbirds are captivating creatures with a sugar-centric lifestyle. They fuel their incredible flight and energy needs by consuming flower nectar, tree sap, and even the occasional insect for protein. In many backyards, birders attract these tiny marvels with a simple homemade nectar recipe that mimics the natural sucrose content of flowers. This recipe, combining sugar […]
Hummingbirds have arrived in North Carolina
According to North Carolina State University, only the ruby-throated hummingbird lives throughout the eastern half of the U.S. and southern Canada. Hummingbirds migrate away from North Carolina during colder months and come back when it’s warmer. Migration Hummingbirds generally leave North Carolina when winter comes around, according to North Carolina State University. They spend the […]
Baby Hummingbirds Have Left the Nest
Hummingbird fledglings are out and visiting the feeders. When they leave the nest, the chicks are considerably larger than their mothers: they may weigh 4.5 grams, while Mom is down to only 2.5 g after the stress of raising her young. Since the mother starts incubating the first egg as soon as it’s laid, that chick […]
February is National Bird-Feeding Month
National Bird-Feeding Month is celebrated in the United States during the month of February. This special month was established to educate the public about the wild bird feeding and watching hobby. It serves as a reminder to take extra care of our feathered friends during the harsh winter months, ensuring they have everything they need to thrive. Here are some ways […]
Keep Your Backyard Birds Safe & Warm this Winter
Birds only nest during spring and summer—their breeding season. But during the rest of the year, cavity-nesting birds often use these same boxes for shelter at night, particularly in the winter time. Sometimes more than a dozen birds will pile into a single box to conserve heat. But nest boxes are far from ideal for […]
Birdbaths in Freezing Cold Winters
Drinking water entices birds year-round, but keeping it ice free in winter can be a challenge. Birds have several physiological mechanisms for conserving water, but in our area we do not get the snow that birds can use. Providing a source of water when everything around is frozen offers a huge benefit for the birds. On […]
Providing Food for Birds in the Winter
Most birds that visit backyards in cold weather thrive on seeds, since insects and fruit are harder to find naturally during the winter. The best foods to offer birds in colder weather have a high fat or oil content that will provide abundant energy for winter survival. Providing high calorie and high fat foods can […]
Winter Feeding Helps Attract Wild Birds to Your Backyard
Unlock the Magic of Bird Feeding This Winter Birds play an essential role in our ecosystem, helping to control insect populations that can wreak havoc on our gardens during the growing season. They also grace us with their beauty and charming antics, especially during the cold winter months when they gather around our bird feeders. […]
Preparing Your Natural Wildlife Habitat for Winter
Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature. While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer’s Market this Saturday morning. Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on […]