Nearly 20 species of hummingbirds migrate from Mexico and Central and South America to the U.S. to nest every spring. Their high metabolism rate requires that they eat half or more of their body weight each day, so attracting hummingbirds to your yard is not as difficult as you may think. The bills and tongues of these tiny jewels are adapted to suck nectar—their primary diet—but they eat small insects, too. Their ability to hover allows them to … [Read more...]
What’s Up With the Wild Birds of Autumn
You’ve heard of “the boys of summer?” Well, now you’re going to hear about the birds of autumn! Why are they worth knowing about? As it happens, the birds you see in autumn may include both the regulars (birds living in your area year round) and species from points north, migrating southward for the winter. Even the bird species you usually see and are familiar with are busy with their autumn activities. Here’s what to watch for, along with some … [Read more...]