Much like people and domesticated animals, wild birds have their own personalities, unique to each species. Some are introverts, preferring a solitary life. Others appreciate their independence, but loosely associate with a few feathered friends. Then there are the extroverts that spend much of their lives in tight-knit flocks. Whether it’s marine birds or songbirds, […]
Janine Schutt
A self-proclaimed "bird nerd," Janine Schutt is an avid birder and a nationally recognized and award-winning wildlife photographer. Her photos have appeared in Cornell Lab of Ornithology publications. An expert on the birds of Washington, Janine enjoys birding in all 39 counties. She is a past president of Kitsap Audubon Society, current board member and data compiler for the annual Christmas Bird Count. Janine works for the Central Kitsap School District and is a part-time contract chaplain with the Department of Corrections.
Posted inGarden
The Whistler in the Woods
Birders measure the arrival of spring not by a date on the calendar, but by the sounds of birds returning from winter warmth in the South. From March to May, over two dozen species of migrant songbirds arrive for breeding in West Sound. To the delight of many, they fill the mornings with an array […]
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Size Doesn’t Matter in the World of Woodpeckers
All birds have their place in the ecosystems in which they live. Some are “keystone” species that other creatures rely on, making them a critical component of their respective biomes. Among the keystone species of birds are woodpeckers. As the name suggests, woodpeckers peck wood. But their pecking has a purpose. They’re excavation experts. Woodpeckers […]
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A Sparrow That Stands Out While Blending In
Abbreviations abound in the world of birds. Species names are simplified with four-letter alpha codes for taking faster field notes and long names have shorter nicknames. The lingo causes confusion among even experienced birders, let alone beginners. Then there are the hard-to-discern birds with similarities in appearance and behavior. Some of these invariably land in […]
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A Bad Hair Day is Fine for This Duck
Birds come in all shapes and sizes, with adaptations specific to the habitats in which they live. Some birds reside in forests, while others are from the desert. Many wade along the water’s edge and others prefer to go swimming. Among those who make their living in the water are geese, swans, ducks, cormorants, alcids, […]
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Cherish the Charming Chickadees
For years, people have debated the appropriateness of feeding wild birds. Some argue that birds rely on feeders instead of looking for natural food sources. Actually, few birds truly depend on backyard feeders. Many species use feeders with appropriate food choices for a quick snack to supplement their natural diet. Those who feed backyard birds […]
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The Cryptic Bird of Summer Twilight
Numerous species of migratory birds breed in West Sound. Many travel thousands of miles from wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America. The later a bird arrives, the farther it has traveled. These species, called long-distance migrants, sometimes spend the nonbreeding season in the Southern Hemisphere. It may seem strange that some birds spend several […]
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A Ferocious Predator Disguised as a Cute Little Owl
When people think of fierce, predatory birds, the species that come to mind are bald eagles, peregrine falcons and great horned owls. These birds are not picky and will take anything they can grab. When you see a small owl, the initial reaction may be to say that it’s cute, based on its diminutive size […]
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Leave No Stone Unturned when Searching for this Shorebird
As winter gives way to spring, migratory marine birds are journeying north to Arctic breeding grounds, including numerous species of ducks, alcids, loons, gulls and shorebirds. The latter consists of birds that live on sandy or rocky beaches and mudflats. Some shorebirds are solitary, while others travel together. Multiple shorebird species often congregate on feeding […]