Birders love a good chase. Not in the literal sense, but in going to a selected spot with the optics and waiting patiently for a particular bird to appear. Birds that have wandered out of their typical range are known as rare birds or rarities. Sometimes they fly in from across the country. Others have […]
birds
Posted inThe Outdoors
How to Attract Birds and Other Creatures to Your Backyard
Imagine peering out your window and spotting an array of colorful birds nesting and bathing in your yard. Not only do birds provide natural insect control, but they also bring joy and melody to your space. Observing them can turn into a fun and rewarding hobby. So, how can you attract them to your backyard? […]
Posted inGarden
This Blackbird Is a Beauty, Not a Black Sheep
Like people, birds are sometimes unappreciated and misunderstood. While every species has its place in the ecosystem, some are bigger stars than others. Beach lovers would gladly trade a flock of “seagulls” for hummingbirds. Yet gulls, not hummingbirds, scavenge smelly carcasses from the beach. Some dislike barn swallows for leaving messy droppings under their nests. […]
Posted inGarden
Searching for These Secretive Birds is off the Rails
There is no shortage of variety in the world of birds. There are remarkable differences between a heron and a hummingbird or a swan and a swallow. Also, there are places where humans would never dwell, but birds consider appealing. Freshwater marsh habitat can host a surprising diversity of birds. Herons and raptors hunt for […]
Posted inGarden
Bringing in Spring with a Vibrant, Versatile Warbler
Springtime means birdsong. As frosty mornings give way to budding leaves, singing songbirds are a harbinger of winter’s departure and the arrival of spring. Year-round species such as American robins, Pacific wrens and song sparrows are among the first to belt out their melodic songs. From March to May, migratory songbirds arrive in West Sound […]
Posted inGarden
This Poorly Named Shorebird is an Attention Catcher
Birds are amazing creatures with a variety of adaptations. A hummingbird is quite different from an ostrich and a kiwi has little in common with a swan. While some species may seem drab and uninteresting, others are a collection of unique features that even a nonbirder would notice. Here in West Sound, resident birds may […]
Posted inGarden
The Show Stopper of West Sound’s Wintering Waterfowl
West Sound in winter is paradise for those who enjoy watching ducks. About two dozen species come to the region’s lakes, ponds, streams, bays and open saltwater from late winter to early spring. While there are many similarities among the ducks, differences also abound. Some forage on or just below the surface while others dive […]
Posted inPeople & Places
The View from the Top of the Food Chain
Life is a competition. Whether we realize it or not, we are always competing with someone for a job, a home purchase or a parking space, to name a few. Even birders are constantly vying with each other for top birder status. It’s no different in the natural world, where competition among species is literally […]
Posted inGarden
A Summer Sweep Through the Peeps
Birds are fascinating creatures that can be found in almost any place. Species have adaptations for their lifestyles and may differ considerably from other genres. For example, penguins and hummingbirds have little in common. Woodpeckers and albatrosses are worlds apart. Even within some groups, there are surprising differences, particularly with shorebirds. Some are large and […]