What do Hummingbirds Eat in Michigan Forests?

Image by Jason Paluck via FlickrHi, We were out hiking deep in the Manistee National Forest yesterday and while resting on the ground my husband spotted a plump hummingbird flitting from tree branch to tree branch. We were surprised by this sighting. The only plant we could see blooming in abundance was golden rod. Our...

Category › Question of the week

How Do Young Birds Know Where to Migrate?

Some birds like blackbirds and geese travel in large flocks. Older birds can recognize visual landmarks on the landscape. Image via Wikipedia However, the smallest intercontinental migrant, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, migrates alone. The young birds begin their journey south for the first time after all the...

Category › Quick fun Facts

Bhitarkanika National Park--Part 1

Our BoatmenAfter 3 days of hectic schedule at Satkosia, it was time for us to explore the Amazon of Orissa- Bhitarkanika National Park. I had booked one Room in the Forest Guest House at Dangamal. Actually wanted the Log Cabin at Habalikathi because of the name sounded adventurous itself. But was told by the Travel agent...

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Do you think the hawk would like to eat my tofu?

Image by Vicki's Nature via FlickrIn the fall it's very possible you'll see some hawks up close and personal as they shift to their wintering grounds. In mid-Michigan the Cooper's Hawk is one of the most common hawks. So yesterday, when a bright yellow-eyed young hawk walked across the back deck and peeked in the screen...

Category › Bird of the week

Time to Try Tidy Dining

Admittedly, birds can be finicky and messy. Just watch them at your feeders. Most birds will use their bills to sweep through the food in a feeder to find the one seed they think is the best to eat. They don't seem to mind that all the other seed is being spilled onto the ground for you to clean up!Here are some tips to...

Category › Bird Basics

Tomato: I'm a Fruit You Moron!

Image via WikipediaMy sister brought over the best tomatoes yesterday. I don’t know what kind, but they were home grown delicious. According to Wikipedia there are around 7500 tomato varieties. The fruit originated in South America and spread around the world following the Spanish colonization of the Americas.I had it...

Category › Family Fun

Has anyone asked you why there are so many crows this year?

No, but I have heard comments on the large numbers of Blue Jays. The increase in the population of crows and jays is very good news! If you remember, not so long ago, their populations crashed due to West Nile Virus (WNV). Image via WikipediaWNV is a mosquito-transmitted disease that was first discovered in the African...

Category › Question of the week