The northern cardinal is a mid-sized North American bird which is well-loved because of its brilliant red color and prominent crest. It is a popular visitor to many backyards as it loves to eat from feeders. Here are a few northern cardinal facts… Northern Cardinal Facts The cardinal’s scientific name is Cardinalis cardinalis. The lifespan … Read more
Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to go on my first official birding hike. I got to explore some fantastic natural habitat including a mixed forest, filled with ponderosa pine and aspen, a mountain stream and a beautiful lake, nestled in a valley. The habitat is very different from what I am familiar with and I saw some … Read more
The Humble Notebook One piece of backyard birding equipment that is often forgotten is the humble notebook. If you keep one somewhere near to where you spend the most time viewing your feeders, it will be on hand for members of your family to record what is happening at any time. It is a good … Read more
I had a visitor to my backyard the other day that was a bit of a challenge for me and in attempting to identify her, I did something I have never done before. But more on that below. Remember, when you come across an unfamiliar bird, do not reach for your field guide first. The bird … Read more
Suet is a much loved treat for insect-eating birds. It provides them with the protein they need and helps insect-eating birds such as woodpeckers through the winter when the insects are scarce. Suet is actually the fat from around the kidney and can be served as is (although it will turn rancid) or rendered. You … Read more