Brown-headed Cowbird Nestling
This spring and summer seem to have been very successful for the Brown-headed Cowbird. I realize that this is largely anecdotal, but I have had and heard a lot of sightings and stories about various species discovered feeding a hatchling or fledgling Cowbird. From the American Redstart to the Chipping Sparrow, the Yellow-throated Vireo or the Yellow Warbler, an Orchard Oriole and a Common Yellowthroat, a Blue-winged Warbler or this nest that I found and photographed a couple of weeks ago, it has been Cowbirds here, there, and everywhere. What’s the common thread? All of these birds and...
Read MoreBrown-headed Cowbirds
We seem to be at the peak season of reports of, “Why is this pretty bird feeding this huge baby bird that is twice its size?!” all thanks to the native Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater). Here we have a photo of a male followed by a female. The species is a brood parasite with the female laying eggs in nests of other birds to leave the burden of raising young to these unsuspecting parents by fooling them into thinking it is their own egg. It is also a rather clever way of not putting all of your eggs in one basket. These blackbirds are found in typical types of blackbird...
Read MoreMuch Milkweed
It is becoming more and more apparent that what pollinators need are more of their plants, and without chemicals! The Monarch butterfly needs milkweed like this in fields and grasslands across America. If you have open space like this please try to do your best to keep them unmowed, unpolluted and full of milkweed plants next year. Manicured and toxic lawns are wastelands for our insects.
Read MoreCommon Vampire Bat (Desmodus rotundus)
Very appropriate for Halloween Eve, this Common Vampire Bat (Desmodus rotundus) does indeed feed on blood…but they would never be coming after you! Unless you are some sort of livestock in Central or South America you will be just fine. Photographed by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser for the Meet Your Neighbours global diversity project.
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