Don’t feed the deer
As tempting as it may be it is NOT healthy for the wild White-tailed Deer, or you, if they are fed by humans. I can recall some winter days as a child where hungry deer were laying in our backyard for prolonged periods. The winter season can be very difficult on these friendly mammals but it is not in their best interest, health or safety to start eating anything we put out whether it is for caring about an individual, an attempt to protect other plants, to supplement the population, or any other reason. The Maine governmental website has an extremely extensive and detailed list of why we...
Read MoreThe grass is always greener
I like to think that this Dark-eyed Junco, alone with its thoughts, is pondering whether or not, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” In this case the answer should be a resounding “Yes!” shouldn’t it? Or maybe not because it is green on all sides, even in November…until it is encased in snow and ice. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreRing-billed Gull in the low sun
Winter is coming. This Ring-billed Gull’s face is illuminated by a low sun as our days are becoming shorter and shorter. Are you ready to feel the coming season in this week’s weather? Snow and frigid temperatures, in relative terms for mid-November, are on the way as waterways freeze even faster than last year. Lake Superior has ice supposedly a full 10 days ahead of fall 2013. However, I doubt we will see the heart of this winter nearly as cold as that extreme season. Bundle up! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreGreater Yellowlegs and continuing Connecticut surveys
Are you a Connecticut birder? Do you use eBird? Are you passing through Roger Tory Peterson’s former home in the Nutmeg state at some point and planning on enjoying some of the fine coastal waterbirds it features? Please remember to share your eBird checklists with us via the share function at ctwaterbirds@gmail.com and your contribution to the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds will be readily accepted and heartily appreciated! Nesting season may have ended months ago and will not start for several more but we have a great mix of wintering long-legged waders and shorebirds, like...
Read MoreSweetgum tree’s gorgeous real estate
If the birds who constructed this home had done so on this Sweetgum tree during the autumn season the price for their “land” would have skyrocketed thanks to the gorgeous surroundings. Checking out trees, shrubs and other woody vegetation after the leaves fall is a good idea if you want to learn about where bird nests are built and the most favorable locations to seek out breeders next spring and summer. Sometimes you may find some previously used nests that were right under your nose, unbeknownst to you thanks to the secretive parents and a job well done.
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