Identifying some bird species can be challenging, especially with some species of small birds.
For example, many people struggle when trying to differentiate between the house finch (Haemorphous mexicanus) and the purple finch (Haemorphous purpureus). Right away you will notice that the Genus name (Haemorphous) is the same for both birds.
Nature Smart: Identifying the purple vs. the house finch Read More »
I really enjoy this time of year but not for what you might think. Sure, there are thousands of birds landing in the northland each night. Huge flocks of snow geese are pushing northward. Hibernating animals from chipmunks to black bears have awoken and are searching for something to eat. Early flying insects are buzzing around in the cool spring air.
Nature Smart: Spring ephemerals Read More »
Spring is a season of change, or more precisely, a season of transition. Transitions are the dynamic periods of change in nature that highlight the annual cycles. Spring is a transitional season and the bridge between the two extremely different seasons – summer and winter.
It seems like snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) are always in a state of transition.
Nature Smart: An Alaska hare adventure Read More »
One of my many pastime activities is improving habitat on my small parcel of land, such as removing the non-native trees and shrubs and then planting native flora.
I also spend a lot of time building and installing structures for nesting birds. For example, I have built and installed over a dozen bluebird nest boxes. Five years ago, after seeing a pair of great horned owls on my property, I built and installed a nesting platform out of 2-by-6 lumber.
Nature Smart: Nesting owls caught on camera Read More »
On my recent photo tour to Yellowstone National Park, we had a hard time finding any wolves. The gray wolf is always our main species that we want to find and photograph, but on this year’s trip, it just wasn’t happening.
But while missing the wolves, we found the next best thing: coyotes (Canis latrans). Let’s look at this cool, often overlooked critter.
Nature Smart: The All-American coyote Read More »
Tiny predators fascinate me. These mini but mighty critters, such as elf owls, short-tailed shrews, and American kestrels are small in stature but survive by preying on smaller animals. Their ability to capture, neutralize, and overcome their prey is amazing, especially when you consider their tiny size.
Among the more amazing tiny predators are the weasels.
Nature Smart: Examining the fascinating, feisty weasels Read More »
An experience I had yesterday illustrated for me again that nature can never be predictable, or understandable. I am writing to you from cold, snowy Yellowstone National Park, where I am in the middle of leading two groups of photographers on a winter wildlife photography adventure.
Nature Smart: A predator vs. predator encounter Read More »
A cavity in a tree, excavated by a woodpecker seems normal enough, but when you stop to consider it, this simple cavity in a tree is remarkable. Let’s take a closer look at the humble woodpecker cavity.
Winter in the northwoods is a special place and time of year. There is just something exceptional and inviting about the absolute silence, stillness, and wildness that combines to make it a great place to be alone and experience nature.
Several interesting and unique species occur in the northwoods. I’m especially intrigued by northwoods “specialists.” Recently I searched for a specialty bird, the black-backed woodpecker.
Nature Smart: Why three toes? Meet the black-backed woodpecker Read More »
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