Every fall, many homeowners rake every leaf, cut every perennial to the ground, and bag up anything that looks messy. It makes the yard look neat, but it also removes some of the most valuable food and shelter that birds rely on through the winter. A bird-friendly...
Choosing bird seed can be confusing. The shelves are full of bags labeled for “wild birds,” “songbirds,” and “finches,” and the ingredients vary widely. The type of seed you put out has a huge impact on which birds visit your yard...
If one bird could be called the mascot of winter backyard birding, it might be the Black-capped Chickadee. These tiny, round birds seem to have endless energy, bouncing between branches and darting to feeders even on the coldest mornings. They are curious, bold, and...
When people think about helping birds in winter, they usually think of food. But one of the hardest things for birds to find in freezing weather is open water. Once ponds, puddles, and streams freeze over, many birds have to travel long distances or rely on snow and...
Chickens are tougher than many first-time keepers expect. Most cold-hardy breeds handle winter temperatures well as long as their coop is dry, draft-free, and well ventilated. Getting your coop ready in the fall prevents most winter problems before they start. Here is...
