Taking in the beautiful purple blossoms as the scent of lilac floats on the air seems like a pretty idyllic backyard setting, but new research shows that not all plants are equal. That pretty lilac, porcelain berry, fragrant bush honeysuckle, and ruby red Japanese maple in your yard might look nice, but non-native plants like these consistently have fewer caterpillars than native plants, according to new research published in July in Biological Conservation. And that means less food for birds.
Category Archives: Articles
Removing Lawn to Make Way for More Habitat
Habitat Network, The Nature Conservancy and The Cornell Lab
“This article discusses several tried and true ways people remove lawn. From small patches to whole lawns–these techniques will get you started down the path to less lawn and more…pollinator flower beds? Trees? Shrubs? Veggie Garden? Your imagination is your only limit.”
http://content.yardmap.org/learn/removing-lawn-to-make-way-for-more-habitat/
Why do Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers look so similar when they aren’t close relatives?
Although most birds of North America are incredibly diverse, some species look very, very similar. One pair of species that look surprisingly similar are Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers.
https://feederwatch.org/blog/downy-hairy-woodpeckers-look-similar-arent-close-relatives/
Songbirds are struggling with noise pollution
Human noise is changing how some songbirds sing, while causing chronic stress and reproductive problems in others.
Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count takes off Dec. 14
You can help scientists study bird populations in the longest-running citizen science survey.
https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/audubons-christmas-bird-count-takes-off-dec-14
This Winter: Think Spring!
The best time to sow the seeds of many native plants is during the cooler months
https://www.nwf.org/Magazines/National-Wildlife/2018/Dec-Jan/Gardening/Winter-Gardening/
To Help Birds This Winter, Go Easy on Fall Yard Work
http://www.audubon.org/news/to-help-birds-winter-go-easy-fall-yard-work

The Wildlife Value of A Messy Garden
Gardens are alive. No matter what time of year, if you quietly listen and watch, you will notice the plethora of activity. From budding flowers in the spring to the rustle of withered seedheads in the fall, our gardens are supporting animals of all shapes and sizes. Here’s a secret not all gardeners know–if you choose to be a messy gardener in the fall and winter–the wildlife value of your garden soars.
http://content.yardmap.org/learn/wildlife-value-of-a-messy-garden/
3 reasons why you shouldn’t feed bread to ducks
Bread can have a foul effect on waterfowl, but other food in your pantry may fit the bill.
https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/blogs/why-you-shouldnt-feed-ducks-bread
Are Cardinals Brighter In Winter?
There’s something stunning about a bright-red male cardinal against a snowy backdrop. Is it just the contrast that makes them look so brilliant, or are they really brighter in winter? The answer has to do with some peculiarities in the way the birds molt.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/are-cardinals-brighter-in-winter/