We all have bird feeders to provide nutritious food for our feathered friends. Likely the feeders are fairly close to our houses, so the birds can be seen up close and personal. All well and good, but we can all do more! They need water to drink and to bathe in. To be most effective, the water needs to be shallow for the smaller birds like the chickadees, and deeper for the larger birds. A small pile of pebbles reaching up to the surface can provide the necessary varied depths.

The 61st annual Christmas Bird Count was held on Jan. 2, but the initial compilation of the data was started the next day when we all gathered via Zoom to review the species we saw in the field.

Some local species may seem ho-hum to us, but visitors from abroad will rave about them.

We have seen irruptive species — residents of the northern woodlands that irrupt (migrate) southward when their foods are scarce.

Whether you are looking out your window or taking part in an outdoor activity, you never know when the unexpected shows up.

Fast-flying falcons are frequently found in these parts at this time of the year.

On Nov. 21, Tom and Jen Hawkins were driving along and noticed a small animal standing on the white line at the edge of the road.

The “damndemic” as I call the Covid-19 pandemic has created an incredible uptick in bird watching.

The southward migration has been raging since late June, and it will continue into the early weeks of next year.

Evening grosbeaks are yet another irruptive species that is vacating its northern habitats due to a lack of its favored foods.