Grapes are a late-summer treat that many of us enjoy as snacks. Frozen, blended, plain, or mixed in a yummy fruit salad, grapes are always a healthy, sweet option for people of all ages. While there are also many animals that enjoy eating grapes, it’s important to consider the health benefits and risks before sharing … Read more
We all know that hummingbirds love sugar. These carb-burning machines have insane energy requirements and refuel in any way they can. They even travel across entire continents in the search for their next sugar rush! Other nectar-drinking birds, like orioles, love to eat fresh fruit. They’re drawn to things like orange slices and even grape … Read more
Just like a certain famous football player is never not working, hummingbirds are never not eating! What do I mean by that? Obviously, they do other things besides sip nectar, right? Definitely! But eating is so central to a hummingbird’s activities that you almost can’t separate the two. Hummingbirds don’t just seek out thousands of … Read more
Hummingbirds know what they want in life and are not afraid to go for it! They’re incredibly specialized, able to turn every last drop of nectar into energy. So hummingbirds know what they want, but how do you know? More importantly, make your backyard a hummingbird paradise so you can see all their amazing behaviors … Read more
Hummingbirds are the fighter pilot jocks of the bird world. It’s true. In fact, I’ll even tell you later in this article how they’ve got moves that would make Maverick and Iceman jealous. There is no doubt hummingbirds feel the need — the need — for speed. But do they ever slow down? Do they … Read more
Hummingbirds have long, pointy bills that they poke right up into flowers for nectar. Is that how they drink? Is the bill itself the straw that brings them all that sugary goodness? It turns out that hummingbirds do have tongues, and they are wilder and weirder than anyone ever imagined! Forget the band KISS; hummingbirds … Read more
Blackbirds are a fascinating family to get to know, and California has ten different species to discover. Some are found mainly in California and not elsewhere; others take a lazy winter vacation in California rather than migrating south again. These lively birds pack a lot of personality. While their intelligence and behavior may bring to … Read more
For many in Colorado, the raucous calls of the native blackbird species are one of the first signs of spring. Many blackbird species migrate to Colorado to nest, and they aren’t shy about letting everyone know it! These lively birds pack a lot of personality. While their behavior may bring to mind members of the Corvid … Read more
When considering all the amazing wildlife you can see in Alaska, you might be thinking of spectacular animals like humpback whales, polar bears, bison, and bald eagles. Next to such giants, perhaps a group of more modestly-sized, chatty birds, mostly known for their black feathers, wouldn’t immediately come to mind as something to see in Alaska. … Read more
It’s impossible to talk about hummingbirds without getting excited! These birds are impressive by any definition of the word. They’re the smallest birds on the planet, the best flyers, excessively beautiful, and they make a journey of thousands of miles, all by themselves, every year–twice! Is it any wonder that everyone wants to know when … Read more