Sydney Spotts

Sydney is a blogger and content writer in the realms of nature, outdoor recreation, and sustainability. Her nerdiness shines on the topics of birds and bugs. Her love for birds was founded in high school academia, reinforced in undergraduate curricula where she received her degree in Zoology and Environmental Studies, and is currently sustained through photography and avid birdwatching. She has worked hands on with several native and exotic species in the field and out, including at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and abroad in Australia. You can find her blog, Sycamore and Clay, at sycamoreandclay.com, where she writes to inspire and help people cultivate their own special connection with nature.

Backyard Bird Gardens: Plants and Landscaping Ideas to Attract More Birds

A picture of a garden with different flowers and shrubs. Text reads

People always talk about creating a garden that’s pollinator-friendly, you know, something suited for the bees and butterflies that’s full of colorful flowers. But what about birds? I get it, it’s easy to associate flowers and gardens with insects. But in reality, birds like flowers, too! And not only are they excellent pollinators as well, … Read more

How to Keep Birds Off Your Porch

Three 3 birds sitting on a porch. Text reads

There are few things worse than a build-up of bird poop splattered across your deck or porch. Walking outside to shoo them away is never permanent. They always come back, flaunting their feathered behinds to mock you. Well, no more. Today is the day you get the upper hand. Today is the day you become … Read more

Do Hummingbirds Sleep? If so, how and where?

A picture of a hummingbird perched on a twig. Text reads

Table of Contents Hummingbird Energy Expenditure Hummingbird Sleep Cycle Torpor Waking Up Hummingbird Migration Conclusion The only thing more cute than a little tiny animal is a little tiny animal that’s sleeping. I mean, COME ON! How could anyone argue with that?! What about the tiniest of tiny—say, hummingbirds? Those little cuties work so hard … Read more

Baby Mourning Doves: Caring for and Feeding Abandoned Dove Babies

A picture of two mourning doves in a nest. Text reads

You step outside to get the mail and you find a baby bird in your driveway—what do you do? Should you leave it, rescue it, try and put it back in its nest? It can be nerve-wracking finding a baby bird on the ground and wondering what the best option is, especially since not all … Read more

8 Species of Owls in Wisconsin (Pictures)

An owl nestled in some tree branches. Text reads 8 species of owls that be found in Wisconsin.

Table of Contents Intro Owls in Wisconsin Long-eared Owl Short-eared Owl Great Horned Owl Snowy Owl Great Gray Owl Barred Owl Northern Saw-whet Owl Eastern Screech Owl Conclusion Intro Owls have the reputation of being wise and elusive, the perfect companion to the Greek goddess, Athena. Their wide eyes and tranquil dispositions simultaneously project an … Read more

The 5 Species of Blackbirds Found in Texas

A picture of 4 blackbirds perched on a mountain top. Text reads 5 blackbirds found in Texas.

Blackbirds—the birds known for being hungry, noisy, bullies. Have you seen any? You’ve probably watched them eyeballing your feeders and scaring your other colorful, little balls of music away (goodbye, cardinals.) Maybe you’ve received an earful of angry “words” from one when you were too close to his proudly-defended territory—a territory that is remarkably similar … Read more