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

May 10, 2021August 10, 2020 by Sydney Spotts

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

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

How to Keep Birds Off Your Porch

May 10, 2021August 3, 2020 by Sydney Spotts

Three 3 birds sitting on a porch. Text reads

How to Keep Birds Off Your Porch 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 … Read more

Do Hummingbirds Sleep? If so, how?

May 10, 2021July 24, 2020 by Sydney Spotts

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

Do Hummingbirds Sleep? If so, how? 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 during the day, flapping and buzzing around. They’re really … Read more

Baby Mourning Doves: Caring for and Feeding Abandoned Dove Babies

May 10, 2021July 15, 2020 by Sydney Spotts

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

Baby Mourning Doves: Caring for and Feeding Abandoned Dove Babies 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 … Read more

8 Species of Owls in Wisconsin (Pictures)

May 10, 2021July 4, 2020 by Sydney Spotts

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

8 Species of Owls in Wisconsin (Pictures) 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 aura of quiet curiosity and all-knowing. Being nocturnal and less commonly seen than their diurnal neighbors, these coveted creatures are a … Read more

The 5 Species of Blackbirds Found in Texas

May 10, 2021June 23, 2020 by Sydney Spotts

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

The 5 Species of 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 … Read more