Explore the Outdoors!
My posts on backyard birds throughout the US and Canada.
As an ornithologist who has primarily studied parakeets in the wild, I often come across questions regarding other birds, particularly those frequently seen in our backyards. One such question that has gained much attention in recent years is: Do Blue Jays kill their babies? Blue Jays, with their striking azure feathers and raucous calls, are…
Swans, with their graceful necks and elegant glide, have long captured human admiration. These birds, often seen in decorative textiles, artwork, and even in cultural folklore, raise a concern in the minds of many: Do swans kill their babies? At the outset, it’s important to note that such instances are rare and not the norm.…
Introduction: Lovebirds, with their vibrant colors and playful nature, are among the most popular pet birds worldwide. Their social interactions and nesting behaviors have fascinated many avian enthusiasts and biologists alike. However, a question that often arises and concerns many is: Do lovebirds kill their babies? The short answer is that, occasionally, lovebird parents may…
As a biologist who has spent considerable time observing parakeets in their natural habitat, this is a question I’ve encountered more than once. Parakeets, with their vibrant colors and melodic voices, are one of the most beloved avian pets worldwide. However, the world of bird parenting, especially among these captivating creatures, can often surprise and…
Doves can be found in a wide array of places. From open savanna and grassland to mountain forests and scrub, they are adaptable creatures. Doves usually sleep in a tree where they can be safe from predators. They may also sleep on the ground if they can find a sheltered spot. Urban and rural environments…
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, typically begin preparing for hibernation in the late fall. They may start to spend more time in their burrows and may eat more to build up fat reserves to sustain them during their hibernation period. Hibernation usually begins in October or November and lasts until February or later depending on…
The groundhog is a member of the rodent family and is closely related to the squirrel. These animals are usually brown or gray in color and have a bushy tail. Groundhogs can grow to be about two feet long and weigh up to 15 pounds. Groundhogs are sometimes found munching on potatoes in farmers’ fields.…
Gophers are a common sight in many backyards across North America. These furry creatures may look cute and cuddly, but they can be a nuisance when they start digging up your garden! Gophers are herbivores and eat grass, roots, vegetables, and fruits most of the time. However, they may eat insects, nuts, and mushrooms from…
Are you wondering if groundhogs eat bird seeds from your bird feeder? They are very hungry creatures. They will eat bird seeds and flower seeds, and also eat any standing plant matter. Groundhogs do indeed eat bird seeds, especially from bird feeders and chicken feeders. They mostly eat the seeds that fall on the ground,…
This is a question that many yard owners want to know the answer to because their tomato plants seem to disappear at night, or they see traces of deer in their yard. The short answer is yes, deer do eat tomatoes. However, they also eat other fruits and vegetables as deer are herbivorous animals. In…
