Category: FOOD

Introduction The Northern Flicker Woodpecker (Colaptes auratus) is a fascinating and diverse species that captures the hearts of bird enthusiasts across North America. In this blog post, we will focus on the equally remarkable but often overlooked half of this species: the Female Northern Flicker Woodpecker. With her distinctive features and vital role in the bird world, the female Northern Flicker deserves recognition and appreciation. 1. A Cloak of Diversity Northern Flicker Woodpeckers are known for their striking plumage. The female Northern Flicker boasts a unique combination of features that…

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Introduction Australia, renowned for its unique and diverse wildlife, is home to some of the world’s most remarkable avian species. Among these, the Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia) stands out as a true jewel, both in its appearance and its ecological significance. In this blog post, we’ll embark on a journey to discover the beauty, ecology, challenges, and conservation efforts surrounding the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater. 1. A Visually Striking Beauty The Regent Honeyeater is aptly named for its striking appearance. It showcases a predominantly black head adorned with bright, bold…

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Ever look around the table when the “aspiring chef” in your family unleashes her latest culinary creation? Everybody seems to be waiting for someone else to take that first fateful bite. Will it be gross? Not so gross? Or death in a burrito? It turns out birds also rely on the reaction of friends to gauge the gross-ability factor of new and strange foods. Particularly, blue tits and great tits — birds with a wide range of culinary pursuits that also tend to forage together. A study, published this week in…

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Dark-eyed Junco by Sandy Hill via Birdshare. On cold winter days I am always astounded that there are any birds left alive, especially considering that most winter feeder visitors weigh in around 10–25 grams (the weight of 2-5 nickels)! But it turns out that birds employ many of the same strategies I was using inside my house—plus a couple more—to keep their motors running through cold snaps. So here’s my 5-step survival guide for birds in the cold, complete with links to some fascinating research papers (or at least they were fascinating to me, back…

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Shelter Polanka helps animals in trouble. We will dedicate several articles to animals, former wards of the shelter, who have managed to find happiness in this world. The dog lived with the family and at some point became unwanted. The former miserable owners came up with no other solution than to simply tie the dog to a tree in the park. A knotted bag of food was placed next to the animal. The animal was discovered by people walking in the park and contacted volunteers at the Polanka shelter. The…

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