Atlantic, Pacific, East Asian
Twice a year the wetlands fill and empty as birds move along the great flyways. These dispatches follow the journeys: who leaves, who arrives, how far they fly in a day, and where they stop to rest along the way.
49 dispatches filed under this habitat
Geese have better low-light vision than humans but aren't truly nocturnal. They're crepuscular - active at dawn and dusk - and migrate at night using a combination of magnetic, celestial and visual cues. In genuine darkness they roost on water and rely on hearing for threat detection.
North American ducks migrate along four major flyways - Pacific, Central, Mississippi, and Atlantic. Most northern breeders winter in the southern US (Gulf coast, California Central Valley, Chesapeake) or Mexico. Here's the per-species pattern and the science behind it.
Cabbage is safe and excellent for ducks - raw or cooked, chopped or whole (hung on a string as a tetherball game). Green, red, savoy, all fine. The single best winter enrichment for a confined flock.
In winter the equation flips - birds need high-fat, high-calorie foods, not cheap mixed seed. The four winter staples are black-oil sunflower, suet, peanut butter, and high-fat peanut pieces. Here's what each one does and which species it pulls.
Four DIY winter feeder builds we've actually tested - drilled hardwood log, pine cone with peanut butter, half-orange shell, and mesh stocking for sunflower hearts. Cheap, work, and the kids can help.
A naturalist's honest answer: bird feeders are net-positive in winter, net-neutral the rest of the year, and net-negative only if you don't clean them. The risks are real but every one is solvable.
A naturalist's read on why geese (and ducks, flamingos, herons) stand on one leg - the thermoregulation, the muscle anatomy, and why you see it most in winter.
A naturalist's guide to the right time to install an owl nest box - late autumn for most species, before squirrels select winter dens, in time for owl scouting in late winter.
A naturalist's read on what bird research actually shows about colour aversion - which colours genuinely deter birds, why, and how to use the information practically.
A naturalist's answer to a question with a deceptively boring textbook reply - how far can a Canada goose actually fly in 24 hours? The honest range, what the V-formation does, and why flights of 1,500 miles in a day are real.
A naturalist's read on swan cold tolerance - what they can handle, the anatomy that lets them stand on ice, and the conditions that actually do kill swans in winter.
Most wild duck species fly 40-60 mph for migration. Domestic breeds mostly can't. A naturalist's read on which ducks fly and how well.
Minnesota, known as the 'Land of 10,000 Lakes', is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. This comprehensive guide not only provides detailed information on the different species of...
An owl swallows prey whole and ejects the indigestible parts as a pellet 6-10 hours later. A naturalist's read on the gizzard, proventriculus, and pellet formation.
Learn about the fascinating history and evolution of Barn Owls with this informative product. Delve into the origins of these majestic birds, tracing their evolutionary journey through time. From...
With a ghostly appearance and silent flight, barn owls have been subjects of wonder and intrigue for centuries. These iconic birds, characterized by their heart-shaped faces, play a pivotal role in...
If you're looking for a comprehensive guide to exploring the natural wonders of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, then look no further! This article will provide you with all the information you...
California, with its vast landscapes and diverse habitats, is more than just the Golden State; it’s a prime pit-stop for thousands of winged travelers on their annual journeys. From the intricate...
If you've ever been curious about the wetlands in New York, we've got just the thing for you! "Wetlands In New York" is a comprehensive listicle that provides detailed information about these unique...
Imagine yourself journeying through the unique and enchanting wetlands of Oklahoma. From sprawling marshes to serene swamps, each wetland holds its own beauty and hidden wonders. "Wetlands In...
In this article, you'll discover a detailed listicle of wetlands in South Dakota. We'll provide you with all the information you need to get a better understanding of the various wetlands scattered...
Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira anchor the Central Flyway. A naturalist's read on the 27 regular Kansas waterbirds and when to see them.
A naturalist's guide to feeding wild birds peanut butter - which species actually take it, which jars are safe, the homemade winter mix we use, and the three feeders that survive squirrels.
Winter is a tough time for birds, especially when finding water. With frozen lakes and streams, they struggle to access the resources they need to survive. However, as bird lovers, we can make a big...
Welcome to a journey of discovery, as we delve into the diverse world of North America's hawks. Spread across the sprawling continent, from icy Alaskan terrains to the sun-kissed Southern coasts,...
Michigan, with its diverse habitats and strategic location in migratory routes, is a haven for various species of raptors. From the majestic Bald Eagle nesting near the Great Lakes to the elusive...
A small-flock keeper's guide to the 12 duck breeds that handle winter genuinely well, the three that don't, and the housing and feed setup that keeps any duck alive through January.
Ducks are some of the most adaptable creatures on Earth. They can be found in almost any environment. It's not uncommon for migratory ducks in North America to winter in the arid climes of Nevada and...
Geese are the largest birds in Rhode Island, and several different species can be found here. Some geese prefer to stay near the coast, while multiple species of birds migrate inland during the...
New York is one of the most populous and diverse states in the country. It is often thought of as a melting pot, with its long history of immigration and bustling metropolis of New York City. But...
A naturalist's guide to Oregon's 39 duck species - the year-round residents, the winter visitors from the Arctic, and the four locations where you can see most of them in a single trip.
Wisconsin lies directly in one of the most important migration routes — the Mississippi Flyway. Naturally, all kinds of birds, including ducks, use the state’s forests and wetlands, such as the...
Massachusetts is known for many things, from its rich history to its vibrant present. The state is also home to various migratory birds, including ducks, geese, and swans. These birds typically...
A naturalist's overview of the 40+ duck species that breed or winter in North America - the dabblers, the divers, the sea ducks, the perching ducks, and how to sort them in the field.
The ruddy shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea), also known as the Brahminy duck, is a distinctive waterfowl that breeds in southeastern Europe and Central Asia and wintering in the Indian subcontinent and...
Toucans are undoubtedly one of the most recognizable and colorful birds in the world. Found primarily in the tropical forests of Central and South America, toucans are known for their vibrant...
Canada geese are a migratory species. This means they typically spend each year's spring and summer months in the northern parts of the United States and Canada. In the winter, many flocks of Canada...
Why geese hiss at you, what the V-formation actually does, and how to read a Canada goose's body language. A field naturalist's notes on what's really going on with the most misunderstood bird in the park.
As winter draws near, many animals begin to prepare for the long cold months ahead. For geese, this means finding a mate. Goose breeding season typically extends from mid-winter to early spring....
Swans belong to the waterfowl family Anatidae and the genus Cygnus. These birds are known for their elegant appearance and grace in the water. With their long necks and distinctive white feathers,...
Out of the three swan species found in North America , the trumpeter and tundra swans are migratory, while the non-native, introduced mute swan is non-migratory. These beautiful birds undertake...
When most people think of geese, they probably picture the large flocks that migrate through Pennsylvania during the fall and winter. But there are several different species of geese that can be...
If you're a fan of waterfowl, Illinois is the place to be! With two major flyways intersecting in the state, it's a hotspot for bird migration. And one of the stars of Illinois' avian show is the...
Get ready for an exhilarating journey into the wild heart of Iowa as we explore the fascinating lives of its resident and migratory geese. From the ubiquitous Canada Goose to the seasonal spectacle...
Geese flying in formation during their annual migration is often used as leadership lessons in many leadership seminars, and rightfully so. As humans, we can definitely learn many leadership...
It's not uncommon to see birds mate for life. When most people think of geese, the first thing that comes to mind is the image of a long line of geese flying in perfect V formation . But you may not...
Geese flying in formation is a beautiful sight to behold. It's also an amazing example of how teamwork can lead to increased efficiency and success. The geese flying V formation is so efficient...
Hawks are known for their good eyesight and excellent depth perception that allows them to can spot movement from far away. Red-tailed hawks, in particular, have binocular vision, meaning they can...
A naturalist's identification guide to the seven goose species that breed or winter in North America - which is which, where they migrate, and the differences most field guides understate.