Screeches and Squawks

Over the past few months, as spring fully blossomed, we have been extremely busy with programming that offered fantastic opportunities to promote bird conservation. We have conducted Zoom sessions with East Coast locations and local organizations, delivered presentations to public and private schools throughout the region, led nature hikes for nearby groups, and organized a successful birding conference in Navasota. Amidst our programming activities, the remarkable spectacle

The Brown-headed Nuthatch is a little bird with a huge personality. They flit around the property making squeaky toy noises all day long. They always seem to be up to something or getting into somebody else's business. Lately, three of these cheery birds have been very busy excavating two holes in a dead oak. The holes are only a few feet apart, and all three are assisting in the construction. Brown-headed Nuthatches are one of the few birds known to use tools to acquire food

Just last week, we experienced a morning low of around 32 degrees. The thoughts of spring vanished instantly, but then the winds shifted, temperatures rose, and spring arrived with a vengeance. Blooms are everywhere, and with them, a variety of insects have appeared. The pond is bustling with activity, from turtles to frogs, and numerous fish, from tiny fries to our largemouth bass that survived another winter. One of our favorite pastimes is watching the dragonflies. These f

Wild Bird Adventures extends a big thank you to three exceptional volunteers. Amber and Riki assisted last week with the spring aviary cleaning. This demanding task included moving approximately 2 yards of gravel into enclosures, repairing and adding new perches, and scrubbing walls. The weather was ideal for completing the work. Charlona volunteered to help lead a senior bus tour around the property. The group learned about Wild Bird Adventures and met the raptors. It was a

When we think about raptors and their prey, we often picture rodents, birds, snakes, and other sizable creatures. However, the hawks and owls that often thrive are those that can adapt their diet with the changing seasons and weather. Recently, we've observed Red-shouldered Hawks hunting along roadsides in the early morning. They occupy the same spots where Barred Owls are found at dawn. Once the owls retreat, the hawks maintain watch in the roadside ditches. In spring, they

We've finally settled into what feels like winter, or at least this week's brief visit from old man winter. Fluctuating temperatures have led some plants to think it's spring, including some bluebonnets emerging at Washington on the Brazos Historic Site. The vibrant colors of spring wildflowers and summer blooms have been replaced by crisp browns in various shades. While driving locally to observe wildlife, we encountered some colorful highlights. Our first major discovery wa

Everyone at Wild Bird Adventures wishes you a very Happy New Year and extends our gratitude for your ongoing support. Last year, we reached thousands throughout the region with our bird conservation message. We are actively planning a year filled with opportunities for people of all ages to engage with the world of native birds and their conservation. Our education ambassadors are thriving and enjoying the warm, sunny days we're experiencing. Wintering birds on the property i

Migration is one of nature’s most fascinating phenomena, and the Hermit Thrush stands out as a remarkable example. Lately, we have been enjoying an occasional visit from a Hermit Thrush. This small songbird embarks on a long and challenging journey every year, traveling thousands of miles between its breeding and wintering grounds. Understanding the Hermit Thrush’s migration sheds light on the incredible endurance and navigation skills of birds, as well as the importance of p

All living creatures, including birds, require water for survival. Birds can obtain moisture from their food, but most still need to drink water daily. Additionally, water is crucial for bathing, which helps keep their feathers clean and removes parasites. Having a reliable source of fresh, clean water is an excellent way to attract a diverse range of birds to your yard, including those that don't typically visit feeders. Traditional concrete birdbaths are often too deep and

Today marks our first encounter with winter, prompting me to think about not only the seasonal weather changes but also the shifts in bird populations we enjoy in our region. Northern Harriers are now frequently seen, gliding low over the fields and using their hearing, similar to owls, to find mice and voles in the vegetation. Rufous Hummingbirds have taken the place of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at our feeders, and Chipping Sparrows are increasingly abundant on the property