The spring equinox is fast approaching! This is that special time of year when the sun makes it’s yearly transition north of the equator, marking the start of spring in the northern hemisphere (or fall in the southern hemisphere). This celestial event has been celebrated by humans for thousands of years because it marks the return of longer days, fertility & the warm growing … [Read more...] about How To Celebrate The Spring Equinox: 12 ideas & activities to start your spring
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Why Do Birds Fight? (Causes, meanings & levels of aggression)
One spring morning I was sitting outside watching robins eat worms on the lawn when suddenly the birds all started fighting like an angry mob. After a brief burst of flapping wings and loud chirping sounds, they suddenly calmed back down and everything returned to normal. If you’ve ever seen birds fighting like this, you might wonder why they get so crazy and aggressive. What does … [Read more...] about Why Do Birds Fight? (Causes, meanings & levels of aggression)
Why Do Forests Have High Biodiversity?
Forests are awe inspiring habitats, don’t you think? Stepping into a forest is like stepping into an entire world of unique plants, trees & animals all co-existing together in sensitive ecological relationships. For this reason, forests make major contributions to our earth’s overall species, and it’s fascinating to understand why forests have such high biodiversity. Biodiversity is … [Read more...] about Why Do Forests Have High Biodiversity?
Why Do Sparrows Chirp? (five sparrow calls & what they mean)
Why is that sparrow chirping so much? It’s not uncommon for sparrows to have frequent outbursts of chirping that make people stop and wonder what’s going on. Luckily, the language of sparrows is actually quite simple to understand once you know how it works. There are five main reasons why sparrows chirp, and the cause of this behavior can be identified by paying attention to the speed … [Read more...] about Why Do Sparrows Chirp? (five sparrow calls & what they mean)
How Do Animals Help Plants? (4 symbiotic interactions)
Everyone knows that plants play an important role for the survival of wild animals by providing essential food and shelter. What’s less obvious is that animals also help plants in crucial ways that form a sensitive and beautiful symbiotic relationship. Animals help plants pollinate their flowers and spread seeds. Their droppings fertilize the soil, while grazing & browsing animals help … [Read more...] about How Do Animals Help Plants? (4 symbiotic interactions)
What’s The Difference Between Coniferous And Deciduous Forests? (with photos and analysis)
As a passionate naturalist, wildlife tracker and ecologist, one of the most foundational skills I ever learned was how to observe the difference between coniferous and deciduous forests. Most people already know how to identify coniferous and deciduous trees by comparing the major differences in leaf structures. Coniferous trees like fir, spruce and pine trees have needle-like leaves that … [Read more...] about What’s The Difference Between Coniferous And Deciduous Forests? (with photos and analysis)
Why Are Chickadees So Friendly? (4 simple reasons…)
Have you ever had a chickadee land on you while walking in the woods? Well, you wouldn’t be alone! Chickadees have gained a reputation among songbirds for being some of the most friendly creatures in the forest. But have you ever wondered why? Chickadees who have regular contact with humans in parks and on hiking trails become less fearful of our presence and sometimes even … [Read more...] about Why Are Chickadees So Friendly? (4 simple reasons…)
How Do Animals Find Water? (includes mammals, birds, reptiles & differences in the desert)
A key factor in every animal’s survival is finding enough water to keep their bodies strong & healthy. For this reason, animals have many different strategies for finding & using water from the environment, and it’s a great way to gain insight into their behavior. Most modern humans would have no clue where to find enough clean water in a survival situation… so how do animals do … [Read more...] about How Do Animals Find Water? (includes mammals, birds, reptiles & differences in the desert)
Why Do Crows Gather At Sunset?
Woa, look at all those crazy crows! Why are they swarming like that? One of the most striking displays of crow behavior is when crows gather together in massive groups at the end of the day. These flocks can grow to as many as hundreds or even thousands of crows, which really makes them stand out in the environment. So if you’ve ever seen this massive influx of noisy black corvids, you … [Read more...] about Why Do Crows Gather At Sunset?
How Do Hawks Hunt? (7 different methods & how to observe)
One of the amazing things about hawks is their huge variety of different strategies for hunting and catching prey. Some hawks hunt by soaring high over open landscapes as they watch for unsuspecting prey animals below. Others will choose a silent perch at the edge of a meadow, then swoop down at just the right moment. There are even hawks that specialize in hunting birds on the fly, … [Read more...] about How Do Hawks Hunt? (7 different methods & how to observe)