Do you want to spend more time outside? In this age of electronics there’s a growing appreciation for all the amazing life benefits gained from spending lots of time outside. Nature is a free source of fresh air & simple enjoyment that calms the mind & body, releases stress and improves happiness. But even with this understanding of nature’s role for overall life satisfaction, I … [Read more...] about How To Spend More Time Outside (14 simple ways to easy nature enjoyment)
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Why Do Squirrels Chatter Like Maniacs? A Quick Guide To Squirrel Calls & Sounds
Have you ever encountered a squirrel chattering like crazy in the forest and wondered why they act this way? A very common experience for beginners of nature observation is when you step outside for a bit of relaxing time in the woods, only to have the local squirrel scream and chatter the whole time like their life depends on it. If you don’t know much about animals noises, you might at … [Read more...] about Why Do Squirrels Chatter Like Maniacs? A Quick Guide To Squirrel Calls & Sounds
When Do Raccoons Have Babies? (Peak Season & How to Tell)
Raccoons are some of the most common backyard animals, often seen moving around at dusk or under the cover of night. But encountering these highly intelligent creatures regularly might also lead you to wonder how they raise families, and specifically: When do raccoons have babies? In general, most raccoons are born in early spring, with peak months during April and May. However, the exact … [Read more...] about When Do Raccoons Have Babies? (Peak Season & How to Tell)
What Do Hawks Eat? (With diet lists for 9 common hawks)
Most nature adventurers have probably at some point caught the sight of a hawk flying above an open field or even around your local neighborhood. Hawks are truly fascinating and magnificent birds to see up close, but they also tend to be significantly more reclusive than most other birds you might be familiar with. So one of the big keys to help you really understand the patterns of local … [Read more...] about What Do Hawks Eat? (With diet lists for 9 common hawks)
Bird Nesting Facts & Behaviors: When Do Birds Lay Eggs?
It’s always exciting to watch a bird fly into their secret little spot in the bushes and know there’s a nest with bird eggs hidden inside. On my own journey to get connected with nature, some of my biggest discoveries and lessons have come from time spent watching nesting birds in action. Bird nesting behavior is pretty easy to observe so this is a great place for beginners to explore… but … [Read more...] about Bird Nesting Facts & Behaviors: When Do Birds Lay Eggs?
Why Do Crows Chase Eagles?
Given that crows are so much smaller than eagles, you might be tempted to think eagles would be more dominant... But if you've ever watched a group of crows wildly chasing and dive-bombing an eagle through the sky, you know it doesn’t always work that way! Eagles are sometimes seen as royalty of the bird kingdom, so why would a smaller bird like a crow put their life in danger and chase the … [Read more...] about Why Do Crows Chase Eagles?
What Do Raccoons Eat? Favorite Foods, Wild vs Urban Diets
Raccoons are often seen as masked bandits of the night, rifling through trash cans as they stalk around looking for easy meals. But is this really an accurate representation of what raccoons eat? While raccoons do thrive in cities by eating leftover compost and food scraps, these human made foods aren't actually their original, natural diet. These opportunistic omnivores also consume a vast … [Read more...] about What Do Raccoons Eat? Favorite Foods, Wild vs Urban Diets
Why Do Squirrels Shake Their Tails? (Flicking & Meaning Explained)
Have you ever watched a squirrel repeatedly shaking or flicking its tail and wondered why? It might seem random, but these common tail movements actually play a key role in how squirrels communicate. The context and pacing of tail flicks can often help reveal the variety of meanings: Is the squirrel warning about cats or owls? Is it mad at you? Defending its territory, or just being friendly … [Read more...] about Why Do Squirrels Shake Their Tails? (Flicking & Meaning Explained)
Easy Guide To Understanding Bird Behavior: 9 Common Behaviors & Tips
I still remember the very first time I put real effort into understanding bird behavior… It was amazing to witness all the incredible body language & activity that was constantly happening just by observing what birds are doing. At the same time, I know bird life can also be pretty overwhelming because there’s so much diversity & incredible speed behind their actions. I was lucky … [Read more...] about Easy Guide To Understanding Bird Behavior: 9 Common Behaviors & Tips
What Do Crows Eat? The Ultimate Guide to the Crow Diet
Crows have one of the most diverse diets in the entire world of birds. As true omnivores, they readily eat everything from seeds, fruits & grains to insects, small mammals, carrion, and even bird eggs! But while they're capable of eating almost anything, not all foods are created equal in terms of nutrition or preference. Crow diets often shift dramatically according to different habitats … [Read more...] about What Do Crows Eat? The Ultimate Guide to the Crow Diet