In spring male tree swallows, identified by their iridescent blue backs, arrive on their breeding territories about a week ahead of the females, which have…
Tree Swallows
Head Banging Curiosity
Knock on wood: Instead of singing to declare their territory, woodpeckers drum on trees and other resonant surfaces. Several structural adaptations protect the birds’ brains…
Ivory-Billed Woodpeckers
Although the last undisputed sighting dates to 1944, some experts still question whether the ivory-billed woodpecker, shown here as a taxidermy mount, should be declared…
Northern Cardinals
Cardinals get their names-both common and scientific-from the males’ bright red plumage, which is similar in color to the vestments of Catholic cardinals. Females and…
Cranes
No doubt about it, things are looking up here at Good Natured World Headquarters. Ah, but maybe I should clarify. By “things” I mean me,…
Chickadees
Chickadees make frequent trips to birdfeeders as they cache, or stash, the food items they’ll need to survive in winter.
Blue Jays
When you think of nuts – the kind that grow on trees – it’s hard not to think of squirrels. They are, after all, the…
Barn Swallows
The neighbor’s kids were out the other day, chattering excitedly as they soaked up some summer sun. It was snack time – seems like it’s…
Barred Owls
The other day I headed out to meet some friends for a walk at Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve, with a plan to proceed over to…
Red-Headed Woodpeckers
What’s black and white and red all over? Here in the TriCities’ corner of the natural world, not a lot. But the red-headed woodpecker is…