Author: Rita Shaw

There is a large maple tree in our front yard. If you look closely at the trunk, you will notice horizontal lines of little holes all along the trunk. This is a sure sign that there is a yellow-bellied sapsucker in the area.

The yellow-bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) reminds me at first glance of a little larger version of a downy or hairy woodpecker. [See my articles on the Downy Woodpecker and on the Hairy Woodpecker.] It is 8½ inches and mottled black and off-white. The male has a red chin and throat, while the female has a white chin and throat. Both have red crowns; although, you might notice some females with a black crown or a crown with just a few red feathers. Both have white shoulder patches that are easily noticed on their folded wings. …

Birdwatching is a fantastic hobby, easy to pick-up and fairly simple to start doing. Even for American’s living in the densest urban and concrete jungles, birds are usually still present. Thanks to the plethora of affordable digital cameras and spotting scopes, plus the wonders of bird identification made easy both online and in low-priced birdwatching guides, the hobby has never been more accessible. This summer is a great opportunity to start this hobby and here are a few pointers to get you outside and birdwatching like a pro!

Become familiar with the more common species of birds in your area. Most major cities have birdwatching groups and websites where you can learn about the local birds. Be sure to pick up a bird species guide, like the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America or the The …

A hawk recently grabbed a bird right at my front window. I knew that it was only a matter of time. It had been perching in the pine tree where we have most of our birdfeeders for quite awhile. This is not normal behavior. Hawks usually do not hang out close to our home. They will fly around occasionally looking for prey, but they do not perch in trees so close to the house. (Perhaps the snow and frigid temperatures are causing them to modify their behavior.) Also the blue jays are not around as much to sound the alarm. [See: Bird Watching: Blue Jays] Whatever the reason, this hawk finally got something to eat not more than 5 feet from the front of the house. As I watched it sit for a moment in my front yard before flying …

The first gardener must have also been a bird watcher, I am sure. Genesis chapter two tells the story about him. In Genesis 2:8, God created a garden. It was complete with plants, trees and a river. He put a man there to take care of it. The Bible calls the man Adam. In the garden, God brought all the animals and birds that he created to Adam to name. Birdwatchers have been trying to identify birds ever since, but Adam simply named them, giving each bird and each animal dignity and a place in the society of the garden of Eden.

In Geneses 2:22 Eve was created. Now Adam had company in the garden. He dressed the garden with tools he had to learn how to make and use. It must have been interesting to see how he fitted …

Do you enjoy bird watching? I do. It is a habit that I picked up once I moved to the south. Part of the reason why I took up the habit was because there are so many interesting species of birds known to inhabit or pass throughout the region. I have found that some of the best places to go bird watching are found within Florida’s State Parks. Here’s a quick rundown on some of the best ones:

Fort Mose Historic State Park

The Fort Mose Historic State Park is located in St. Augustine. There are four things that make it a wonderful place to go bird watching. First, there is a well maintained boardwalk that overlooks the marsh. Second, it is part of Florida’s birding trail. Third, there is typically an abundance of birds present. Fourth, there are guided …