Red-backed salamanders rule Appalachian forests
Vertebrate animals are those with backbones — fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. As a group, they are much less abundant than invertebrates such...
Notice the sights and sounds of summer
Learn more about the chorus of insects whose songs fill summer nights, and the end-of-season sights yet to be seen.
Copperhead or milk snake or rat snake?
Last week my wife informed me she had seen the first big black rat snake of the year stretched across the road in front...
January is the beginning of nesting season for birds
On the afternoon of Dec. 26, the thermometer on the back porch read 73 degrees. Carolina wrens, cardinals and white-throated sparrows sang as if...
The 2009 Great Backyard Bird Count is a success
The highlights of this year's Great Backyard Bird Count Feb. 13-16 are likely to include reports of northern species moving south in huge numbers....
Banding is helping unlock avian mysteries
Only through long-term banding efforts can scientists unlock the mysteries of avian natural history.
Search for a ‘holy rail’ reveals a mockingbird
A report of a rare bird captures the attention of birders within a few hours drive of the observation. So in late May, when...
Easter bunnies: Leave the cottontails alone
After peaking in early fall, cottontail populations are at an annual low point this time of year. But as spring begins, cottontails bounce back.
Birds don’t always need your help finding feed
There's almost always plenty of natural foods to supply the needs of winter birds. However, they can provide endless entertainment throughout the year.
Monster to neighbor — attitudes about snakes
A few weeks ago I wrote about snakes and why they’re good to have around. I urged readers to protect them rather than kill...
