New Research Reveals Diet of Baby Eastern Bluebirds
Backyard Ecology™
Summary In this episode, Ashley Kennedy and I discuss the results of her research on the diets of nestling eastern bluebirds. Ashley used GoPro cameras located on active bluebird nestboxes to take pictures of what eastern bluebirds were bringing back to the nest to feed their young. Over the course of several seasons, she obtained over 8,000 pictures which clearly showed food being brought back to the nest. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode: The most common food items brought back to eastern bluebird nestlings, plus some less common and very unexpected prey items. Some of...
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More than just a forest: Our surprisingly diverse eastern ecosystems
Backyard Ecology™
Summary The general impression that many people have is that prior to European settlement the whole eastern U.S. was one giant old growth forest. But that wasn’t the case. Using an interdisciplinary approach, researchers over the last several decades have discovered that the eastern U.S. was instead interspersed with a surprising number of diverse ecosystems – only one of which was old growth forest. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode: What researchers now think the eastern U.S. looked like 400 years or more ago. Why we have so many trees now and why it’s so easy to...
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How to Be Successful with Your Habitat Goals
Backyard Ecology™
Summary When it comes to creating habitat, having a written set of goals can be extremely helpful in moving a task from the “I'll get to it someday” category to the “I'm actually going to get this done” category. But all too often, those goals end up being forgotten or abandoned, which can leave us feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and defeated. In this episode, I share how Anthony and I have experienced those same feelings because we’ve made the same goal-setting mistakes that everyone else makes. Then I’ll show you how I’ve overcome those mistakes and am now able to create...
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Short’s aster: A beautiful late season extravaganza for pollinators
Backyard Ecology™
Summary Late blooming native plants are crucial sources of pollen and nectar for pollinators. One of my favorite species that blooms in October, and often into early November, is Short’s aster (Symphyotrichum shortii). 3 things you’ll learn from this episode: The biology and life history of Short’s aster. The pollinators and wildlife that use it. How to incorporate it into your garden. Resources mentioned: * * affiliate link – We get paid a small commission for purchases made through this link, but it comes at no extra cost to you. All commissions that we receive...
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The Science Behind "Leave the Leaves"
Backyard Ecology™
Summary “Leave the leaves” has become an increasingly common mantra each fall. However, until recently little to no scientific research had been done to quantify impacts of leaving your leaves in a typical suburban yard. We discuss the results of that research and actionable steps that you can take in your own yard. Today’s guest Dr. Max Ferlauto is the State Entomologist for the Maryland Natural Heritage Program. He recently conducted research to quantify the impact of leaving our leaves in our yards. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode: The impact that leaving your leaves can...
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Black-eyed Susan: A must-have for the pollinator garden
Backyard Ecology™
Summary Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a beautiful native plant that can be found throughout most of the eastern U.S. and makes a great addition to pollinator and native plant gardens. It can grow in a variety of sunny to mostly sunny conditions and will provide instant gratification in the form of bright yellow flowers the first year. Those flowers will benefit a wide variety of butterflies, bees, flower flies, and seed-eating insects. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode: The biology and life history of black-eyed Susan, including how pollinators and wildlife use it. How...
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A Bad Naturalist’s Journey to Restore a Mountaintop Meadow
Backyard Ecology™
Summary Paula Whyman shares her journey of trying to restore and manage a remnant prairie located on a Virginia mountaintop. Our conversation touches upon some of the challenges she faced, lessons she’s learned, and exciting discoveries she’s made along the way. Whether you're managing a small backyard or large acreage, Paula's story provides valuable insights and motivation for fostering pollinator and wildlife habitat. Today’s guest Paula Whyman is an avid nature enthusiast and the author of the book, Bad Naturalist: One Woman’s Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop. 3...
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Native Plants That Attract Hummingbirds to Eastern U.S. Gardens
Backyard Ecology™
Summary Hummingbirds are probably one of the most beloved groups of birds that people want to attract to their yards. In this episode, I share 10 of my favorite native plants for attracting hummingbirds to gardens in the eastern U.S. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode The surprising truth about a hummingbird’s diet. The best way to attract and support hummingbirds to your property. 10 of my favorite native plants to grow for hummingbirds in eastern U.S. gardens. Other Backyard Ecology™ resources Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go...
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Gardening for Moths: Why It’s Important for Backyard Conservation
Backyard Ecology™
Summary In this episode, we focus on the fascinating world of moths and why gardening for moths is so im-portant for any backyard ecologist. We also talk about specific native plants grow to attract moths, simple ways to observe moths, practical tips for photographing moths at night, and much more. From pollination by fuzzy moth eyeballs to carnivorous moth caterpillars, this episode is full of sto-ries and information you won’t want to miss. Today’s guest Jim McCormac is an author, photographer, and conservationist. He worked for the Ohio Depart-ment of Natural Resources for 31 years as...
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9 Native Blueberries You Can Grow in the Home Landscape
Backyard Ecology™
Summary Our native Vacciniums, what we commonly call the blueberries, are keystone plants which support tons of pollinators and wildlife. They also produce yummy berries which we can eat. In this episode, we talk about 9 species that are native to at least some part of the eastern U.S., and are relatively easy to find for sale at native plant nurseries. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode: The ecological importance of blueberries. Special considerations you need to consider when growing blueberries in the home landscape. A short overview of 9 species that are native to at least some...
info_outlineDid you know that some hummingbirds will overwinter in the eastern U.S.? These aren’t our normal ruby throated hummingbirds that visit our feeders and yards all summer long. These are often western species of hummingbirds, like the rufus hummingbird.
Winter hummingbirds aren’t common, and they become less common the further you are from the southern coastal plains; however, they aren’t unique either. I can tell you from personal experience that it is SOOOO much fun to host one if you’re lucky enough to have one show up on your property.
I originally recorded this conversation with Brainard Palmer-Ball in the fall of 2021. Brainard is a retired zoologist from the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves and is the person who banded my winter hummingbird when it showed up over a decade ago.
The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/reshare-winter-hummingbirds
Until next week I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your yard and community.
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Episode related links:
🦋 Operation Ruby Throat: http://www.rubythroat.org/
🦋 Hummingbird Research, Inc.: http://www.hummingbirdresearch.net/p282.html
🦋 Southeastern Avian Research: https://southeasternavianresearch.org/hummingbirds/
🦋 Report a bird band: https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/bblretrv/
🦋 Hummer’s Heated Delight: https://hummersheateddelight.com
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