Around the world, during the warmer months, the beginning of the day is heralded by bird melodies. But in addition to being wonderful alarm clocks, the dawn chorus reflects how birds have adapted their singing to both ambient conditions and interspecific competition. Most bird song is for territory defense and attracting mates (female birds often […]
The Dynamic Dawn Chorus Read More »
Four species of doves nest in my neighborhood – Mourning, White-winged, Inca, and Eurasian Collared doves. The most common nests are those of Mourning Doves. Last spring, a pair decided to build their flimsy stick nest on top of the porch light right outside my front door. They’ve tried this in years past, but usually
A Mourning Dove Murder Mystery Read More »
It’s a cute little bird – the Phainopepla. A member of the tropical Silky Flycatcher family, males are a shiny black and females a charcoal grey. Both have red eyes and a feathery crest. They are quite noticeable in the desert, as males like to perch at the very top of mesquite trees (like the
Phainopepla – the mistletoe bird Read More »
