Great Resources
Useful tools to help you improve the health of your landscape
Cornell Ornithology Lab’s “All About Birds”
If you like to garden, then you probably like birds. But, do you always know what birds are visiting your garden and what they need to survive?
Once in a while a feathered visitor might appear that you have never seen before. Wouldn’t it be great if you could find an online resource to help you identify these creatures and figure out what they need in your landscape?
Look no further. The Cornell Ornithology Lab’s “All About Birds” database is at your fingertips. This terrific site allows you to search birds by shape or by name, and learn about each feathered wonder.
You will discover the key identification points for each bird, including:
– Size and Shape
– Color Pattern
– Behavior
– Field Marks
– Similar Species
– Regional Differences
A helpful selection of photos is included, showing both adult and juvenile phases, as well as photos of similar species, so you can tell the difference.
Another section explains issues relating to life history, including:
– Habitat
– Food
– Nesting
– Conservation
Finally, the site gives you both sound clips and video, so you have a clear idea as to how each bird looks and sounds.
You can find this great resource at: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/search
More Great Resources
Chicago Botanic Garden Report: Joe-Pye Weeds & Their Relatives
Many of our great botanical gardens in the United States produce and publish research of value to home gardeners and landscape professionals. The Chicago Botanic Garden’s “Plant Evaluation Notes” is one example. These reports can be very helpful in deciding which plants, particularly cultivars, to include in a landscape (with…
“The Birder’s Handbook”
Whether you are an avid gardener or you simply enjoy the outdoors, then you probably have an appreciation of wild birds. What better way to wake up in the morning than to the sweet song of a bird. Who doesn’t love the feisty antics of a hummingbird, the boldness of…
List of Bee-Friendly Native Perennials
It’s the 8th annual National Pollinator Week, so why not get busy planting some bee-friendly native perennials? Here’s a list to help you along. Don’t forget to plant for a succession of bloom from spring through fall, even through winter in warmer climates. from Kim Eierman at EcoBeneficial!