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
BugGuide.Net
Have you ever spotted an insect in your landscape that completely mystified you? Some little bug that you had never seen before? Where do you go to figure out whether you have stumbled upon a fantastic beneficial insect or a destructive pest? BugGuide.net is a terrific place to start your…
Native Plant Societies
Whether you are a new gardener, a seasoned gardener, or a native plant geek, you can benefit greatly from a membership with a local native plant society. These groups are tremendous resources for information on regional native plants (many have online plant lists), educational events including certificate programs, landscaping and…
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Guides
Sometimes you need a gardening resource that is a quick read, providing distilled information that is useful, interesting, and well-written. Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) has excelled in publishing such books in the form of their garden guides. Over the years, BBG has published several dozen Garden Guides on topics ranging…