Archive | September 2025

STUDY FINDS MONARCHS MIGRATING LATER

Sep28

        According to an article that appeared in the magazine Wildlife (published by the National Wild Federation), a study conducted on Iowa’s Camp Dodge military installation, revealed that monarchs are beginning their fall migration later in the year.

       According to Montana State ecologist Diane Bebinski, the study found that monarchs are departing their fall migration an average of nine days later than they did in 2003.  The results are based on the arrival and departure dates of monarchs recorded from 2003 and 2019.  It should be noted that the time of milkweed flowering and monarch spring arrival dates did not change during the study.

       Basbinski, the lead author of a report on the study, “This longer breeding season could have benefits and it could also have costs.”  On the downside, researchers theorize that the butterfly’s later departure time could possibly harm monarch populations by exposing the butterflies to an increase in late season predators and parasites that attack monarch eggs.

       It will be interesting to see if similar studies in other parts of the monarch’s range are also delaying the time they leave for Mexico each year.

 

IS IT POSSIBLE TO ATTRACT HERMIT THRUSHES TO YOUR YARD IN WINTER

Sep25

       One of the most difficult birds to attract to Georgia bird feeders during the winter is the hermit thrush.  I have been trying to do so for years.  In comparison, I have a good friend that hosts this handsome thrush most winters.  Let’s explore some of the reasons why hermit thrushes avoid most of our yards.

       Limited information suggests that hermit thrushes wintering in residential areas inhabit yards that have an abundance of vegetation and are adjacent to wooded areas.  Berries are the hermit thrush’s primary winter food, consequently yards and nearby woodlands that have trees and shrubs that bear fruits and berries that persist in the winter, are more likely to be used by hermit thrushes than those without them.

       Some the best sources of the thrush’s winter food include cedars, junipers, pokeberry, native hollies, hackberries, grapes, and mistletoe.   While fruits and berries are the hermit thrush’s favorite foods, they will eat insects found in leaf litter.  Consequently, leave dried leaves beneath your trees and shrubs.     

Blog follower, Ron Lee attracts Hermit Thrush

       Hermit thrushes will feed at elevated feeders. However, they prefer to eat food found on the ground.  The birds will dine on dried fruits, mixed seeds, suet, and bird puddings.

      Ron Lee has attracted more hermit thrushes than anybody I know. He is convinced that his success attracting these secretive birds is his wife Jennie’s cornbread. The birds love it so much they will appear out of nowhere whenever he goes outside to feed them.  Some hermit thrushes like it so much, they will feed at his feed while he is scattering food.

     Hermit thrushes will often visit bird baths and avoid food.

    Hermit thrushes will join roaming flock’s kinglets, chickadees, and other birds.  With that in mind, closely study any of these flocks that pass through your yard.

    With a little good fortune, perhaps a hermit thrush will find its way to your backyard this winter.

LIGHTBULBS THAT ARE THE LEAST HARMFUL TO MOTHS

Sep21

        It has long been recognized that some forms of outside lighting are detrimental to moths. One of the ways such lighting is bad for moths is it affects the moths’ ability to navigate.  As a result, they will often continuously fly around bright lights and become exhausted. In addition, the wrong forms of lighting used to illuminate places such as large parking lots have been shown to negatively impact the breeding of some species of moths.

       One way that we can ensure that our porch lights and other outdoor lighting around our homes are not negatively affecting moths is to use the correct bulbs.

       Yellow bug lights are excellent.  Other great options include those that are amber, and red. (Many insects cannot see red light.).  LEDs with warm tones also work well.

       If each one of us makes an attempt to reduce light pollution, moth populations will be better for it.

BACKYARD SECRET – FROGS CANNOT VOMIT

Sep17

        When we eat something that does not agree with us, our bodies often cause us to vomit up the food that is causing us problems.  Once the foul food is expelled from our bodies, we are well on the way to feeling much better.  Such is not the case with frogs—they cannot vomit.

       When a frog consumes a moth, beetle or other critter that causes it to suffer from gastric they use a far more bizarre technique to alleviate its problem. Believe it or not, they actually expel their entire stomach through their mouth. This behavior is called gastric inversion.  Once the stomach is outside the frog’s body, the frog uses its forelegs to clean out whatever caused its stomach distress.  When the unwanted material is removed and the frog retracts its stomach it goes on its way.

       As much as I dislike vomiting, I am certain I prefer it to gastric inversion.

IS TAPWATER SAFE TO USE IN BIRDBATHS?

Sep14

       Some folks have raised the question whether or not it is safe to use tap water in birdbaths.  They question whether the additives such as chlorine and fluoride placed in tap water are harmful to birds.

       Based on what is widely known tap water does not pose a threat to birds.  If, however, you feel that it might be detrimental to the birds using your birdbath, simply fill a bucket with tap water and let it sit for a few hours before using it.  This will allow chemical such as chlorine to dissipate.

 

SOON THE HUMMINGBIRDS WILL BE GONE

Sep10

        Here at my Middle Georgia home, during the past few days the number of hummingbirds visiting our four feeders has dramatically decreased.  As late as last week, my wife was making 20 cups of nectar a day in an effort to meet the birds’ demand for food. Today for the first time in weeks, only two feeders needed to be refilled.  I suspect that the rubythroats are rapidly disappearing in your backyards too.

       With that in mind, I would like to know when you first noticed a noticeable drop in the hummers visiting your feeders. In addition, it would be great if you report the date, the last hummer is seen in your yard.    I have been studying hummingbirds for more than 30 years and still have much to learn about these fascinating birds.  Your information would be helpful in delineating the fall migration of the ruby-throated hummingbird in Georgia. 

 

       If you do respond to this request, please include the name of the county where you live.

 

BACKYARD SECRET – HOW MANY MILES DO RUBYTHROATS FLY EACH DAY FLYING ACROSS GEORGIA ON THEIR FALL MIGRATION?

Sep7

       For weeks, ruby-throated hummingbirds have been making their way south towards their wintering grounds.  Have you ever wondered how far a rubythroat flies once it leaves your feeders and continues on to the next stop on its journey?

       Banding studies reveal that when these tiny migrants cross Georgia they fly about 23 miles per day.

LATE BONESET – AN IMPORTANT POLLINATOR PLANT

Sep3

      Once September arrives, pollinator plants become increasingly more difficult to find.  However, a native plant that helps fill that void is an herbaceous perennial known as late boneset (Eupatorium serotinium).

       Late boneset provides nectar to a wide range of pollinators such as native bees, moths, and butterflies. 

       In addition, it is the host plant for the clymene and other species of moths.  The dorsal side of this moth is most distinctive.  Its wings are creamy and marked with bold black markings that resemble a cross. To me, the markings look much like the symbols seen on the shield of an English knight.

       While I often see boneset blooming in old fields and along country roads, I rarely encounter it in backyards.  Interestingly, my daughter recently found one blooming in her suburban backyard.  She finds this volunteer so fascinating; she plans to let it continue to prosper.

       Since the plant is easy to grow and is deer resistant, it is a valuable addition to the backyard of anybody interested in promoting native pollinators.