Birdwatchers, Birders, and Twitchers: Which one are you?

Dear Bird watchers,

If you’re reading My Birding Journal, you’re either hooked on our feathered locals or you thought this was a scrapbooking site for lovebirds (spoiler: no glue or stickers here, just wings, beaks, and backyard drama). Let’s unpack the quirky tribes of Central New York bird enthusiasts and see if you recognize yourself. 

Birdwatchers: The Casual Spotters

Birdwatchers are the laid-back nature lovers of the birding scene, like hikers at Fillmore Glen who spot a sparrow and go, “Aw, cute!” They’re out for a walk, binoculars and iPhones loaded with the Merlin app just in case they want to look up. What’s their vibe? Enjoying nature’s free show, maybe followed by a glass of Riesling at Six Mile Creek or a gummy from Sweet Grass dispensary to celebrate spotting a cardinal. These folks aren’t chasing rare birds; they’re just happy to see a chickadee while sipping coffee on their Cortland County patio. Me? I’m a birdwatcher with one toe on the birder bridge, dreaming of joining Birding Bob in Central Park (but not driving six hours for it). 

Birders: The Driven Bird Buffs

A person observing birds through a camera lens, wearing a hat and focused expression, set against a clear sky.

Birders are the CrossFit warriors of the bird world. Think Skaneateles Community Center regulars chugging a Wegmans protein shake and sporting Audubon-branded sweatbands. They don’t just watch birds; they study them, identifying species by a single chirp or an unusual beak like they’re at a high-stakes trivia night at Bru 64. Ready with eBird checklists and life lists longer than a Walgreens receipt, they’ll hike Labrador Hollow trails to log a warbler’s sneeze. Their fancy cameras cost more than my car, but their data supports conservation efforts that help the birding world. Birders aren’t just hobbyists; they’re basically birding FBI agents, without the sunglasses.

Twitchers: The Adrenaline Junkies

Three excited birdwatchers observing various birds in flight, surrounded by lush greenery.

 Twitchers? They crave the dopamine rush, like a hunter with ‘buck fever‘ but for a rare owl instead of a deer. Twitchers will drop everything, job, family, common sense, to chase a rare bird across state lines or another country. Imagine them booking a red eye to Iceland because someone tweeted about a snowy owl in the Westfjord. Their life lists are sacred, their apps (eBird, Rare Bird Alerts) are essential, and their slogan? “Neither snow nor rain nor low-balance bank account stops Twitchers from the chase!” If birding’s a sport, twitchers are the Breanna Stewart of birders, blurry photos and all. Watch The Big Year, it’s their life in movie form.

In a Nutshell

  • Birdwatcher: Got feeders in your yard, toss out whatever seed’s on sale, and call it a day? You’re living the chill life, my friend.
  • Birder: Whether you’re a scientist at  Cornell’s Ornithology Lab  (or self-taught like me), logging every beak on eBird? You’re the nerd we love.
  • Twitcher: Itching to max out your credit card for a glimpse of a Kirtland’s Warbler? You’re a legend, and also maybe a little unhinged.

Spill your guts in the comments

Are you a patio birdwatcher, a birder with a PhD in sparrow calls, or a twitcher ready to hitchhike to Brazil for a harpy eagle? I’m dying to know what rocks to your feeders!

Finger Lakes Bonus: Need a post-birding treat? Check out the many Wineries, Breweries, and Dispensaries.

5 Tips to Protect Finger Lakes Birds During Fall Migration

Dear Birdwatchers,

Across New York State, billions of birds are getting ready for their fall journey to the tropics. Bright Baltimore Orioles, Red-breasted Grosbeaks, and the ruby-throated hummingbirds are packing their tiny suitcases and saying goodbye to summer in the Finger Lakes. Bird lovers, with binoculars in hand and hearts full of excitement, watch eagerly, hoping these little travelers have a safe and successful trip. Snowbirds from Central New York will also be heading to warmer climates for the winter. Am I a little jealous, you bet your Rough-legged hawk boots I am.

Are you wondering how you can help with the fall bird migration? You are in luck because I’ve found five ways to make for a safer journey.

  1. High-Energy Food (This is a Biggy)
  • Black oil sunflower seeds, kernels, and hearts: These are a rich and concentrated source of energy and protein for migratory birds, much like natural energy drinks like we like to order at Blue Dog Drink Co in Victor. 
  • Suet: It’s not just for woodpeckers anymore, it’s now a tasty local delicacy! During fall migration in New York, suet becomes the bird equivalent of a gourmet energy bar, keeping our feathered friends energized for those long journeys and winter prep. Honestly, suet is to birds what a trail cookie at Emmie’s Organics in Ithaca is to us—an irresistible, nourishing treat. 
  • Mulch piles: Central New Yorkers often compete in a neighborly rivalry like who’s going to rake up leaves first and clear out end-of-summer mulch. It’s only natural when the season to come is winter. But try to hold off during fall migration. Let leaf piles gather in your yard. These tiny mountain ranges are nature’s playground, providing a cozy mansion for insects and tiny creatures that birds love to snack on. By supporting our local critters, you can keep your yard lively and fun even though it’s killing you to finish yard work.

    2. Keep Cats Indoors:

Ever catch yourself thinking, “Could Fluffy be a bird assassin?” or whispering, “My Thomasina’s way too adorable to be a murderer”? Well, believe it or not, around 2.6 billion birds in the U.S. and Canada fall prey to cats every day.
Yes, it’s surprising to think your little mouser is also a bird killer. But it’s all instinct! Just like how we desperately try to snag a last-minute reservation at Lasca’s Restaurant on a Friday night, craving that irresistible prime rib and budging ahead in line to get it. Outdoor cats risk contracting tapeworms, fleas, and other diseases, and also being preyed upon by predators and becoming a hood ornament on a speeding car. Bird lovers aren’t anti-cat; they just want to keep birds as well as our feline friends safe and sound.

3. Windows:

Windows are deadly to birds, with an estimated 599 million dying per year from collisions in the U.S. alone. Homeowners can make a significant difference by doing their part with window safety.

At night, lighted windows attract and kill migrating birds. During the day, windows reflect foliage, the sky, and other birds, which makes birds think they can fly through them. I know what you’re thinking. If I cover my windows, how will I see my birds at the feeder? Okay, maybe you’re not thinking that, but I am.

So, I did some research and here’s what I found on Amazon:

52 Pcs Circle Window Decals for Bird Strikes

WindowAlert Classic Square Anti-Collision Decal

VViViD White Perforated Vinyl Window Film

I’ve rarely have bird collisions into my windows, but some people have certain birds that will constantly run into a window because it sees its reflection. That is frustrating for both the window owner and the poor bird.

4. Turn Off Lights at Night: 

Did you know that most birds prefer to migrate under the cover of darkness? Bright lights can blind feathered travelers into accidental casualties, causing them to bump into buildings or becoming lost. How can we lend a wing and help them find their way south? In New York State, the ‘Fall Lights Out initiative’ runs from August 15 to November 15, between 11:00 pm and 6:00 am. Check out DEC and OGS Remind New Yorkers to Keep ‘Lights out’ to Protect Migrating Birds to find out more.

5. Pesticides:

Exposure to pesticides can affect birds in lots of ways, whether they come into contact with them directly or indirectly. Sometimes, birds can swallow pesticides, mistaking them for seeds, especially pellets or granules. Imagine a bird thinking it’s grabbing a snack only to get a mouthful of chemicals. They might also get exposed indirectly by eating contaminated prey, drinking polluted water, or grooming pesticide residues off their feathers. Birds can even absorb pesticides through their skin when they bathe or breathe in chemicals during pesticide spraying. Because there’s no Erin Brockovich in the birding world, we have to do our parts to save them.

Now that you’ve got these steps in place, you can feel confident that with your help fall migration will go off without a hitch.

Are you looking to the skies for your favorite birds flying south? Let me know what you see.

Sources and further reading:

 The Impact of Pesticides on Bird Populations

Fall migration ushers in birding hikes, habitat restoration in the Finger Lakes

How to help birding during fall migration

 

Backyard Birding: A Soap Opera of Feathers in Central New York

Dear fellow birdwatching control freaks,

A group of four northern cardinals perched on a branch surrounded by lush green leaves, showcasing their vibrant red plumage and distinct crests, in a bright and serene natural setting.

For those of you who, like me, are old enough to remember flipping through TV Guide for the latest Guiding Light episode, a soap opera (per Wikipedia) is a long-running radio or TV serial full of melodrama, ensemble casts, and just enough sentimentality to make you reach for the tissues. Well, move over, daytime TV, my patio feeders in Central New York have become the stage for a full-blown birding soap opera, and I’m the meddling matriarch trying to manage my feathered “children.”

Here’s the latest drama unfolding in my backyard:

  1. All My Cardinal Children

Every evening from 4 to 7 p.m., a father-and-son cardinal pair swoops in for their sunflower seed fix. How do I know they’re related? Two male cardinals sharing a feeder without a squabble is rare, usually, it’s a feathered showdown, with one chasing the other off in a huff, because, you know, it’s a bird-eat-bird world out there. (Want more cardinal gossip? Check out my post on cardinals.) But one night, the young cardinal showed up alone, looking worried. “Dad? Where are you Dad?”

 Just watch this homemade video of him chirping his little heart out.

Amateur video of young cardinal missing his dad. Turn up the volume.

Like any worried mama, cardinal, or human, I started spiraling. Was Father Cardinal hurt? Captured by a hawk? Or, heaven forbid, mixed up with the wrong flock at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge? My mind raced back to those sleepless nights, fretting over my own teens: “Are they in a ditch? Snorting coke somewhere? In jail?” Thankfully, to my utter relief, Daddy Cardinal zoomed back the next night, bold as ever, like nothing happened. Crisis averted, but my heart’s still recovering from the drama.

2. One Hummer Life to Live

Then there’s the hummingbird saga. Between sweat bees dominating my feeder and one ruby-throated hummingbird chasing its rival away, my heart broke watching those tiny jewels miss out on the sweet nectar I painstakingly boiled and cooled just for them. So, channeling my inner mama bear (or mama bird?), I grabbed my trusty fly swatter and charged outside to shoo those stubborn bees away from the feeder.

Big mistake. Those bees were as stubborn as a boyfriend refusing to sit through The Notebook. They turned on me, angry as a wet hen at Daisy Hollow Farm. I darted back inside, swatting bees from my hair, and took cover behind the screen door. But those little pests zipped right back to the feeder like it was an all-you-can-eat wing night at Dinosaur BBQ in Syracuse. I get it, it’s in their nature, but have you ever tried to control your kids, your pets, or even wild birds? CNY bird nerd wants to know.

But the bees kept stealing the spotlight. I was too furious to record them. Now that it’s September, I’m not bothering to replace my feeder with a bee-proof one (like this one I’ve got my eye on). Fingers crossed for a winter sale at Amazon. For now, the hummingbird drama had me on edge, but I’ve learned to let it go. Sometimes, you just have to let the birds (and bees) sort it out.

What’s your feeder drama?

Have you witnessed a showdown at your feeders or out in the field—maybe at Green Lakes State Park or the Finger Lakes trails? Share your stories below so we can laugh, cry, and console each other over our backyard soap operas. Let’s keep the birding drama alive!

Why Finger Lakes Birds Go Silent in Summer: Understanding Molting

Photo borrowed from PetMojo

Dear sweaty and bored birdwatchers,

The Finger Lakes seasons are often like a roller coaster at the New York State Fair, winter gloom, wet spring to a humid summer. Yet, often Fall can be colorful and temperate. In spite of the crazy weather, bird watchers gotta bird no matter what.

As the heat wave continues in upstate New York, wild birds often go into hiding much like snow skiers at Song Mountain in Tully.

Where have all the birds gone?

The woods become eerily silent, perhaps because even birds are too exhausted to sing or gossip about complaining humans. The birds look tired and lose their flashy breeding feathers.

Birdwatchers tend pack away binoculars until fall to avoid the sweat and frustration. In July and August, fewer submit sightings to eBird, likely because we’re busy slurping ice at Footie’s Freez in Cortland.

Birds sing mainly to amaze their secret crushes and keep other birds from stealing their eats. By July, most young birds have flown the coop. Even the Carolina Wrens go radio-silent by early August.

Some birds might keep singing a little longer just to help their little ones master the local dialect. But many throw in the towel on territorial bragging rights and start mingling in flocks. Showing off territory in the summer is about as exciting as a flat beer at Summerhill Brewing. Which never happens by the way.

Piece by piece, each species drops out of the glorious morning chorus, leaving only the most persistent singers to perform solo like Virgil Cain, a Finger Lakes favorite.

Sitting on my patio with my coffee, I’ve come to realize that the mornings are quieter and, frankly, a lot less enjoyable without my birds.

Let’s go molt at the spa

Molt is like a bird’s version of a spa day at Mirabeau Inns and Spa Skaneateles. From hummingbirds to penguins, every bird has to go through this annual feather-fest to survive, since their feathers take a beating from sunburns and physical wear. Think of it as their natural sunscreen and wardrobe overhaul. Usually, in late summer for temperate species, birds embark on a full molt to sport a fresh set of feathers for the seasons ahead.
After breeding, birds enter the molting season, which is like The Rockettes after the Christmas season, taking some R&R sipping wine, without makeup in their Rockette cozy nests.

As birds sprout new flight feathers, they might feel as awkward as trying to fit into oversized hiking boots from Davidson Shoes in Canandaigua which are crucial for a perfect fit but definitely a step out of their comfort zone. This awkward phase can leave them more vulnerable to predators, who might think it’s open season.

Ironically, the silence and secretive behavior of birds make them harder to find just when they are most abundant, because all the new young birds increase adult populations.

Instead of thinking about the ‘dog days’ of summer, consider calling them the ‘bird days.” Your bird feeders might be quiet, but it’s also a period so busy with winged activity that even the most dedicated birdwatcher might need a nap. They’re just a little harder to find, that’s all.

Keep on birding

A closeup shot of a European robin bird in a winter park covered with snow

Go where birds go once they’ve finished nesting and are no longer defending territories. Look in the trees the bushes, behind Wegmans, go to one of the Finger Lakes, and keep your binoculars with you. And keep in mind, you might be the only person counting birds in your yard or town, making your checklists as valuable as a birdbath at a Little York Plantations.

When you understand molting, you’ll realize that a bird’s ragged, patchy look in late summer is just its way of showing off its fashionable new feathers. Plus, you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for how birds enthusiastically prepare for their epic fall migration, almost like nature’s own travel agents. Who knew this phase could be so interesting?

A molting cardinal on my fence. Photo taken by my iPhone 15

This cardinal did not want me to see him, but alas, “have iPhone will travel,” even it it’s only to my patio window.

Have you seen a Northern Cardinal lately that looks like he was in an ax throwing contest? No, he wasn’t at Bad Ax Throwing in Syracuse, he was just molting. But anyway, take pictures and send your entries to eBird. They will be thrilled to hear from you. Send some pics to me too!!

Until next time, GO FINGER LAKES BIRDS!

Sources and further reading:

Audubon Magazine: Why (and How) to Look for Molting Birds This Summer

Birds&Blooms: Bird Molting: Why Birds Molt and How to Spot It

Top Birdwatching Spots in Onondaga County

Dear ambitious bird watchers,

I find keeping up with the weather in New York state quite challenging. It often feels like Mother Nature is testing us with all the rain, snow, and heatwaves she can muster, just to see how we handle it.

Well, this bird-watcher plans to ignore the weather report this summer and check out some parks in the area where I can find birds that don’t want to come and feast at the all-day buffet hanging from my patio roof.

The birds in Onondaga County seem to pose for photos in the spring. The forests here look like they belong in fairy tales. In fact, you might want to swing by Syracuse Orchestra where they are performing a show called Fairy Tales. 

But first, enjoy your own show of clear lakes and stunning waterfalls, making this a perfect area for bird lovers and nature fans. Onondaga County has many places to enjoy, whether you’re a skilled birder or just trying to make your friends laugh with your amazing bird calls.

Onondaga Lake Parks

Winter and early spring are the best times to see Bald Eagles at Onondaga Lake, near Syracuse. These are real bald eagles, not the popular Eagles band that might be losing their hair these days. This seasonal display in Onondaga County is worth seeing.

It’s not far from Destiny Mall where you can buy binoculars and cameras at Dick’s Sporting goods.

Green Lakes State Park

Green Lakes Birding Conservation Area (BCA) in Green Lakes State Park features mature forests and large grasslands, the biggest in New York State, great for birdwatching. Visitors might see breeding Eastern Meadowlark, Bobolink, and Grasshopper Sparrow, as well as Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks, Eastern Wood-Pewees, and Redstarts. Pick up a checklist at the park office to record sightings and memories. 

Baltimore Woods

West of Syracuse, Baltimore Woods is a bird lover’s paradise that could make even the most serious ornithologist crack a smile. Keep an eye out for the lively Common Yellowthroat and the quirky Blue-winged Warbler. In spring, you might spot the elusive American Woodcock at dawn or dusk, doing their cool aerial dance for the ladies, complete with loud calls make their message loud and clear. The center keeps the fun going year-round with activities like Project FeederWatch and guided tours.

.Clark Reservation State Park

Known for its glacial lake and unique landscape, Jamesville Park is a haven for birds. You might see great blue herons, swallows flying around, and occasionally a red-headed woodpecker showing off its bright red head. During migration seasons, look out for American pipits or white-winged crossbills. Clark Reservation is a great spot for lovely scenery and interesting bird sightings. It’s like a Broadway show, but with birds. I’d love to see humans dressed as birds, singing and dancing, wouldn’t you?

Beaver Lake Nature Center

Just 15 minutes northwest of Syracuse, Beaver Lake is so amazing, even the birds are shocked. Home to nine miles of trails, this Baldwinsville sanctuary is the ideal spot to catch a glimpse of Ospreys, Belted Kingfishers, and thousands of Canada Geese. Take a kayak or canoe out on the lake or join a guided birding tour to make the most of your experience.

All these parks are not even an hour away from me, yet I have not seen over half of these birds in real life. I need to leave my recliner, ignore the ugly weather and get out there. No matter what season we’re in Central New York, nature is always waiting to be enjoyed by all.

Next time you’re in Onondaga County, hopefully you’ll stop at one of these beautiful parks.

Let me know if you do!

European Starlings: Eugene’s gift that keeps on pooping

Dear Eugene Schieffelin,

I was floored to learn about your 1890 starling stunt in Central Park. Who knew a backyard birdwatcher could unleash such chaos? As an amateur ornithologist with the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, you were quite the sensation. You also charmed every birding bash with the New York Zoological Society. But in 1877, as chairman of the American Acclimatization Society, you went full Hannibal Lecter. You released 60 feathered fiends in Central Park as non-native species for economic and cultural spice. Then 40 more in 1891, sparking their first nests in North America? That’s a plot twist even Clarice Starling couldn’t unravel.

Fast forward to today. Your starlings have taken over as if they’re competing for America’s most unwanted in our backyards. They’ve spread everywhere across the continental U.S., much like the Canadian wildfires. That reminds me, I need to check how songbirds fare through bad air quality. I hope it’s better than we do. I’m sure they’re not as whiny, though. 

According to A November 2024 report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) an estimated 96 million birders in the United States. That’s more cash than New Hampshire’s entire economy in 2022. With the money left over, we could buy an island in the Pacific.

We could go to Oprah’s yard sale. Think of the possibilities!

Photo: Lorenzo Agius

ere comes the kicker, Gene. Can I call you Gene? There are 37% of birders in this country. Who in their right mind would spend that kind of cash just to watch Starlings? Not this bird nerd!

Look what else Starlings do to ruin our lives


Wreak havoc within the bird community

Starlings are the bullies of the bird world. They are especially problematic for other cavity-nesting buddies like bluebirds and red-bellied woodpeckers. Just the thought of their antics makes my blood pressure skyrocket!

They push eggs from nest boxes and destroy the nests of other species. They battle fiercely for the best nesting spots, often giving native birds no room for their own homes. Somebody call Re/Max, please!

Damage to Crops and Livestock

Starlings really have a knack for ruining a farmer’s day (Or year), especially when it comes to fruits like apples, blueberries, and cherries. It’s as if they hold a secret meeting to declare open bar night at Beak n Skiff Orchard. By the way, they have excellent vodka for those who need a break from nasty birds.

But wait, it gets better. They’re also grain fanatics, munching through livestock feed like there’s no tomorrow. I can hear the cows now, mooing at the top of their lungs until, well, the cows come home. These little menaces have earned their reputation as the gluttons of the agricultural realm. They munch on everything from grains to feed. That’s as much as the cost of a steak at Scotch n Sirloin.


When massive flocks of starlings hang out in trees, with all that weight, branches snap like pretzel sticks. Their droppings can kill trees faster than a tax collector at a Willie Nelson concert.

Starlings can move in and make themselves at home in infrastructure like buildings and bridges. And let’s not forget their talent for clogging gutters and drainpipes. It can lead to water damage that’s harder to fix than Ben and J.Lo’s marriage(s).

Threats to humans and animals

Just what we need, feathery little disease carriers flying around. Who wouldn’t want a dose of Salmonella or a side of lung infections with their morning coffee? Forget about the delightful surprises in their droppings, packed with bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Somebody call the CDC!

YES, you’ve left quite a legacy, Mr. Schieffelin. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could return to Earth grandly? You would see how you’ve changed our birding world. To all my birding friends, next time you see a starling, think of Eugene Schieffelin, hope that a starling poops on his grave.

Photo by Israel Torres on Pexels.com

Here’s an idea: take a 30-minute walk with your Merlin. Bring a pair of binoculars. Find some birds you love to watch and forget about the nasty ones.

Got an entertaining tale about the European Starling? Share your story in the comments!

How to Attract Baltimore Orioles to Your Finger Lakes Backyard

Hi Fellow Oriole Seekers,

For the last week, my birding friends and I have been in a springtime staring contest with nature. We eagerly await the grand arrival of the first Baltimore Oriole to our feeders. It’s like waiting for CenterPoint Golf Club .

to grace us with his presence. Will he show up in flashy orange plumage, or will it leave us hanging like a bad Tinder date?

While Central New Yorkers shovel snow, Baltimore Orioles relax during their winters on tropical beaches in southern Mexico. They sip cocktails and feast on fresh fruit. They also hang out in the northwestern Caribbean islands and along the Gulf Coast. It’s like a fruity buffet!

I’d gladly trade my boots for flip-flops for a tropical winter retreat. Wouldn’t you?

When should we start looking?
Late April and May, they return to their breeding grounds like hungry guests arriving at a fancy house party. The males strut around confidently. They puff out their chests. They act as if they are the proud owners of a prime estate at Walden Oaks in Cortland. Their main goal? To dazzle the ladies with their moves. Think of it as birdie speed dating with more serenading and less awkward small talk!

The male Baltimore orioles’ vibrant orange attire practically screams “Halloween.” Unfortunately for this eager birder, I’ve only heard their musical calls picked up by my trusty Merlin app. Seeing them is at the top of my to-do list. I’m looking to finally spot one at some point. Fingers crossed for a feathered fiesta!

As you know, I can be a tad overprotective about most of the lovely ladies of the bird world. But I must confess, the female Baltimore Orioles hit the style jackpot this time! Going from olive-brown heads to vibrant yellow-orange bellies—now that’s what I call a fashionista.

Feeding Tips

First, you need to find a feeder that suits your environment. See Amazon’s Best Feeders here.

Once you choose the feeder you want, you must decide what to put out for mealtime.

As I mentioned above, orioles have a sweet tooth that most fruits easily satisfy. They are particularly fond of grape jelly and orange halves.

Warning!! Do not put out oranges if you live in bear country. I’m sure you know that, bear country people. .We want to draw birds, not bears!!

If you really want to impress these feathered foodies, use feeders with perches. They are like the deluxe dining booths of the bird world. But wait, there’s more. They won’t turn down sugar water (the same recipe as you use for hummingbirds). How bout some delicious mealworms, the rest of us only dream about? Think of them as their version of gourmet cuisine. They even enjoy suet with fruit pieces for a true fine dining experience! Yum, Yum!

Author’s note: If you choose a low-cost plastic Oriole feeder, don’t put it in the dishwasher. It gets warped and ill-fitting like mine.

As you can see, my Oriole feeder has certainly seen better days. It’s weathered and worn. It is much like a retired athlete clinging to the glory of past triumphs. Despite its faded charm, it’s still bravely hanging in there, a testament to resilience. I have made heartfelt attempts to attract them. Perhaps they simply snubbed my humble dining establishment.

Here it is, upright once again. It stands as a solitary beacon of hope. It’s like the last slice of Pudgie’s pizza at a party, just waiting for someone to claim it. I continue to wait for the vibrant flashes of orange and black to grace its branches once more. It’s as if they’ve taken a vacation and forgot to send a postcard!

Have you spotted a Baltimore Oriole in your backyard yet? Leave a comment to tell me when and where. I’m always curious.

Until next time, avian lovers, keep your eyes peeled, not your oranges. Halving them will do the trick.