An Open Letter Response to Madison Audubon’s Comments About Our Video

On November 30th, you (Madison Audubon) made a blog post responding to our video about changing your name to “Badgerland Bird Alliance” which we feel is too close to our brand name “Badgerland Birding”. Your response included 5 specific points that you claim to be “misleading” or “false”, but did not address our main argument, which is the confusion and negative impact to our brand (which we’ve been building over the last 7 years) that your name change has caused and will continue to cause.

You have continued to not allow comments on your social media posts after many people expressed their concerns or asked you to change your name, which makes us question how much you actually value feedback, since you continuously squash people’s ability to comment publicly.

Here are each of your 5 claims, and why your response is misleading or just flat out wrong. Your claims are in red, our response is in black.

The assertion that the term “Bird Alliance” is core to your name and that “Badgerland” is common and therefore justifies its use in your name is misleading. We believe the specific combination of “Badgerland Bird” is integral to our identity and brand, which predates your organization’s name change by nearly 7 years. Our objection stems from the confusion and association that already has and will continue to impact our established presence and audience from the use of Badgerland + Bird.

You also claim that “Badgerland” best describes your geographic location (Southern Wisconsin), however Badgerland references the entire state, which is misleading and misrepresents your apparent reach.

For one, we are a Limited Liability COMPANY, not a CORPORATION. There’s a big different between the two. Additionally, the characterization of our work as merely “YouTube, content creation, and birding tours” oversimplifies and is demeaning to our broader impact. We engage with a diverse audience through educational content, community outreach, and active participation in bird conservation. Both our organizations contribute significantly to bird-related initiatives in Wisconsin, and it is misleading to downplay the scope and effectiveness of our work, and what our work will encompass in the future.

We never said “substantial” funds, simply funding. While you assert independence, the affiliation with the National Audubon Society (NAS) raises questions about the potential influence and direction from NAS. The claim that NAS dues contribute only 0.5% of your total funding may downplay the significance of this relationship, which is still very clearly present.

Our concerns about due diligence relate to the lack of distinctiveness between our organizations’ names and the current and future potential for confusion. While you state that legal counsel was consulted, the fundamental issue remains that our established identity and brand are at risk. A more comprehensive assessment of potential confusion in the public domain would have been prudent, or consulting us beforehand. At the very core of the issue, is the lack of respect Madison Audubon seems to have for its fellow bird-related organizations and their established brands, which is saddening.

The acknowledgment of our subscriber count and scope of our reach only reinforces the idea that we would not want our brand infringed upon. Also, characterizing yourself as a small, local conservation nonprofit significant downplays the size of your organization, which based on online tax records, brings in millions of dollars each year, and has at least 10 full-time employees.  Additionally, your unwillingness to cooperate about changing your name is where people are getting the “bullying” from. The fact that your organization is oblivious to what you are doing shows a true lack of respect and understanding of how your actions are being perceived.

We remain committed to open and respectful dialogue to find a resolution that preserves the integrity of both organizations. However, the fact that you are not willing to change your name or address our concerns about the confusion and negative impact to our brand suggests you do not actually want to work together to find a solution, rather just appear you do. Our concerns are rooted in protecting the brand we’ve built over the years and ensuring our audience and your audience can distinguish between the two entities. We welcome continued discussions to reach an amicable resolution, but don’t feel your words are matching your actions.  

Sincerely,

Derek and Ryan Sallmann

Badgerland Birding

Cranes of Iowa (2 Species to Know)

Cranes are among the largest and most noticeable birds in North America. These birds are always impressive to see when out birding and can turn up in some places you wouldn’t expect to see these tall, regal birds. In North America there are two crane species, and both of them can be found in Iowa. Here is everything you need to know about those two species.

Sandhill Crane

Sandhill Crane – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification

Sandhill Cranes have a mostly gray colored body with tan color mixed in. During the warmer months they typically are more tan than they are gray. They have a long neck and bill with white cheeks and red on top of their head.

Sandhill Crane chicks are a yellowish tan color and can often be seen tagging along with the adult parents.

Range

Sandhill Cranes winter in a few different areas around North America including northern Mexico, southern Texas, Florida, parts of California, parts of southern Louisiana, and other areas across the Great Plains states. In spring, they start heading north to breed in the northern United States and southern Canada. There are a few places where Sandhill Cranes stage prior to migration where they can be seen in absolutely massive numbers. Most of these areas are in the upper Midwest in states such as Minnesota and North Dakota.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Sandhill Cranes eat a wide variety of different food items. Much of their diet consists of plant matter such as tubers, berries, and seeds, but they also eat small vertebrates, insects and other invertebrates. Sandhill Cranes forage in shallow water as well as in farm fields where they eat grains from crops.

Where to Find This Bird

Sandhill Cranes can be seen in many different places. Some of the most common areas to find this species are shallow water marshes and open fields. However, Sandhill Cranes also show up on lawns in neighborhoods and even in parking lots in cities where they casually stroll around, often to the surprise of humans.

Whooping Crane (Rare)

Whooping Crane – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification

Whooping Cranes are absolutely massive, reaching heights of around five feet. They have a clean white body and red that covers their face and extends along the jaw line and on the top of the head. In flight, these cranes show black on the wing tips.

Range

The Whooping Cranes range is a bit complicated since they are actually split up into different populations. There are nonmigratory populations in Louisiana and Florida and migratory populations that winter in Florida and Texas and then migrate to Wisconsin and Canada respectively.

Diet and Foraging Habits

The large size of the Whooping Crane means they can eat many different types of animals, both vertebrates and invertebrates. They not only eat animals however, but also various plant material, both aquatic and terrestrial.

Where to Find This Bird

Whooping Cranes are most commonly found in marshland where they wade into water in search of food. Along their migratory routes they are seen in fields and wet grasslands. During their wintering times, they also reside in coastal waters and saltmarshes.

Summary

Cranes are spectacular birds to see as an avid birder or just a casual observer. Knowing where to expect them and which species are likely to be in your state and region can make it much easier to find and identify them.

If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like and a comment. Also be sure to check out the Badgerland Birding YouTube Channel.

Bluebirds of Iowa (2 Species to Know)

Bluebirds are affable members of the thrush family named for their coloration. There are three species of bluebirds native to North America, and two species that can be found in Iowa with one being common and the other being a rare visitor. Here is everything you need to know about the bluebirds of Iowa.

Eastern Bluebird

Male Eastern Bluebird
Identification

Male Eastern Bluebirds have a sky blue back, wings, tail, and head. They have a reddish orange chest and underside as well as a very faint eye ring. Females have a grayish colored head with blue wings and a darker orange underside with a more noticeable eye ring. Both males and females have white on their underside near their legs.

Range

Eastern Bluebirds live year-round in parts of Mexico, Central America, and the Southeastern United States. In summer, many of them move north into the Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada.

Diet and Foraging Habits

The diet of Eastern Bluebird varies depending on the time of the year. When insects are available, they make up an extremely large part of their diet. Other times of the year this species eats an array of fruits.

Where to Find This Bird

Eastern Bluebirds can be found around open spaces near edge habitat. Prairies, fields, and pastures are all places where this species can be found regularly in addition to more forested areas as well as around ponds.

Badgerland Birding searches for Eastern Bluebirds

Mountain Bluebird (Rare)

Mountain Bluebird
Identification

Male Mountain Bluebirds are bright blue with a white under-tail, and lighter coloration on their lower underside. Females are blueish gray with brighter blue on their tail and wings. Both males and females have a light eye ring.

Range

Mountain Bluebirds are a species of Western North America with a wintering range that dips into Mexico, and a summertime range that reaches into the heart of Alaska. They can be found year round in states such as California, Utah, and Nevada, among others.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Mountain Bluebirds are mostly insectivorous and eat a variety of small invertebrates including grasshoppers, caterpillars, and spiders. They will also eat berries and other fruits including those of sumac and mistletoe.

Where to Find This Bird

Mountain Bluebirds can be found in open spaces such as the edges of prairies and fields. They can also be found in higher elevation places such as mountainsides and coniferous woodlands.

Badgerland Birding searches for a female Mountain Bluebird outside of its normal range

Summary

Bluebirds are typically birds that people are happy to see. Knowing more about the species that are expected in your area can be instrumental in finding and identifying them. Hopefully, this article has helped to answer some questions about the bluebirds of Iowa.

If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like and a comment. Also be sure to check out the Badgerland Birding YouTube Channel.

5 Common Backyard Birds to Watch for in Winter

While winter can be a challenging time for people and animals to endure, one major benefit of the season, is that the harsh conditions bring large quantities of wild birds into feeding stations. With food at a premium in the cold and snow, bird feeders end up being bustling meccas for both birds and those that enjoy watching them. In addition to big numbers, a whole new set of species head south in the winter, giving people opportunities to see birds that typically breed in the northern forests or even the arctic. Some of these birds are flashy and noticeably different, while others are a little more innocuous. Here are 5 common backyard birds to watch for in winter.

Purple Finch

Male Purple Finches are one of the most beautiful birds in the Northern Forest. They have a thick bill, brownish wings, and a raspberry-colored wash that makes them look wine stained. They are most colorful on the head and face where they also have brownish markings. Females lack the raspberry coloration of the males and instead sport a white to cream color. They have a very noticeable eye stripe and brown barring on the underside. Purple Finches can be found in some parts of North America year-round such as the northeastern and northwestern United States, southern Canada, and parts of the northern Midwest. In summer, this species breeds in the forests of Southern Canada but it’s in winter when they have the most movement. Purple Finches are part of a group of finches that are known as irruptive. This means that they move based on the availability of food; the less available food, the farther the species will expand. For this reason, Purple Finches sometimes make huge movements southward into states such as Florida and Texas. If you have backyard bird feeders, especially one with sunflower seeds, this species is certainly a possibility to see. They will also eat seeds from trees such as maples, as well as a variety of berries and insects. For that reason, even if you don’t have a bird feeder, it’s worth keeping an eye out for this brightly colored finch species. Do note that Purple Finches have a very similar looking relative, the House Finch. To learn how to differentiate these two species check out the video below.

American Tree Sparrow

American Tree Sparrow

While at first glance American Tree Sparrows look like a typical gray and brown bird, they are actually quite beautiful. They can be identified by their rufous and dark brown striped backs, clean rufous cap, stripe behind the eye, and light gray underside. Some other field marks to note are their white wing bars, light spot on their chest, and bi-colored bill. American Tree Sparrows breed in the northern tundra where few people live, but in winter, they move fairly far south into the continental United States, as far south as Texas. These sparrows can be found in thickets, fields, tree lines, and at bird feeders. Look for them feeding low to the ground in mixed flocks of sparrows where they will stand out because of their reddish-brown colored backs and heads.

Pine Siskin

Pine Siskins are small, energetic finches that like to travel in flocks. They have dark tan backs, light tan undersides streaked with brown, and a noticeable eye stripe. This species also has bright yellow wing feathers, and some individuals show this feature brighter than others. Pine Siskins can be found year-round in many different parts of North America and are extremely nomadic. In winter, they spread out all across the continent from southern Canada, throughout the lower 48 states and into Mexico, meaning even to people in southern states, it’s certainly worth looking out for this species. Pine Siskins are frequent visitors at backyard bird feeders where they prefer seeds such as thistle and black oil sunflower. They will feed with other finch species, most notably American Goldfinches. Look for a bird that looks slightly different than the typical goldfinch and note the Pine Siskin’s streaked underside and bright yellow wing feathers.

Common Redpoll

Common redpolls are compact birds with a face that looks somewhat pushed in. They also sport a stubby bill. These little finches have a tan colored back and wings with a light underside and a red marking on the top of their heads which is where they get their name from. Adult male Common redpolls show a red wash on their underside which female and immature birds don’t show. Much like other species on this list, Common Redpolls are irruptive, and during a good year for them they can travel extremely far south and in extremely large numbers. However, there are other years when this species stays in its northern range of Canada and Alaska. Common Redpolls can be found feeding on seeds of conifers as well as seeds from other trees such as birches and alders. In addition to eating directly from plants, in years when numbers are high, these quick birds visit feeders regularly, creating quite a show for backyard bird watchers. Keep an eye out for a different variety of redpoll known as the Hoary Redpoll mixed in with flocks of Common Redpolls. For tips on how to tell Hoary Redpolls apart from Common Redpolls check out the video below.

Dark Eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Junco

Dark eyed Juncos are considered harbingers of winter as their habit of visiting bird feeders makes their presence known earlier than other migratory winter birds. This species comes in many different color varieties with some being brown bodies and hooded, and others that are dark gray with a white underside. While there are many subspecies of Juncos out there, they all sport the same general shape with a medium sized body and longer tail. All junco subspecies also have white outer tail feathers and a pale bill. Dark-eyed juncos live year-round in parts of the eastern and western U.S. and Canada, but for much of the U.S. and Mexico late fall and winter are the best times to see this species. Dark-eyed Juncos can be found in a wide variety of habitats including fields, along roadsides, wooded areas, and backyards where they are a common site at bird feeders and will often feed along the ground but may also sit up on platforms.

Summary

While winter can feel long in some parts of North America, keeping an eye out for these five interesting winter bird species can make it go by a lot faster. These birds can certainty bring a splash of color and personality to the winter landscape and the best part is, you may never even need to leave your house to see them. Have you seen any of these birds in your yard this winter? Let us know in the comments below and as always thanks for watching, we’ll see you next time, on Badgerland Birding.

Kingfishers of Michigan (1 Species to Know)

Kingfishers are fascinating birds that specialize in catching and eating fish. There are a handful of different kingfisher species in North America, but only one species that can be found in Michigan. Here is everything you need to know about that species.

Belted Kingfisher

Male Belted Kingfisher (Photo by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Southwest Region)
Female Belted Kingfisher (Photo by USFWS Midwest Region)
Identification

Belted Kingfishers are short, compact birds with large pointed bills. Males are grayish blue with a large crest, a white underside, and a grayish blue band across their chest. Females look similar to the males but have rust on their sides and a second band (rust colored) underneath the blue chest band. Both males and females have a white spot near their eye on each side of the head.

Range

Belted Kingfishers winter in Northern South America, Central America, Mexico, and the Southern United States. In spring they migrate north throughout most on the United States, Canada, and Alaska where they spend the summer. Some Belted Kingfishers stay in the Northern United States year round provided there is open water.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Belted Kingfishers are primarily fish-eaters, choosing to eat fish that are on the medium to small side such as sticklebacks and various minnows. They find and catch prey by sitting high on a perch and scanning for fish by sight. Once they spot something they want, they dive in head first and use their bill to grab onto the food item. In addition to fish, Belted Kingfishers will also eat amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, and small mammals.

Where to Find This Bird

Belted Kingfishers can be found near water including rivers, ponds, streams, and lakes. Clear water is most optimal for kingfishers as they need to be able to see prey in order to catch it. Listen for this species rattling call and look for them swooping low as they fly from perch to perch.

Summary

Kingfishers are unique birds that occupy a very specific niche in the ecosystem. With just one species living in Michigan, any encounter with one of these vibrant and energetic birds is sure to be a Belted Kingfisher. Hopefully this post has helped answer some of your questions about the Kingfishers of Michigan.

If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like and a comment. Also be sure to check out the Badgerland Birding YouTube Channel

Orioles of Oregon (4 Species to Know)

Orioles are beautiful birds well known for their bright coloration. There are many different oriole species that live in North America and four of them visit Oregon with one being very common and the others being very rare. Here is everything you need to know about these four species.

Baltimore Oriole (Rare)

Male Baltimore Oriole – Photo by USFWS Midwest Region
Female Baltimore Oriole – Photo by Judith Jackson
Identification

Male Baltimore Orioles have a bright orange chest, underside, tail, and patch on the shoulder. They have black wings with white wing bars and a black hood extending slightly into the upper chest. Females are slightly less colorful with a yellowish orange body and gray wings with white wing bars.

Range

Baltimore Orioles spend the winter in Northern South America, Central America, Southern Mexico and much of Florida. In spring they migrate north and summer throughout the Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Baltimore Orioles eat a variety of foods and their diet varies seasonally. In spring and fall they readily feed on fruit and nectar but during summer they feed primarily on protein rich food items such as insects and other invertebrates. Baltimore Orioles are known to come to bird feeders if jelly or orange slices are placed out and may even come to hummingbird feeders.

It’s worth noting that there is debate over whether or not jelly is good for birds due to the high sugar content.

Where to Find This Bird

Look for Baltimore Orioles high up in deciduous trees. They prefer more open areas such as edge habitat and small groves of trees to thick forests. Also keep an eye out for orioles at bird feeding stations. To attract them, orange slices are often enough to entice them in.

Bullock’s Oriole

Bullock’s Oriole – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification

Adult Male Bullock’s Orioles are a yellowish orange with black markings under the bill to the chin, a black stripe through the eye, and a black stripe on the head. They have black wings with a large white patch on them and black on the tail. Females have orange on the head, chest, and tail with gray wings and a light underside.

Range

Bullock’s Orioles winter throughout most of Mexico, moving north during migration. In summer, this specie scan be found throughout the western half of the United States from Montana, and Colorado, all the way to California and Washington. Bullock’s Orioles can also be found in Southwestern Canada.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Bullock’s Orioles feed on Insects, spiders, nectar, and fruit. They readily forage for insects on trees such as caterpillars and other invertebrates. They have also been known to pierce fruits and flowers with their bills and then drink the juice and nectar that spill out.

Where to Find This Bird

Bullock’s Orioles can be found in thin woodlands near open areas as well as riparian habitats. They often live and nest in tall trees such as cottonwoods.This species is generally found in the more arid parts of the Western United States.

Hooded Oriole (Rare)

Hooded Oriole – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification

Adult male Hooded Orioles are a bright yellowish orange color with black wings, a black tail, and a black patch by their face extending from the base of the bill and eye down to the chin. This species has white on the edges of some of their wing feathers as well as a white wing bar near the shoulder. Females are pale yellow with gray wings and white wing bars.

Range

Hooded Orioles can be found year round in some parts of Mexico including the Eastern side as well as Baja California. Their winter range includes the Western side of Mexico. In spring, this species expands north ending up in many of the Southwestern states including Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and California among others.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Hooded Orioles feed on fruit, nectar, insects, and other invertebrates. They will make appearances to feeding stations with fruit as well as hummingbird feeders.

Where to Find This Bird

Hooded Orioles live in dry habitats with few trees. Some trees to keep an eye out that this species often lives near are cottonwoods, palms, and sycamores. While Hooded Orioles can be found in a handful of southern states, California and Texas are two of the places they are most often reported.

Orchard Oriole (Rare)

Male Orchard Oriole
Female Orchard Oriole – Photo by Andrew Weitzel
Identification

Adult male Orchard Orioles are a deep burnt orange color with a black head, back, wings, and tail. They have white edging on some of their wing feathers. Female Orchard Orioles are yellow with dark gray wings and look vastly different than the adult males.

Range

Orchard Orioles winter in Northern South America, Central America, and Southern Mexico. In spring, they start their migration north with their range expanding into much of the Eastern United States and a small portion of South-central Canada. Some part of the population summers in North-central Mexico.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Orchard Orioles eat many different types of foods including insects, fruit, and nectar. They have been known to dip their heads into flowers, feed at hummingbird feeders, and even priece certain types of flowers to get a meal.

Where to Find This Bird

Orchard Orioles are at home in open areas such as oak savannas, forest edges, and woodlands near prairies. They typically reside in the treetops where it is sometimes easier to hear them than it is to see them. Listen for this species’ melodic song that sounds somewhat similar to an American Robin or Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

Summary

Orioles are bright and exciting birds to see while out birding or while watching your bird feeder. Knowing which species to expect in your region can be incredibly useful in identifying these charismatic birds. Hopefully, this article has helped to answer some of your questions about the orioles of Oregon.

If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like and a comment. Also be sure to check out the Badgerland Birding YouTube Channel

Shrikes of Oregon (2 Species)

Shrikes are unique in that they are predatory songbirds with a hooked bill, and cheery call. Nicknamed “Butcher Birds”, shrikes will hang their prey from thorns or barbed wire fences. There are two species of shrikes that can be found in Oregon, and they both look similar with a few noticeable differences.

Northern Shrike

Northern Shrike
Northern Shrike
Identification

Northern Shrikes look similar to Loggerhead Shrikes, with a gray back, white stomach, black mask, and black and white wings and tail. However, an adult Northern Shrike will have a thinner black mask, and a barred stomach, as opposed to a clean white stomach.

Click here for more information about how to tell Northern Shrikes and Loggerhead Shrikes apart

Range

The Northern Shrike has some year-round range in Alaska, but mostly lives in Northern North America in summer and migrates down to the Northern and Central United States in winter.

Diet and Foraging Behavior

Northern Shrikes feed mostly on insects and small vertebrates, but will sometimes also eat carrion. Although they do not have talons, Shrikes will use different tactics to kill their prey, including driving it into the ground or using their hooked bill. Once dead, Shrikes will sometimes wedge the prey onto a thorn or wire.

Where to Find this Bird

Northern Shrikes are almost exclusively found in Indiana in winter. They can be found in edge habitat with open landscape nearby, and ample perches, whether manmade or natural.

Watch us search for a Northern Shrike in winter

Loggerhead Shrike

Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike
Identification

The Loggerhead Shrike is a gray bird with a thick, black mask, hooked black bill, gray body, clean white stomach, black and white wings, and black tail feathers. They look similar to the Northern Shrikes, but adults will have a thicker black mask and a clean white stomach, as opposed to the barred stomach of the Northern Shrike. Loggerhead Shrikes also have a more head-heavy appearance.

Watch us search for and find a Loggerhead Shrike in Texas
Range

Loggerhead Shrikes can be found year-round in many parts of Southern North America, and move further north in their breeding season, going as far as parts of Southern Canada. During their nonbreeding season, some individuals may expand further south into areas where they are not normally found year-round.

Diet and Foraging Behavior

Loggerhead Shrikes feed mostly on insects, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and birds, but they will also eat organisms that are already dead such as roadkill.

Where to Find this Bird

Look for Loggerhead Shrikes in open areas that also have isolated perching structures such as low trees, shrubs, or fences.

Listen to the Loggerhead Shrike Call – Jonathan Jongsma (CC by 3.0)
A juvenile Loggerhead Shrike (Bill Grossmeyer photo)

Which of these species have you seen? Leave a comment below and thanks for reading!

Nightjars of Michigan (3 Species to Know)

Nightjars are very interesting birds that are characterized by their superb camouflage and nocturnal lifestyle. Many of these species are familiar due to the sounds they make at night rather than what they look like, and play an important role in the symphony of nighttime sounds that people hear.

In Michigan, there are three nightjar species that can be found in the state. Knowing what these species look like, sound like, and some of their habits can be instrumental in knowing which one you have encountered.

Chuck-will’s-widow (Rare)

Chuck-will’s-widow – Photo by Susan Young
Identification

Chuck-will’s-widows are camouflaged to look just like a tree branch with a base gray to brown color with darker and lighter patches of color mixed in. They have a short, flat, appearance with large eyes and a small bill. Males have light bands of color on their tail that are visible in flight.

Range

Chuck-will’s-widows are classic southern bird species that spend their summers in the Southeastern United States and can be found year-round in Southern Florida. Chuck-will’s-widows migrate south for the winter, residing in Eastern Mexico, Central America, Cuba, and Northeastern South America.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Chuck-will’s-widows are nocturnal hunters that feed primarily on insects, but have also been known to eat small birds and bats.

Where to Find This Bird

Chuck-will’s-widows can be found in scrubby or forested areas across there normal range. They are best found by listening for their call which sounds like they are saying their own name: “Chuck-will’s-widow.”

Common Nighthawk

Common Nighthawk – Photo by USFWS Mountain-Prairie
Identification

Common Nighthawks are compact looking birds with brown, gray, and tan mottled patterning on their back, head, and wings. They have brown stripes on their lighter colored underside, large eyes, and a small bill. Some characteristic markings of Common Nighthawks are white on the wings and under the chin.

Range

Common Nighthawks winter in South America and migrate north in spring. They are widespread across the United States and Canada but do not usually go as far north as Alaska. This species also summers in Western Mexico and lives year-round in Cuba and the surrounding islands.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Common Nighthawks feed on flying insects which they catch out of the air. They often feed near streetlights and other sources of light during the night that are attractors for insects. This species also feeds during the later parts of the daytime as well as the night.

Where to Find This Bird

Common Nighthawks can be found most easily by watching for them during migration when they can sometimes be seen in large numbers flying over during the late afternoon and early evening. Other ways to see these birds are to look out for them near large lights such as street lights and stadiums where they will be looking to feed on insects that are attracted to the lights. Even if it’s dark out, listen for the sharp “beer” call of these birds to know that they are around.

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Eastern Whip-poor-will – Photo by Susan Young
Identification

Eastern Whip-poor-wills are a base brown color with lighter tan, gray, and darker brown mottling, making this species look like a log or tree branch. They have darker barring on a light underside, large eyes, and a small somewhat downturned bill.

Range

Eastern Whip-poor-wills winter in Central America, Eastern Mexico, and the Gulf Coast of the United States. In spring, they move north to their breeding areas in most of the Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada. There are some parts of the Eastern United States that Eastern Whip-poor-wills migrate through but do not spend the summer in.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Eastern Whip-poor-wills feed on insects. They will leave their perches to catch moths, beetles, and other flying insects out of the air and then return to the same perch. Since this species has a surprisingly large mouth, they can eat insects that are fairly sizable.

Where to Find This Bird

Eastern Whip-poor-wills can be found in forests close to more open areas such as fields. The best way to find them is to go out at night and listen for their namesake “whip-poor-will” call.

Summary

Nightjars are enigmatic and mysterious birds that aren’t often seen due to their nocturnal nature. Knowing the species that are expected in your state can be instrumental in identifying which one you are looking at or hearing. Hopefully, this article has helped in answering some questions about the nightjars of Michigan.

If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like and a comment. Also be sure to check out the Badgerland Birding YouTube Channel.

Jays of Minnesota (2 Species to Know)

Jays are intelligent and charismatic birds that are beloved by many birders and feeder watchers. There are two types of jays that can be found in Minnesota with one being abundant, and the other being fairly rare. Here is everything you need to know about these two species.

Blue Jay

Blue Jay
Identification

Blue Jays are an extremely distinctive species with sky blue on the head, back, wings, and tail. They have a light gray underside and a gray to white face. Blue Jays also have black markings on their wings and tail, as well as a black marking going from the back of the neck to the front of the chest. Blue Jays have a crest on their head that sometimes sticks up quite noticeably, and other times lays down flat. Something interesting about this species is that their markings differ slightly from individual to individual, meaning that each bird is subtly unique looking.

Range

Blue Jays live year round in the Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada. They also inhabit parts of Western Canada. In winter, Blue Jays move south and west with a higher concentration of Blue Jays in the continental United States than in the other seasons and some making it as far west as Washington and Oregon.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Blue Jays primarily eat insects and nuts, but will also eat eggs and nestlings of other birds in addition to small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Where to Find This Bird

Blue Jays live in a wide variety of habitats including forests and backyards. They are especially fond of oak forests as acorns are a staple food item for the species. One of the best ways to see a Blue Jay is to put large nuts such as peanuts out in your yard. Then wait to hear the distinctive calls of Blue Jays that will appear to grab a nut and then quickly fly off.

Canada Jay

Canada Jay
Identification

Canada jays (formerly known as Gray Jays) are fairly large birds with a dark gray back, wings, tail, and back of the head. They have a light gray underside and white on their face, forehead, and neck. Juvenile Canada jays are dark gray overall and look significantly different than adults.

Range

Canada Jays are birds of North Americas boreal forests, living in much of Central Canada, the Western Mountains of the United States, and some of the states bordering Canada in the Midwest and Northeast. This species is nonmigratory.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Canada Jays are ultimate omnivores, eating berries, carrion, insects, and even some types of fungi. They are known to take leftover food from humans, earning them the nickname camp robber. They also have been documented eating food soaked in alcohol and consequentially becoming intoxicated, earning them another nickname: Whiskey Jack.

Where to Find This Bird

Canada jays are at home in boreal forests as well as subalpine forests. Depending on the time of the year they can be reclusive while other times they seek out humans in hopes of getting a free meal.

In Minnesota, Canada Jays reside in the northern forests of the state yet due to low numbers coupled with the vast expanse of boreal forest in the region, they can be extremely difficult to find. The best way to encounter a Canada Jay is to drive the forest roads and hope to catch a glimpse of one.

Summary

Jays are unique birds that can be very fun to see in the wild as their cunning personalities can lead to some entertaining experiences. Knowing the habits, range, and key identification features of each of these species can be incredibly useful in knowing what to look for in the field.

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Kingfishers of Oregon (1 Species to Know)

Kingfishers are fascinating birds that specialize in catching and eating fish. There are a handful of different kingfisher species in North America, but only one species that can be found in Oregon. Here is everything you need to know about that species.

Belted Kingfisher

Male Belted Kingfisher (Photo by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Southwest Region)
Female Belted Kingfisher (Photo by USFWS Midwest Region)
Identification

Belted Kingfishers are short, compact birds with large pointed bills. Males are grayish blue with a large crest, a white underside, and a grayish blue band across their chest. Females look similar to the males but have rust on their sides and a second band (rust colored) underneath the blue chest band. Both males and females have a white spot near their eye on each side of the head.

Range

Belted Kingfishers winter in Northern South America, Central America, Mexico, and the Southern United States. In spring they migrate north throughout most on the United States, Canada, and Alaska where they spend the summer. Some Belted Kingfishers stay in the Northern United States year round provided there is open water.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Belted Kingfishers are primarily fish-eaters, choosing to eat fish that are on the medium to small side such as sticklebacks and various minnows. They find and catch prey by sitting high on a perch and scanning for fish by sight. Once they spot something they want, they dive in head first and use their bill to grab onto the food item. In addition to fish, Belted Kingfishers will also eat amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, and small mammals.

Where to Find This Bird

Belted Kingfishers can be found near water including rivers, ponds, streams, and lakes. Clear water is most optimal for kingfishers as they need to be able to see prey in order to catch it. Listen for this species rattling call and look for them swooping low as they fly from perch to perch.

Summary

Kingfishers are unique birds that occupy a very specific niche in the ecosystem. With just one species living in Oregon, any encounter with one of these vibrant and energetic birds is sure to be a Belted Kingfisher. Hopefully this post has helped answer some of your questions about the Kingfishers of Oregon.

If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like and a comment. Also be sure to check out the Badgerland Birding YouTube Channel