Ask a Master Gardener: Why attract birds to your garden

One of the great joys and challenges of gardening is seeing creatures inhabit and eat from our gardens. However, in some cases, animals and insects are unwelcome visitors.

Bobolinks, Savannah sparrows and eastern meadowlarks enrich our summers with their songs, but their populations have suffered dramatic, long-term declines due to the loss of their grassland habitat.

Nature enthusiasts of all ages are invited to take part in a beginner’s bird walk through Wright Park, a segment of the Trail Around Middlebury.

Bobolinks, Savannah sparrows and eastern meadowlarks enrich our summers with their songs, but their populations have suffered dramatic, long-term declines due to the loss of their grassland habitat.

Mount Independence State Historic Site in Orwell will host an “Early Bird Nature Walk” on Saturday, May 20, from 8-11 a.m.

In the middle of a March snowstorm, a lot of people put a lot of effort into saving the life of one mourning dove.

Cold weather has arrived, and bird-feeding season as well. According to Doug Morin, Vermont Fish & Wildlife’s bird project leader, winter bird feeding is a good way to attract a variety of birds, including purple finches, Evening Grosbeaks, and the perenn … (read more)

Bobolinks, Savannah sparrows and eastern meadowlarks enrich our summers with their songs, but some of these species are in decline due to the loss of appropriate grassland habitat.

Nature enthusiasts of all ages are invited to take part in a beginner’s bird walk through Wright Park, a segment of the Trail Around Middlebury, on Saturday, June 18, from 9 to 11 a.m.

Mount Independence State Historic Site will be the site of an “Early Bird Nature Walk” on Saturday, May 28, from 8-11 a.m. Bird expert Sue Wetmore of Brandon, will introduce participants to the birds of spring and spring migration.

Statistics show that 73% of older adults develop a weird fascination with birds.

In December 37 field birders and 23 observers at feeders identified 18,290 birds of 72 species during the Middlebury Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 19.

This may be a particularly good winter for attracting winter birds arriving from Canada, including Evening Grosbeaks and Purple Finches.

MONTPELIER — The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department recommends Vermonters wait to put up bird feeders until Dec. 1 to avoid attracting bears.  Doug Morin, Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s bird project leader said, “This may be a particularly good winter for … (read more)

ADDISON COUNTY — Every year dozens of birders head into the fields and woods of Addison County, while dozens more bird enthusiasts watch at their birdfeeders in December to spot and identify the number and variety of bird species in the region. The Christ … (read more)