The Fledgling Stage

On a family vacation this summer, we were out for an evening stroll when my husband saw a baby bird hopping along the sidewalk. The bird looked to be in rough shape, at least to our untrained eyes. Its brown feathers were ragged and patchy, its movements clumsy and...

Nature’s Balance

I’ve always been a bit obsessed with birds. When I was growing up, I loved teaching our pet cockatiels to say, “Pretty bird! Want a kiss?” As a newlywed living in Boston, I convinced my husband we should keep two zebra finches in our small condo. They were messy...

March to March

Yesterday, the Ides of March, was a dreary, cold day, the type that reminds any Midwesterner why it’s foolish to stow away the snow shovel prematurely. As I took our dog for a walk, Lake Michigan roared in the distance and the sun hid behind a cloak of clouds....

The Blue Jay

I am a nerd for birds. Though I can’t claim much official birding knowledge, I purchased a backyard feeder a few years ago and have learned some of the patterns of the feathered beauties who swoop in for a snack. The tiny chickadees are the most numerous, visiting frequently...