This is the time of year that I fully understand the value of basking. Lying on the ground, cushioned by the newly growing grass, the kiss of the sun on my winter skin is deep and satisfying. I can feel my muscles relax and my mind wander. When I close my eyes, the season truly transforms. ...

Each spring many readers ask how to use nest boxes to attract eastern bluebirds, tufted titmice, Carolina and black-capped chickadees, and house and Carolina wrens. Many readers specifically ask how long the process will actually take. Here’s a specific example from a year ago. In March ...

Springtime in the forests of Western New York is a time of gentle rebirth and renewal, so welcome and wondrous after the long gray months of winter dormancy, darkness and cold. In the world of plants in our region’s watersheds, vernal awakening is cued most reliably by the shortening of ...

The time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve claims the title of “The Holiday Season.” However, I could make a case for spring as a strong runner up. I sit here both tired and energized from Volunteer Day, Audubon’s Earth Day celebration. After a morning of hard work on the nature ...

If you’re looking for a good book, here are a few titles I’ve had a chance to review and enjoy recently. Kenn Kaufman has been obsessed with birds since he dropped out of high school and hitchhiked across the country pursuing his passion. He recounted that year in Kingbird Highway ...

What is your yard care personality type? Are you a Naturalist? A Perfectionist? A Moderate? No matter your type, there is a way to incorporate watershed-friendly practices into your routine and still maintain a yard that you can be proud of! Why is it important to use ...