The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate our country's independence and freedom. And what better way to do that than by celebrating one of our most iconic symbols: the bald eagle. The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States, and it's a powerful symbol of freedom and strength. These majestic birds are found in North America, and they can live for up to 30 years. Bald eagles are carnivores, and they eat fish, small mammals, and birds. They build their nests in tall trees, and they often lay two eggs per year. Bald eagles are [...]

The Gray Heron is a common sight in Southwest Ohio, especially near water. These large birds are known for their long necks and legs, and their grayish-blue plumage. Gray Herons are carnivores, and they feed on a variety of small animals, including fish, frogs, and insects. Gray Herons are found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, lakes, rivers, and even backyards. They are relatively easy to spot, as they often stand still in the water, waiting for prey to approach. When they see something they want to eat, they will quickly plunge their head underwater and grab their [...]

Southwest Ohio is a great place to see warblers. The region's diverse habitats, including forests, woodlands, and meadows, provide a home for a variety of these beautiful birds. Warblers are small, songbirds that are known for their bright plumage and melodious songs. They are found in North America, South America, and Europe. Warblers typically eat insects, and they build their nests in trees or shrubs. There are over 50 species of warblers that can be found in North America. Some of the most common warblers in southwest Ohio include: Black-throated blue warbler Yellow warbler Chestnut-sided warbler Prothonotary warbler Northern [...]

Swallows are a common sight in southwest Ohio, especially in the spring and summer. These birds are known for their graceful flight and their ability to catch insects in midair. Swallows are also beneficial to humans, as they help to control insect populations. There are several different species of swallows that can be found in southwest Ohio. The most common species are the barn swallow, the cliff swallow, and the tree swallow. Barn swallows are the largest of the three species, and they are often seen nesting under eaves and in other sheltered areas. Cliff swallows are smaller than [...]

The American Robin is a common and familiar bird in southwest Ohio. It is a member of the thrush family, Turdidae, and is known for its bright red breast and melodious song. Robins are about 10 inches long and weigh about 1/2 ounce. They have a long, slender bill and a short tail. Their plumage is brown above and white below, with a distinctive red breast. Robins are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, parks, and gardens. They are omnivorous and eat a variety of insects, worms, fruits, and berries. Robins are a symbol of spring in [...]

Orioles are a family of passerine birds that are found in North and South America. They are known for their bright orange and black plumage, and their distinctive songs. There are 12 species of orioles in North America, and one of them, the Baltimore oriole, is found in southwest Ohio. Baltimore orioles are medium-sized birds, about 7-8 inches long. They have a long, slender bill and a long tail. The male Baltimore oriole is bright orange and black, with a black head and throat, and an orange breast and belly. The female is duller, with a yellow-green body and a [...]

Hawks are a diverse group of birds that play an important role in the ecosystem. They are predators, and they help to control populations of other animals, such as rodents and small mammals. Hawks are also important for pollination and seed dispersal. There are many different species of hawks that can be found in southwest Ohio. Some of the most common species include: Red-tailed hawk Broad-winged hawk Sharp-shinned hawk Cooper's hawk Northern harrier Swainson's hawk Red-shouldered hawk American kestrel Merlin Peregrine falcon These hawks can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and urban areas. They [...]

Grackles are a common sight in southwest Ohio, where they can be found in a variety of habitats, including farm fields, parks, and urban areas. These blackbirds are known for their loud calls and their habit of gathering in large flocks. Common grackles are about the size of a crow, with long, slender bodies and long, pointed tails. They are black overall, with iridescent blue and green sheen on the males. Females are slightly duller than males. Grackles have a long, thick bill that curves slightly downward. Grackles are omnivores, and their diet consists of a variety of seeds, [...]

The American Goldfinch is a small, brightly colored songbird that is common in North America. It is found in a variety of habitats, including open fields, meadows, and woodlands. Goldfinches are known for their beautiful yellow and black plumage, which they molt into a duller brown and white in the winter. Goldfinches are an important part of the ecosystem. They eat a variety of seeds, including sunflower seeds, thistle seeds, and dandelion seeds. They also help to pollinate flowers. Goldfinches are a popular bird with birdwatchers, and they can be seen flitting about in backyards and parks. Goldfinches are [...]

Chickadees are a common sight in southwest Ohio, and for good reason. These small, friendly birds are a joy to watch, and they bring a touch of nature to even the most urbanized landscapes. There are two species of chickadees that can be found in southwest Ohio: the black-capped chickadee and the Carolina chickadee. Both species are about the same size, with a length of 4.7 to 5.9 inches and a weight of 0.3 to 0.5 ounces. They are also both black and white, with a black cap and bib, a white face, and a grayish-brown back. However, there [...]

The cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is the state bird of Ohio. It is a familiar sight in backyards and parks throughout the state, and its bright red color makes it a popular bird for birdwatchers. Cardinals are year-round residents of Ohio, and they can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forests, and even urban areas. Cardinals are about 8 inches long and weigh about 1.5 ounces. The male cardinal is bright red with black facial markings, while the female is a duller brown with red accents. Both sexes have a crest on their heads and a red [...]

Bluebirds are a familiar sight in Ohio, and they are especially common in the southwest part of the state. Eastern bluebirds are the most common species of bluebird in Ohio, and they can be found in a variety of habitats, including open fields, meadows, and woodlands. Bluebirds are attracted to open areas with plenty of sunlight, as this is where they find their food. They eat insects such as beetles, wasps, and grasshoppers, which they catch in flight. Bluebirds also eat berries and other fruits in the winter. Bluebirds are cavity nesters, which means they build their nests in [...]