Critter Tales

February is for counting birds!

February is for counting birds!

By Buckmasters Online

It’s time to get ready for the 2022 Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) Feb. 18 through Feb. 21—a fun and free way to spend the late days of winter and become a citizen scientist. Most importantly, it’s a way for novice and experienced birdwatchers to help scientists get a real-time snapshot of bird populations across the world from... READ MORE

Migration music: Owls pipe up while sparrows steal the show

Migration music: Owls pipe up while sparrows steal the show

By Buckmasters Online

If it’s fall, it’s time for some sky watching and migration reports. Throughout the Mississippi Flyway, the massive bird highway in the sky that stretches from the southern reaches of the Gulf of Mexico to the chilled Canadian territory of Nunavut, thousands of migratory birds are moving. While hunters have an eye to the ground and wat... READ MORE

The fascinating dragonfly—speed, beauty and agility

The fascinating dragonfly—speed, beauty and agility

By Buckmasters Online

In mid- to late summer, we often marvel at the dragonfly stunt pilots we find near bodies of fresh water. They’re beautiful, entertaining and intriguing. “People are fascinated with finding dragonflies and damselflies,” says David True, refuge ranger at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas. “It’s is a growing thin... READ MORE

Are you ready for the BIG Buzz?

Are you ready for the BIG Buzz?

By Buckmasters Online

The cicadas are coming! The cicadas are coming! Photo: Brood X, a 17-year periodical cicada is due to emerge by the millions. Sometime between early May and early July 2021, large areas of the Eastern United States will be filled with the buzz-hum of billions, and estimated trillions, of periodical cicadas. Yes, those numbers are correct. Brood X ... READ MORE

Is your birdfeeder a super spreader?

Is your birdfeeder a super spreader?

By Buckmasters Online

Prevent bird diseases and save bird lives by frequently cleaning your feeders. Photo: Clean nectar feeders each time you refill them to keep hummingbirds healthy. This spring, take the time to clean your bird feeders to prevent the spread of avian diseases among your feathered friends.  Karen Rowe, nongame migratory bird program coordinator f... READ MORE

The other 364 days: Real lives of reindeer

The other 364 days: Real lives of reindeer

By U.S. Geological Survey

Caribou, North America’s wild reindeer, have lives apart from their famous Christmas Eve role. Photo: Early in winter a mama caribou teaches her calf how to dig for lichen. In early winter, snow is a few inches deep, but later will be three feet deep, and probably up to the calf’s belly. To learn how the Arctic antler-bearers spend... READ MORE

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