August 2018

Publications
Watching Backyard Birds

The cover of the July/August issue of Watching Backyard Birds features a greater roadrunner, which can be a backyard visitor in the Southwest. Read about an Oklahoma family that came to the rescue after storms destroyed a roadrunner nest—with nestlings. Hummingbirds also feature prominently in this issue, with two stories by Bill Thompson, III, including all you need to know about nectar feeders, and the fascinating life history of these flying gems. Julie Zickefoose reminds us to appreciate the riches of our local birds, including the spectacular blue jay, and Linda Gerding shares the joy she found watching the young green herons that nested in her backyard pond.

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Issue Features

Species Profile: Greater Roadrunner: Roadrunner Summer by Mary M. Merrifield

Watcher at the Window: Everyday Riches by Julie Zickefoose

Readers Write: Mein Heron by Linda Gerding

My Backyard: Being Bird Friendly by Dr. Dan Scheiman

All About Hummingbirds by Bill Thompson, III

Flowers and Vines That Provide Nectar for Hummingbirds

Hummingbird Feeders 101 by Bill Thompson, III

Ask Birdsquatch

Short Stories from Al by Al Batt

Oklahoman Mary M. Merrifield was surprised to see roadrunners in her yard, and was alarmed to find their nest battered after a fierce storm. Two families—one human and one avian—come together in this tale of compassion and cooperation. Photo by Drumguy8800 / Wikimedia.

Departments

Editor's Note: Your Garden: Let It Be

Bird Bites: Deceptive Flowers for Hummingbirds. Also: Use Only Sugar for Hummingbird Nectar.

Horticulturalists typically breed flowers to be showy and colorful—characteristics hummingbirds find attractive. But such flowers aren’t necessarily good food sources for hummingbirds. Begonias and tea roses, for example, don’t produce nectar. Better choices that attract and feed hummingbirds include fuchsia, salvia, and lobelia. Photo by David Stang / Wikimedia.