MIKE JACOBS
ALWAYS IN SEASON: Why do most birds form flocks?
Flocks offer birds significant benefits, much the same as cities offer humans. In human society, we call this economics. For birds, it’s a matter of survival.
By Mike Jacobs , August 29, 2010
Hawks gain abundance as summer wanes
Cooper’s hawks have become regular nesters here. This is part of a trend that’s been reported across the Plains states. Raptors have moved to town.
By Mike Jacobs , August 15, 2010
ALWAYS IN SEASON: Cliff swallows may be our most abundant birds
Abundance of specific species of birds depends on the season of the year and conditions in nature, such as shelter, food sources and water levels.
By Mike Jacobs , July 17, 2010
ALWAYS IN SEASON: The first birds in the field guide
In North American field guides, loons and grebes share pride of place, at the front of the book. The birds are closely related. That’s why they share space.
By Mike Jacobs , July 04, 2010
ALWAYS IN SEASON: Humans alter habitat, which affects birds
When people tell me they aren’t seeing birds, I ask whether there’s been any change in the environment, a hedge removed, for example, a grassy area mowed, a tree cut down. Shelter is important for birds. It offers concealment.
By Mike Jacobs , June 13, 2010
ALWAYS IN SEASON: Yellowthroats enliven the region’s wet meadows
The yellowthroat is only one species that finds Chambers Creeks amenable.
The yellowthroat is a kind of warbler. This explains its relatively late arrival in the Red River Valley. As a group warblers — with a couple of exceptions — are late migrants.
By Mike Jacobs , May 23, 2010
ALWAYS IN SEASON: Sparrows brighten a wet and windy week
For me, the bird of the week must be the Harris sparrow, a big, boldly marked sparrow that is an early May migrant here. Harris’ sparrows are easily recognized by the black feathers on the neck and head. Some observers have said these resemble the cowl of a monk’s habit. This is an evocative and somewhat fanciful description.
By Mike Jacobs , May 09, 2010
ALWAYS IN SEASON: Behold, the bird sounds of spring
Birds make noise in a variety of ways. Certainly, singing is one of these, and spring is the season to appreciate bird song. This week I’ve been hearing bird noises. Not bird songs. Not bird calls. Bird noises. Birds make noise in a variety of ways. Certainly, singing is one of these, and spring is the season to appreciate bird song.By Mike Jacobs , April 12, 2010
ALWAYS IN SEASON: Behold, the bird sounds of spring
Birds make noise in a variety of ways. Certainly, singing is one of these, and spring is the season to appreciate bird song.
By Mike Jacobs , April 11, 2010
ALWAYS IN SEASON: Migration proceeds in fits and starts
April proceeds by fits and starts, but it always proceeds. Nearly every day brings something new, and some days bring surprises. But every day brings the natural world closer to real spring.
By Mike Jacobs , April 04, 2010
Pilieated woodpecker: Remarkable bird from a remarkable family
The pileated woodpecker is the largest, by far, of the six woodpecker species that occur here regularly, nearly the size of a crow. Woodpeckers are remarkable birds, and in our area none is more remarkable than the pileated woodpecker. This is the largest, by far, of the six woodpecker species that occur here regularly, nearly the size of a crow.By Mike Jacobs , March 22, 2010
Pilieated woodpecker: Remarkable bird from a remarkable family
The pileated woodpecker is the largest, by far, of the six woodpecker species that occur here regularly, nearly the size of a crow.
By Mike Jacobs , March 21, 2010
Crows predict spring, prompt speculation
Crows are pretty gregarious during the winter, often occurring in quite large flocks. I’ve seen 50 or more at a time in Grand Forks and at leasat half as many along roads in rural Grand Forks County.
By Mike Jacobs , February 27, 2010
ALWAYS IN SEASON: Birds of open country face winter survival challenge
Last week’s storm made conditions worse for wild birds — not Blizzard Brett, but the ice that came earlier, while Brett was only a winter storm.
Most birds are well adapted to wind and cold. It’s snow that poses the greater threat. Especially snow that doesn’t move around.
By Mike Jacobs , January 31, 2010
ALWAYS IN SEASON: Snowy owls make their appearance in the area
Nature is a better reporter than prognosticator, and it’s wrong to think of snowy owls as a sign of things to come. But it’s easy to understand how this bit of folklore developed. Snowy owls have been scarce all season — until last week, when I received reports of seven different sightings, all in Grand Forks County. And I saw a snowy owl myself, my first owl of the winter.
By Mike Jacobs , January 24, 2010
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