Ruby-throated Hummingbirds return to the same area from one year to the next, so unless something terrible happens to your hummers, the population should remain stable from year to year.

One possibility is that last year's horrific hurricane season could have killed large numbers of migratory birds, including hummingbirds. But it would be difficult to confirm such an occurrence because there's seldom evidence of the loss of tiny birds. A more likely explanation is that... Read On

The Raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a native mammal, measuring about 3-ft. long, including its 12-inch, bushy, ringed tail. Because their hind legs are longer than the front legs, Raccoons have a hunched appearance when they walk or run. Each of their front feet has five dexterous toes, allowing Raccoons to grasp and manipulate food and other items. (Young Raccoons by SuperStock)

Because Raccoons manipulate and moisten food items in water, there is a misconception that Raccoons “wash” their food before eating it. However, when water is not available, Raccoons use many of the same motions in handling food.

They prefer forest areas near a stream or water source, but have adapted to various environments throughout Washington. Raccoon populations can get quite large in urban areas, owing to hunting and trapping restrictions, few predators, and human- supplied... Read On

The study, the most thorough analysis of global bird species, says 12 percent of existing species-- about 1,250--are threatened with extinction by 2100. Up until now, scientists had documented the extinction of about 130 bird species since the year 1500. But the study's authors--from Stanford University, Duke University and the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis --say the more accurate estimate is about 500 extinctions out of more than 10,000 known bird species. That would be about one extinction per year over the last 500 years. And that rate is 100 times higher than what was considered natural before human influence, the study said.

Over time, humans have cleared land for agriculture and other uses. They've hunted birds for food and sport. And they introduced other dangers, such as non-native birds, rats, snakes and diseases. Predictions of increased extinctions over the next century are based on these continuing threats as well as anticipated habitat loss linked to global warming.

Scientists say the decline... Read On

For more nature photographs, see the
Gallery on WindStar's web site and Nature's Best Photographs Album in the American Wildlife Blog.

BARBARA JONES, Tabernacle, NJ says Blue Jay youngsters may be lazy, but they’re not dumb. She says they are suffering a Gypsy Moth infestation this year, one of the worst in memory. Earlier today she saw, out of the corner of her eye, a Blue Jay that seemed to be hawking insects like a flycatcher. But the Blue Jay was checking out the contents of the moth trap. (Blue Jay by James Ownby)Read more about this intelligent bird in the American Wildlife Blog

CATHY GILLELAND, Finksbury, MD says recently she looked out the window at 1 a.m. and the trees and shrubs were ablaze with fireflies. They flashed as beautifully as any of the sparklers being sold in tents around town for the 4th, a free show that goes on for hours every night. Enjoying the spectacle made her think about how lucky she is to have the opportunity to see fireflies on warm summer nights. In so many places, they are now just a memory of childhood... Read On

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