How do animals survive winter? In winter, many animals enter a state of dormancy to survive, but not all forms of inactivity are the same. True hibernators reduce their metabolism, slow their heart rate, and drastically lower their body temperature. They enter a very deep sleep that is only occasionally interrupted to meet essential body […]
Cottontails avoid predators in many ways, but camouflage is their best defense. The Eastern cottontail is the most common cottontail rabbit found in the United States and the only type found in Wisconsin. They are common in urban and residential areas and will stick around year-round. While it is not uncommon to spot a cottontail […]
Northern cardinals are among the most recognizable birds in America. This striking year-round resident is a familiar backyard bird, known for its style, highlighted by a prominent crest and a large, thick bill. Male cardinals are bright red with black masks and red bills, while females and juveniles are more subdued, showing pale brown plumage […]
With all of the recent snow, it’s the perfect time to spot animal tracks! When fresh snow settles on the ground, it becomes a natural canvas that reveals the activity of animals moving through it. Identifying tracks begins with noticing the overall pattern before focusing on the finer details. Size, shape, claw marks, tail drags, […]
Have you seen any little red dragonflies around lately? You’ll probably only spot one type this late in the season: the autumn meadowhawk. These dragonflies begin life as aquatic naiads in spring, hatching from eggs laid in the water. By July, they finally emerge as adults, which is much later than most other dragonfly species. […]
Dark-eyed juncos are back in Southern Wisconsin! This small, round bird is one of the most common winter visitors in North America and displays different physical characteristics across the continent. In Wisconsin, you’ll most likely encounter the slate-colored junco during winter. These dark-eyed birds have a pink bill, white belly, and slate-gray to charcoal-colored chest, […]
Cedar Waxwings in the juniper tree! Flocks of Cedar Waxwings recently took a pit stop in our juniper tree! These beautiful birds are easy to recognize by their sleek gray-to-brown plumage, pointed crest, and bandit-like mask. They also have colorful features that make them easy to identify: their bellies are pale yellow, and the tips […]
