Val Cunningham

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Latest from Val Cunningham

Home & Garden

Do hummingbirds have a gratitude gene?

Reader wonders if they were witnessing a farewell lap.
November 14, 2024
A hummingbird flies up to a feeder as another departs.
The Latest

Robins get a ‘jump’ on invasive worms

Also: Reader questions about suburban swans, nectar thieves and “blue vultures.”
October 31, 2024
An American robin stands on a grassy area, facing the camera.
Home & Garden

‘Potato chip bird’ eats only seeds

The fall season is nirvana for these peppy little birds.
October 17, 2024
A male American goldfinch perches on an orange flower head to gather seeds.
Home & Garden

Why do some birds spend the winter in Minnesota?

While many birds head south, even as far as South America, some birds stick around, and some northern birds move in to replace our "summer" birds.
October 3, 2024
A barn swallow flies over water.
Home & Garden

Danger lurks for young birds as hawk snags unwary flicker from nest

Broad-wings more often focus on catching rodents.
September 12, 2024
Two juvenile flickers with beaks open peep out of a hole in a tree, with their parent perched outside.
Home & Garden

This bird has one of the prettiest and longest songs, with a catchy way to remember it.

Unusual mnemonic device used to recognize its call, one of the longest bird songs.
September 5, 2024
A warbling vireo sings while perched on a branch.
Home & Garden

Exotic pet birds are winding up out in nature where they don’t belong

Budgies have a population problem after some pandemic pet purchases were later regretted. Do your research before buying these birds, which are fairly high-maintenance.
August 22, 2024
Home & Garden

Ducklings starting life on a second-story deck

No need to fret: They usually can survive a drop to the ground.
August 8, 2024
Mallard ducklings and a mother duck with broken egg shells in the foreground.
Home & Garden

Danger lurks for young birds as hawk snags unwary flicker from nest

Broad-wings more often focus on catching rodents.
September 12, 2024
Two juvenile flickers with beaks open peep out of a hole in a tree, with their parent perched outside.
Home & Garden

This bird has one of the prettiest and longest songs, with a catchy way to remember it.

Unusual mnemonic device used to recognize its call, one of the longest bird songs.
September 5, 2024
A warbling vireo sings while perched on a branch.
Home & Garden

Exotic pet birds are winding up out in nature where they don’t belong

Budgies have a population problem after some pandemic pet purchases were later regretted. Do your research before buying these birds, which are fairly high-maintenance.
August 22, 2024
Home & Garden

Ducklings starting life on a second-story deck

No need to fret: They usually can survive a drop to the ground.
August 8, 2024
Mallard ducklings and a mother duck with broken egg shells in the foreground.
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