The list of June bird happenings can go on and on.
Currently, we continue to see broods of small wood duck ducklings with their mothers. American robins are nesting for the second time. House wren and Baltimore oriole parents are feeding young nestlings. Indigo buntings and rose-breasted grosbeaks are delighting us with their presence at our feeding stations.
In addition, ring-necked pheasants, mourning doves, song sparrows and red-eyed vireos are enchanting us with their vocalizations.
Some enthusiasts call their engaging interest birding; others say "bird-watching." Either way, the observing of birds is a worthwhile activity that helps keep people in touch with some of the living things that share Earth with us.
My wife, Sandy, and I enjoy having a wildlife feeding station in our yard and watching the actions of more that two dozen bird species in a year's time. Yes, eastern chipmunks and all squirrels also are welcome. I also take a couple of bird guidebooks and binoculars on jaunts throughout Minnesota, the United States and beyond. Any vacation or outing away from home becomes more interesting if you can add the extra dimension of bird-watching.
Jim Gilbert's Nature Notes are heard on WCCO Radio at 7:15 a.m. Sundays. His observations have been part of the Minnesota Weatherguide Environment Calendars since 1977, and he is the author of five books on nature in Minnesota. He taught and worked as a naturalist for 50 years.
