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Urban and Backyard Wildlife

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Publications

Publication Number: P2402
Publication Number: P3044

News

Mourning Dove on a branch.
Mourning dove sings one of the most recognizable songs. (Photo from Getty Images)
June 6, 2023 - Filed Under: Urban and Backyard Wildlife

“Coo-OO-oo-woo!” With their rather sorrowful call, the mourning dove sings one of the most recognizable songs.

A house sparrow.
House sparrows prefer more developed urban locations over rural areas. (Photo by Canva Pro)
May 5, 2023 - Filed Under: Urban and Backyard Wildlife

Have you ever noticed the small birds hopping around parking lots scrounging for food and wondered what kind they were? There’s a good chance they were house sparrows. 

Hummingbird next to red flowers.
Did you know hummingbirds flap their wings 50 to 70 times a second? (Photo by Canva)
March 28, 2023 - Filed Under: Urban and Backyard Wildlife

Everyone loves Ruby-throated hummingbirds! I have fond memories of watching these hummingbirds visit the many feeders my grandparents put out each year. You probably have a similar story! Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures, with their bold-colored feathers and fast-fluttering wings.

A blue jay on a branch.
The blue jay will sound its loud call, “jay, jay,” to alert other birds of a predator in the area. (Photo from Canva)
February 28, 2023 - Filed Under: Urban and Backyard Wildlife

Blue jays are easy to recognize by both their noisy call and bold blue feathers. Also known as jaybirds, blue jays are members of the crow family and native to the United States.

A Mole and a Vole.
Moles (left) eat meat. Voles (right) eat vegetables. (Photos by Canva)
February 17, 2023 - Filed Under: Urban and Backyard Wildlife

Moles and voles are often confused with one another. They both can cause damage to your lawn and their names sound very similar. You can use the beginning letter of their name to help you remember the difference! 

Success Stories

A white sign with dark green lettering reads, “Monarch Waystation: This site provides milkweeds, nectar sources, and shelter needed to sustain monarch butterflies as they migrate through North America. Certified and registered by Monarch Watch as an official Monarch Waystation. Create, Conserve, & Protect Monarch Habitats.”
Wildlife Youth Education, About Extension, Master Gardener, Insects, Lawn and Garden, Flower Gardens, Herb Gardens, Places for Wildlife, The Story of Plants and People, Vegetable Gardens, Urban and Community Forestry, Urban and Backyard Wildlife, Wildlife Economics and Enterprises
Volume 4 Number 2

See what's new in Extension: a new monarch garden, a storytelling series will begin, the Garden Expo highlights Extension education, and Keep America Beautiful recognizes MSU Extension.

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Your Extension Experts

Portrait of Dr. Leslie M. Burger
Associate Extension Professor
Portrait of Mr. Adam Rohnke
Assistant Extension Professor