My favorite oriole is the orchard oriole. This might come as a surprise since it is North America’s smallest oriole. It is also not as flamboyantly colored as Georgia’s largest and better-known Baltimore oriole. Each April, I look forward to that special morning when I hear the first orchard oriole of the year. This year I heard my first on April 11. The orchard oriole’s song, which is most often sung by the male, is difficult to put into words. Perhaps it is best described as a rambling song that commences on high notes and ends in lower tones.

Winter bird-feeding is a favorite pastime among thousands of Georgians. However, as is the case in so many endeavors, some folks enjoy more success than others. This begs the question: Is there a secret to their success?

The spread of COVID-19 is having an unimaginable impact on our lives. In an effort to stave off the spread of this dreaded disease we are being asked to make major changes—changes that are challenging for adults and children alike.

Winter is our harshest season of the year. Yet seasonal shows, songs such as Winter Wonderland and even Christmas cards portray a far different image. Snow-covered landscapes are beautiful and offer great places for us to enjoy traditional winter activities such sliding down snowy hillsides and building snowmen.

I strongly believe that if a survey were conducted to determine which bird is the favorite of most Georgians, when all the votes were tabulated the winner would be the ruby-throated hummingbird.

The eastern bluebird is one of our most beloved birds. One reason for its popularity is that its beauty can be enjoyed without having to gaze at the bird through a pair of binoculars.