By Terry W. Johnson

Now that September is here, it won't be long before the Georgia countryside is ablaze with fall foliage. While it is true that this collage of reds, purples and yellows is the main act during Mother Nature's autumn extravaganza, it is preceded by an opening act that is also quite spectacular in its own right.

This is the floral show put on by our native fall wildflowers. While everyone is familiar with one of the stars of this show, the goldenrod, a number of other flowers are also stunning. One of these native beauties is the ironweed.

By Terry W. Johnson

The XXX Olympic Games have provided us with the opportunity to watch some of the greatest athletes in the world exhibit their remarkable athletic prowess. Watching these amazing men and women perform got me to wondering how their athletic feats compare to some of the animals that live just outside my backdoor.

Some of the most breathtaking events in the Olympics involve speed. The fastest Olympians can run as fast as about 28 mph. However, mere mortals like you and me rarely break the 18-mph barrier.

By Terry W. Johnson

One of the things I enjoy most about watching wildlife in my backyard is that I get watch animals engage in all sorts of activities from the comfort of my home. I can watch them court prospective mates, build nests, raise young, feed and interact with one another -- you name it.

By Terry W. Johnson

If you are like me, you are constantly on the lookout for plants that add beauty to your landscape and benefit your wildlife neighbors. One such plant is the butterfly weed. I know what you are probably saying right about now: The last thing I need in my yard is another weed!

By Terry W. Johnson

One of the most interesting plants that grows in Georgia backyards is often either overlooked or scorned.

By Terry W. Johnson

Recently, on a cool April morning I stepped out onto my deck and was greeted with a chorus of bird songs. I heard the songs of some of the birds that are familiar year-round residents in my neighborhood –the northern cardinal, Carolina wren, chipping sparrow, northern mockingbird, pine warbler and eastern towhee. Then suddenly I heard a call that I had not heard this year. From the back of my 3-acre lot came a loud wheep. I knew immediately the great crested flycatcher was back.

By Terry W. Johnson

A quick glance at the calendar tells us that the official first day of spring is March 20. However, I have found that Georgians don’t always agree with that.

If you are a turkey hunter, for example, you might feel that spring commences on March 24, opening day of the 2012 turkey hunting season. However, if you are a dedicated backyard wildlife watcher, the big day can’t be found printed on a calendar or in a hunting regulation guide. This is because it varies from county to county and backyard to backyard.

By Terry W. Johnson

We Americans don’t ever seem satisfied. Take bluebird boxes, for example. While the basic design has remained relatively unchanged for years, we are constantly seeking the perfect bluebird box.

Although such a structure may be a pipe dream, wildlife biologists are inching closer to that goal. Let’s take peek at some of the innovations researchers have come up with.

By Terry W. Johnson

In spite of the fact that I have been watching wildlife in my yard for decades, I probably enjoy it more today than when I was a young boy. One reason for this is that the more I watch the creatures that live 
just outside my backdoor, the more I encounter nature’s mysteries that beg to be solved.

By Terry W. Johnson

While most of us are trying to reduce the amount of fat in our diets, many of our backyard bird neighbors relish bird-feeder offerings laden with animal fats. Birds will eat the fat of cattle, hogs and other animals. However, the fatty food most commonly fed backyard birds is beef fat also known as suet.