An official website of the State of Georgia.
Out My Backdoor: This Tree Is Special
Black gum in Monroe County, Ga. (Terry W. Johnson)
By Terry W. Johnson
outmybackdoor
Out My Backdoor: Providing Winter Habitat for Beneficial Insects
Bee dusted in pollen (Terry W. Johnson)
By Terry W. Johnson
Out My Backdoor: Rare Black Witches in Georgia
Black Witch Moth (Terry W Johnson)
By Terry W. Johnson
One of the rarest moths seen in Georgia is the black witch (Ascalapha odorata). It is so rare that even many folks who enjoy watching and photographing moths in the Peach State have never, or will ever, spotted one.
Out My Backdoor: Trying to Coax Giant Swallowtails
Giant swallowtail (Terry W. Johnson)
By Terry W. Johnson
I have a fascination with the giant swallowtail.
Out My Backdoor: Doves Aren’t Great Nest Builders
Dove Nest (Vicki and John Hanlon)
By Terry W. Johnson
Out My Backdoor: Hummingbirds Can Smell
Hummingbird at a Feeder (Terry W. Johnson)
By Terry W. Johnson
When I tell you hummingbirds can smell, I am not saying they possess an odor resembling a pair of dirty socks. Instead, I am referring to biologists learning in recent years that hummers have a sense of smell.
Out My Backdoor: Bluebirds Sometimes Nest in Odd Places
Eastern bluebird (Terry W. Johnson)
By Terry W. Johnson
Out My Backdoor: Songbird Food Falling from the Sky
Black-throated green warbler (Terry W. Johnson)
By Terry W. Johnson
Out My Backdoor: Can’t-Miss Honeysuckle
Coral honeysuckle (Terry W. Johnson)
By Terry W. Johnson
We are constantly searching for plants that beautify our yards. And when we stumble across one that is gorgeous, benefits wildlife and is low maintenance, we know we have located a real treasure.
Out My Backdoor: Red-shouldered Hawks a Threat to Pets, Feeder Birds?
Red-shouldered Hawk (Linda May)
By Terry W. Johnson
We have all have heard a murder of crows loudly cawing near our homes. When we do, we realize that, in many cases, the crows’ incessant, agitated calling can mean that a predator is close by.
