There’s something magical about spotting an Eastern Gray Squirrel darting through the trees on a quiet summer morning, its bushy tail waving like a flag in the breeze.
Wildlife and Birds
Wildlife of the Midwest & Beyond
The Wildlife category explores the diverse animals that share our fields, forests, wetlands, and backyard spaces. From migrating birds and woodland mammals to insects, amphibians, and reptiles, this collection highlights the rhythms, behaviors, and habitats of wildlife across Wisconsin and beyond.
Here you’ll find identification guides, seasonal observations, and habitat insights. Many posts explore how wildlife connects to native plants, gardens, waterways, and open landscapes. Some focus on backyard encounters. Others look at species found in marshes, prairies, woodlands, and rural areas.
Wildlife connects closely to the land. Each animal plays a role in the larger ecosystem. Some pollinate plants. Others spread seeds, control pests, or shape habitat.
Whether you’re watching deer at dusk, noticing butterflies in summer wildflowers, or listening for spring birdsong, this space invites you to better understand and appreciate the wild world around you.
Milkweed Tussock Moth Caterpillar
Milkweed isn’t just for Monarchs.
The Milkweed Tussock Moth Caterpillar uses it for a food source too. Then it becomes the Milkweed Tiger Moth.
Common Scorpionfly
So what is this crazy-looking insect? Have you seen one before? This is the common scorpionfly. To me, there is nothing common about the look of this little guy.
Northern Cardinal
The northern cardinal is a mid-sized songbird wat are about 8-9 inches in length. The Male is a vibrant red, while the female is a reddish olive color.
Grow Your Own Safflower Seed
Grow Your Own Safflower Seed
Wildlife > Birds > Bird Recipes, Crafts, and Care
Looking to keep the squirrels off your feeders? Try changing your birdseed. Birds like safflower seed squirrels dislike it. So, if you are looking for a great way to feed the birds and keep the squirrels at bay, look toward the seed.
European Starlings
European starlings (starlings for short) are about the size of a blackbird with glossy black plumage that has a metallic look to them. During the winter months, the birds sport white flecking to them
Red-Breasted Nuthatch
Our winter visitors the red-breasted nuthatch are back for the season. As soon as the weather starts getting cold, I will usually see my first red-breasted nuthatch.
Gall Fly Produces Goldenrod Galls
Gall Fly Produces Goldenrod Galls
The Gall fly produces goldenrod galls that become the food source and host plant for gall fly larvae over the course of the winter. The insect has a fairly interesting lifecycle.
Pileated Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
The pileated woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in North America. The term pileated comes from the Latin word pileatus meaning “capped” which refers to the red crest on the top of the bird’s head.
Blue Jays and Peanuts
Blue Jays and Peanuts
There is a soft and gentle rain coming down from the heavens this morning as I sit quietly at my kitchen table watching the deck peanut wreath full of blue jays and peanuts quickly disappear.
3 Ways to Dry Fruit for the Birds
3 Ways to Dry Fruit for the Birds
As the year goes on and the weather turns a little cooler I find myself drying more fruits and berries for the birds. It is a fairly easy process no matter if you use the sun, oven, or the microwave drying method. All 3 ways to dry fruit for the birds work well.
Spreadwing Damselflies
There are 11 different spreadwing damselflies in Wisconsin. Besides the spreadwings there are another two families of damsels including the broad-winged which has 4 and the pond species that has 34.
Chestnut Sided Warbler
The Chestnut Sided Warbler is a fast-moving, yellow, black, brown, and white warbler. Found throughout Wisconsin during the spring through fall.
Simple Tray Deck Bird Feeders
Simple Tray Deck Bird Feeders
If you are in need of a simple solution to feed your feathered friends but do not have room for traditional feeders, how about simple tray deck bird feeders?
Blister Beetle
Blister Beetle
A few of many beetles in the blister beetle family. The beetle is part of the Meloidae family, they are called blister beetles for a good reason.
Northern Flicker
The northern flicker (Colaptes auratus) or common flicker is a medium-sized bird of the woodpecker family. It is native to most of North America, parts of Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands, and is one of the few woodpecker species that migrate.
Black Swallowtail Butterfly
Black Swallowtail Butterfly
The black swallowtail butterfly is a large blue, black, golden yellow, and cream speckled beauty. Black Swallowtails are also known as Eastern Black Swallowtail, Black Swallowtail, American Swallowtail, and the Parsnip Butterfly.
Banded Woollybear Caterpillar
Banded Woollybear Caterpillar
The banded woolly bear caterpillar and moth can be found nearly everywhere in Wisconsin. It feeds on low-growing plants but is not a pest to garden and farm crops.
