Bald Eagle

On our boat tour in Cape May, I saw a bald eagle! The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States. Even though its name says “bald,” it really has bright white feathers on its head. Bald eagles are strong hunters and love to catch fish, which is why we spotted one near the ocean.

Muscovy Duck

we took the photos when I visited my family in Texas. Muscovy ducks are native to Mexico, Central, and South America.

Egyptian goose

They are more like a large duck than a typical goose. They rest on the ground more than in the water, and they nest in trees.

North Cardinal

We see cardinals all year round in our backyard.

They love sunflower seeds most, but also enjoy safflower seeds, peanuts, cracked corn, fruit, and mealworms.

How to feed them:

• Watch for them early in the morning and at dusk—their favorite times to visit.
• Use a tray or platform feeder (they like plenty of space).
• Sprinkle some food on the ground or a low feeder.
• Place feeders near bushes or trees for cover.
• Add a birdbath with fresh water.

Purple Martin

At a RV campground in Cape May, I spotted a purple martin resting on a wire.
Purple Martins are the largest swallows in North America, and they like to live in groups. Later in July, when we traveled to Houston, Texas, we saw thousands of Purple Martins all gathering in the same place every night at sunset. They stay there for a couple of weeks to eat lots of insects and gain energy. After that, they continue their long journey all the way to South America (primarily in Brazil), where they spend the winter. I think it’s amazing that these little birds travel so far every year.

Bluebird

Hi, this is a daddy bluebird nested in our garden.

If you’d like to read more about the family’s adventures, check out our family blog where we share our stories.