Katharine Martin
Katharine Martin

Katharine is an experienced science writer and wildlife enthusiast. Armed with a biology degree and journalism experience, she's been crafting compelling scientific narratives for over a decade. Katharine's knack for investigative journalism and developmental editing shined through her award-winning wildlife coverage. Visit Full Bio Here
American goldfinch on top of purple thistle flower about to fly off- reasons we love American Goldfinches article feature picture

5 Surprising Reasons to Love American Goldfinches

American goldfinches are loved for their bold yellow color. But birders also love them because they eat things we typically hate (thistle seed, dandelion, and sweet gumballs). Their acrobatic feeding style is incredible to watch. And goldfinches signal environmental health.

Noel Guard and snake - do noel guards prevent snakes from nest boxes

Will Noel Guards Prevent Snakes?

Noel guards will not prevent snakes from invading a native cavity nesting songbird house or nest box. Snakes are able to maneuver through the guard, and the prongs from the hardware cloth won’t deter them.

Rat snake and bluebird on preventing snakes from eating bluebirds

How to Stop Snakes from Eating Bluebirds and Eggs?

The best way to prevent snakes from eating what’s inside your bluebird nest box is to mount your it to a metal pole with a tall stovepipe baffle that is at least 8 inches wide and 60 inches tall, though 24-inch baffles help and are readily available.

house finch and a bluebird for article about whether house finches are a threat to bluebirds

Are House Finches a Threat to Bluebirds? Surprising Answers

House finches are not a direct threat to bluebirds. They are not known for attacking bluebirds or invading nest boxes. However, there might be an indirect risk that house finches pose when it comes to bluebirds, and that involves the transmission of a common bacterium found in house finches.