Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis Carole Wiley https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/northern-cardinal The Northern Cardinal is a common sight at many bird feeders throughout Michigan, but, surprisingly, they originally lived farther south (Audubon). According to Kenn Kaufman, “[the cardinal] has been extending its range northward for decades, and it now brightens winter days with its color and its whistled song as far …

Ginger

Zingiber officinale https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/glossary/ginger-glossary The ginger plant is native to Asia, but can now be found in many different parts of the world 2). It requires very warm temperatures, with the best temperature for it being 77 degrees Fahrenheit. So, in a cooler climate like that of Michigan, it would be best to either grow ginger …

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata Brian Kushner (https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/blue-jay) I know no bird so hated at bird feeders as the blue jay. Not only are they loud birds, easily distinguished by their call of “jay, jay,” but their bright blue plumage and aggressiveness at the feeder makes them extremely noticeable (2). Like others in the Corvidae family, blue jays …

Peppermint

Mentha x piperita Image by AboutnuyLove https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/mint/growing-peppermint-plant.htm Peppermint is a commonly-found plant in many gardens and in the wild, especially in North America, Europe, and Asia (Lofgren). Because it’s found in so many different places, its origin is very unclear. However, Kristine Lofgren thinks that it may have come from the Mediterranean. Regardless of its …

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos Jack Bulmer https://mcdowellnews.com/news/local/for-the-birds-american-crow-s-dark-reputation-more-from-plumage-than-behavior/article_4db575f8-35b1-11ec-9b15-33d6d528443f.html The American crow is a common sight across much of the continental United States. Their habitat is quite varied, but they prefer habitats that are considered “semi-open,” such as farms, woods, fields, and even more urban areas (1). As far as birds go, they are very intelligent. Some have been …

House Sparrow

Passer domesticus Paul Fleet https://www.arkwildlife.co.uk/blog/house-sparrow-identification-habitat-and-food/ The House sparrow is a common sight all over North America. However, they are not native to the area. House sparrows were brought over to North America in 1851 (All). They started in Brooklyn, New York, but within the first fifty years they had already made it all the way …

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Sciurus carolinensis https://urbanevolution-litc.com/2019/12/18/natural-selection-favors-black-morph-of-eastern-gray-squirrel-in-cities/ The Eastern gray squirrel is one of a few different squirrel species native to Michigan, including the red squirrel, the fox squirrel, and a few varieties of flying squirrels. Within the city of Ann Arbor, they can be found chattering away in Nichols Arboretum, scampering up trees around campus, and searching for …