Roger Di Silvestro

The Wildlife Benefits of Acorns and Oaks

The time of year has come during which, when I’m reading in the evening in the silence of my home, I hear a sharp thwack! on the roof, followed by … Read more

great white shark, national wildlife photo contest

Seven National Wildlife Photo Contest Shark Pictures

Although as an editor for National Wildlife magazine I’m accustomed to seeing some of the world’s best nature photography, I never cease to be amazed by the quality of work … Read more

Ameircan crow, national gardening month, certified wildlife habitat

Nature Is My Gardener

Or you could call this blog, How to Garden for Wildlife in Zero Easy Steps.   A Hands-off Policy In a poem that captivated my imagination when I was about … Read more

Yellowstone Wolf by Floyd H. Bond

Sharks and Wolves: Separated at Birth?

Gray wolves and tiger sharks may seem like completely different animals, because—well—because they are. But aside from that, the two species are remarkably similar in how they function in their … Read more

squirrel appreciaton day, gray squirrel, robot

National Squirrel Appreciation Day: Robo-rodents, Plus a Squirrel-Food Recipe

Although January 21st has been recognized as National Squirrel Appreciation Day since 2001, researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technologyhave carried squirrel appreciation way beyond a puny period of 24 … Read more

Victor Hugo, Les Miserables, hummingbird, NWF, National Wildlife Federation, Certified Wildlife Habitat

Les Misérables: Victor Hugo’s Nature Lesson

When I decided to read Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel Les Misérables in preparation for my wife dragging me to the musical film of the same name, I did not expect … Read more

Photo: U.S. Geological Survey, mistletoe, Christmas, kiss

12 Things to Know about Mistletoe

Often used as a symbol of renewal because it stays green all winter, mistletoe is famed for its stolen-kisses power. But the plant also is important to wildlife, and it … Read more

bison, Montana, Fort Peck, Yellowstone, NWF, National Wildlife Federation,

Thanksgiving: A Note of Gratitude to NWF Supporters

About 75 cents out of every dollar spent by nonprofit organizations comes from individual donors. Consequently, those people who sit down at home and write checks to NWF, or who … Read more

House finches at a feeder

Natural Backyard Habitats Serve Birds Better

A recent study of residential landscape types and native bird communities in Phoenix, Arizona, suggests that yards mimicking native vegetation and wild lands offer birds “mini refuges,” helping to offset … Read more

bats, hike & seek, NWF, National Wildllife Federation

Hike & Seek Question: What Are Bats?

In September and October, NWF’s Hike & Seek™  program will be offered in select cities nationwide, teaching children of all ages about wildlife and the outdoors. “What Are Bats?” is a pre-Hike … Read more