Mike Jacobs

For many species of birds, the business of courtship, egg-laying, brooding and feeding young is over. But not for American goldfinches.

It's been a big week in the bird world in Grand Forks, from traffic encounters with Canada geese on the south end of town to increasing numbers of migrating shorebirds at Kellys Slough west of the city.

Scott Kinsey 's connection to the music of Joe Zawinul and Weather Report is undeniable—and hardly new to even casual partakers of the keyboardist's work. As Kinsey explains, the pull was there from the beginning: "Joe was an innovative improviser, composer, and conceptualist but for me, especially so as the first jazz synthesist I had ever encountered. His electric keyboard work was showing us the future, note by note."

KIOS | By Mike Jacobs Published August 2, 2024 at 3:13 PM CDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email

Nine kingbird species occur in the United States. Only two species – eastern and western – nest in North Dakota. Both are migratory.

Green herons have become a fixture in Grand Forks. These smallish waders aren't common, exactly, but they are easy to find along the coulee between 17th Avenue South and the railroad tracks.

Locally, the number of shorebirds is increasing. The marbled godwit can be an attraction in the landscapes it inhabits. These generally involve short grass and slicks of water.

Just as PJM negotiated provisions for data centers, they must do the same for battery storage. PJM’s next Order 2023 compliance filing is the time to make this change.

The ruby-throated hummingbird is closely associated with August in this part of the world, and there's a pretty obvious explanation.

This column has been an extraordinary privilege. I know that it has brought people to watch the birds and to learn about the birds. And I hope, most of all, to save the birds for future generations.