April Newsletter

You may be thinking, “So, what is the big deal with so-called native plants? A plant is a plant. What possible difference can it make as to the choice of plants I use to landscape my yard? How can a beautiful plant not be good for birds and other wildlife?”

Simple answer…bird food! But probably not the type of bird food that first comes to mind. Many plants produce fruits and seeds that birds use for food, but native plants also attract and feed lots of native insects. Most non-native plants don’t. Insects are the essential element that many bird parents need to successfully raise their young. Fewer native plants means fewer insects, which truly means fewer birds.

Another benefit of planting native is attracting hummingbirds. Hummingbirds love nectar from many flowering natives such as Royal Catchfly or Dense Blazing Star.

If you are interested in learning more about native plants, follow the link below to read about our 2026 Native Plant Sale!
Native Plant Sale

 

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds

Did you know that you can track the path that hummingbirds are taking on their journey north? Websites like Hummingbird Central and Journey North provide a map of hummingbird sightings. You can also upload your own sightings as they trickle in this spring.

In central Ohio, we usually see the first Ruby-throated Hummingbird scouts around mid-April. Don't worry if they aren't at your feeders by the end of the month, throughout the spring and summer we will see more hummingbirds before they migrate south in late September.

Keep Cats Indoors

Save birds and keep cats healthy by keeping cats indoors. Cats are estimated to kill more than 2.4 billion birds annually in the U.S. This is the #1 human-caused reason for the loss of birds, aside from habitat loss.

Cats are a danger to songbirds, and for that reason you should never allow your kitty outside with free access to birds and other wildlife. It’s also healthier for her to remain inside the house. How about feeding the birds so your cat can safely watch from indoors? Provide your cat hours of entertainment by setting up a bird feeding station outside with a comfortable indoor viewing area.
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Nature Walks

Blacklick Canopy Walk

• April 11, 2026 from 10:00am - 11:30am
• The Blacklick Canopy Walk is a brand new construction, bringing visitors up to the canopy level to see birds where they search for food. This time of year will be ideal to see early spring migrants like warblers, and if we're lucky, roosting Barred Owls.
• RSVP Here

Community Events

Restoring Calamus Swamp - Columbus Audubon Monthly Program

• April 28, 2026 at 6:30pm
• Join Columbus Audubon for this season’s final in-person Monthly Program in partnership with and located at Grange Insurance Audubon Center on Tuesday, April 28. This event will include our annual meeting and awards ceremony. Guest speakers Russ Gibson, John Shady, and Mark Dilley will discuss restoring Calamus Swamp. Arrive at 6:00pm to participate in our annual meeting, awards ceremony, partake in the bird quiz, draw a door prize ticket, and enjoy refreshments. We will begin the April Monthly Program at 7:00pm with an Audubon Update by Leigh Ann Miller the Ohio Center’s Director, Grange Insurance Audubon Center and Aullwood Audubon. The Featured Presentation will begin immediately following the Audubon Update. Winners for the door prize and bird quiz will be announced after the presentations.
• RSVP Here

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