Backyard Wildlife Blog by Emily Keen Photography

Wildlife viewing — including birding! — can be done from anywhere, even your home!

Hi, I’m Emily Keen — a full-time Field Scientist and lover of all things wildlife and nature. My husband and I bought a property on a quarter of an acre in Florida and have been working to transform turf to gardens for wildlife. This blog shares details about my experience gardening for wildlife, attracting wildlife like birds to our property, and the species of birds and other wildlife we see from our property and their behavior.

Insect Biodiversity in Your Garden is Great for Plants, Wildlife & Soil Health 

Why You Should Add a Birdbath to Your Yard

Will Having Bird Feeders Attract Other Wildlife Like Rodents?

Any time you leave food outside, including bird seed, you are going to inspire curiosity from the wildlife around. 

Chances are, especially if you have fruit trees on your property, you already have quite a few critters on your property. You just might not see them often. 

Help Birds & Other Pollinators by Leaving the Leaves

The idea that leaves should be raked up and trashed or blown out of yards is an antiquated, misguided concept that negatively affects birds and other wildlife. Additionally, this poor practice takes nutrients away from soil and contributes to stormwater runoff when leaves are blown into the street. 

Is that a Mourning Dove or Owl Call

Have you recently discovered that Mourning Doves make a cooing sound that can sound a bit like the hooting of an owl? Were you surprised a little? I was the very first time I realized the call I was hearing was a Mourning Dove and not one of the owl species that calls Florida home.

Attracting Pollinators to Your Florida Garden