So, Who’s Miley Jade? Let’s start with the almost obvious: Miley Jade  is not a real person. She’s my artsy alter ego. You know, the kind of name that looks good on a gallery wall or sounds cool when someone says, “Oh wow, I love your work!” and I can respond without cringing at my own birth certificate. I’m Emily J.—a professional photographer, digital artist, chaos manager (aka mom of four boys), and full-time explorer of things most people consider junk. 20+ Years, One Cam

Habits, Personality & Favorite Foods If you’ve ever heard a cheerful “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call on a snowy morning, you’ve met one of the Finger Lakes’ most loyal residents. The Black-capped Chickadee may be small — but it’s bold, curious, and one of the most beloved backyard birds in Upstate New York. They stay through winter.They visit feeders daily.And they’re often the first birds to investigate something new in your yard. Here’s what makes them so special. ❄️ Chickadees

Habits, Nesting & Favorite Foods Few birds feel as hopeful as the Eastern Bluebird. That soft blue back.That rusty orange chest.That quiet perch on a fence post overlooking an open field. In the Finger Lakes, bluebirds are one of the most loved backyard species — and one of the easiest to support when you understand what they need. Here’s everything you should know. 🌎 Do Bluebirds Stay Year-Round? In the Finger Lakes, bluebirds are partial migrants . Some leave in late fall.

Habits, Migration & Favorite Foods If you’ve ever spotted a flash of brilliant orange high in a treetop near Keuka or Seneca Lake, you’ve probably seen a Baltimore Oriole. They look almost tropical.They sing rich, flute-like songs.And they only stay for part of the year. In the Finger Lakes, orioles are a true sign that summer has arrived. Here’s what you should know about them. 🌎 Orioles Are Migratory Visitors Unlike cardinals and blue jays, Baltimore Orioles do not stay ye

Habits, Personality & Favorite Foods Few birds are as instantly recognizable as the Northern Cardinal. That brilliant red against fresh snow.That clear whistled song in early spring.That flash of color in a gray winter yard. In the Finger Lakes, cardinals are year-round residents — and one of the most beloved backyard visitors. Here’s what makes them so special. 🎵 Cardinals Sing First If you hear birds singing in late winter — even before snow melts — it’s often a cardinal.

Their Habits, Personality & Favorite Foods If you’ve ever heard a loud, raspy call echoing across your yard in the Finger Lakes, chances are a blue jay was nearby. They’re bright.They’re bold.They’re opinionated. And they’re one of the most fascinating birds you’ll see year-round in Upstate New York. Let’s talk about their habits — and what they really love to eat. 🧠 Blue Jay Personality: Smart & Strategic Blue jays are members of the corvid family — which means they’re rela

A Finger Lakes Guide to Feeding Birds (Not Squirrels) If you feed birds in the Finger Lakes, you’ve probably fed squirrels too. They leap from trees.They hang upside down.They empty a feeder in one afternoon. So what about spicy birdseed?Does it actually work? Short answer: Yes — when used correctly. Here’s why. 🧠 Why Spicy Seed Works Birds and mammals react differently to capsaicin — the compound that makes peppers hot. Birds do not feel the heat. Mammals do. Squirrels, ra

What Backyard Birders in the Finger Lakes Should Know Mealworms have become one of the most popular backyard bird foods — especially in spring. Bluebirds love them.Chickadees grab them quickly.Wrens can’t resist them. But here’s something many bird lovers don’t realize: Mealworms are high in protein…But low in calcium. And during nesting season, calcium matters. Let’s break it down. 🐛 Why Birds Love Mealworms Mealworms (the larvae of darkling beetles) are: High in protein So

What to Watch For in the Finger Lakes Every spring, something incredible happens over Keuka Lake. While vineyards wake up and docks go back in, thousands of birds move through the Finger Lakes region — traveling north after long winter journeys. Some stay.Some pass through.Some rest just long enough to refuel before continuing on. If you live near Keuka Lake — or just love spending time there — spring migration is one of the most exciting times of year. Here’s what you can e

How to Mount a Birdhouse the Right Way in the Finger Lakes Buying a birdhouse is the easy part. Placing it correctly?That’s what determines whether birds actually use it. In the Finger Lakes — where we have strong winds, lake-effect weather, wooded lots, farmland edges, and active predator populations — proper placement matters more than most people realize. Here’s your complete guide. 🐦 Step 1: Know Which Bird You’re Attracting Different birds prefer different environments.

A Simple Start for Finger Lakes Bird Lovers If you’re new to bird feeding, welcome. You don’t need a complicated setup. You don’t need five feeders. You don’t need to know every species. You just need a good starting point. Here in the Finger Lakes — with our mix of wooded lots, lakefront homes, vineyards, and suburban yards — these beginner-friendly feeders work beautifully. 🌻 1. Tube Feeder (The Easiest & Most Reliable) If you buy just one feeder, start here. A tube feeder

Supporting Birds in the Finger Lakes When It Matters Most Spring feels gentle to us. Longer days.Warmer air.Lake ice melting. But for birds, spring is intense. They’re migrating back north.Claiming territory.Building nests.Laying eggs.Raising hungry chicks. During nesting season, thoughtful feeding can make a real difference — especially in the unpredictable springs of Upstate New York. 🪺 Why Spring Is a Critical Transition Early spring in the Finger Lakes can be tricky. One

How to Support Birds in the Finger Lakes When Rain Is Scarce Summer in the Finger Lakes is usually lush. Green vineyards.Full gardens.Songbirds in every hedgerow. But during drought conditions, everything changes. Grass dries out.Insects decline.Natural water sources shrink. And birds feel it fast. Here’s how to support backyard birds safely and responsibly during a dry Upstate NY summer. 🌾 Why Drought Is Hard on Birds When rainfall drops off: Insect populations decline Nat

What Birds Need Before a Finger Lakes Winter Fall in the Finger Lakes is breathtaking. Golden vineyards. Cool lake air.Flocks gathering along ridgelines. But while we’re enjoying sweater weather and harvest season, birds are preparing for something much bigger: Winter survival. And preparation means one thing: Fat. 🧠 Why Fall Is So Important for Birds Before winter hits Upstate New York, birds must: Build fat reserves Strengthen muscles Complete migration (for some species)

How to Support Birds in the Finger Lakes When It Matters Most Spring in the Finger Lakes feels like a reward. The snow melts.The lake opens up.The first cardinal song cuts through the quiet. But for birds, spring isn’t just beautiful. It’s exhausting. They’re migrating. Claiming territory. Building nests. Laying eggs. Raising young. And during nesting season, smart feeding can make a real difference. 🪺 Why Spring Is a Critical Time In early spring, natural food sources are s

Why It’s VERY Important in New York Winter in New York isn’t mild. It’s long. It’s snowy. It’s windy.And in the Finger Lakes, lake-effect storms can bury natural food sources overnight. For the birds that stay — cardinals, chickadees, woodpeckers, nuthatches, titmice — winter isn’t just uncomfortable. It’s a daily energy battle. That’s where winter feeding becomes more than a hobby. It becomes support. 🌡 Why Winter Is So Hard on Birds in NY When temperatures drop: Insects

A Cold-Weather Guide for Backyard Bird Lovers Winter in the Finger Lakes is no joke. Lake-effect snow.Frozen ground.Sub-zero mornings.Wind whipping off Seneca and Cayuga. For birds that stay through winter — like cardinals, chickadees, woodpeckers, and nuthatches — survival depends on calories. If you feed birds, winter is when it matters most. Here’s what to offer. 🧈 1. Suet: The Winter Power Food If you only add one thing in winter — make it suet. Suet is high-fat animal f

A Finger Lakes Guide to Feeding Birds the Right Way If you’ve ever stood in the bird feed aisle wondering… “Should I get suet or seed?”“Do I need both?”“Which birds actually eat this stuff?” You’re not alone. In the Finger Lakes — where we experience snowy winters, windy lakefronts, and busy migration seasons — the answer depends on the time of year and the birds you want to attract. Let’s break it down. 🌻 What Is Bird Seed Best For? Seed is the foundation of backyard feedin

A Simple Guide for Finger Lakes Bird Lovers If you feed birds, cleaning your feeders isn’t optional. It’s essential. Dirty feeders can spread disease quickly — especially in active bird regions like the Finger Lakes, where migration brings large numbers of birds through every spring and fall. So how often should you clean them? Let’s break it down. 🗓 The Simple Answer Every 2 weeks under normal conditions. But… Clean weekly  during: Wet weather Hot summer months Heavy bird t

A Practical Guide for Finger Lakes Bird Lovers If you’ve ever stood at your feeder in spring and wondered: “Do they still need this?”“Am I making them dependent?”“Should I stop feeding now?” You’re not alone. In the Finger Lakes — where we experience real winters, migration seasons, and rich summer habitats — the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. So… should you stop feeding birds? Let’s talk about it. 🌿 First: Birds Do Not Become Dependent This is the biggest myth. Backyard fe

Why Entrance Size Matters More Than You Think When it comes to birdhouses, the entrance hole is everything. Too big?Predators and invasive species move in. Too small?Your target birds can’t enter. Here in New York — especially throughout the Finger Lakes — choosing the correct hole size is one of the most important factors in successful nesting. Let’s break it down. 🐦 Why Hole Size Is So Important Birds choose nesting cavities based largely on: Safety Predator protection Com

Lakefront vs. Yard Placement in the Finger Lakes You bought the birdhouse. You’re excited. Now comes the real question: Where should you mount it? Placement matters more than most people realize — especially here in the Finger Lakes, where wind, water, predators, and habitat types vary between lakefront and inland yards. Let’s break it down. 🌊 Mounting a Birdhouse on a Lakefront Property Lakefront homes are beautiful — but they come with unique conditions. 🌬 1. Wind Directi

A Simple Guide for Finger Lakes Bird Lovers If you’ve installed a birdhouse in your yard — first of all, thank you. Providing safe nesting space makes a real difference, especially here in the Finger Lakes where bluebirds, wrens, and chickadees rely on cavity nests. But once nesting season ends, there’s one important step many homeowners forget: Cleaning the birdhouse. Here’s how to do it safely and properly. 🐦 Why Cleaning Matters Old nests left inside a birdhouse can: Har

What Every Finger Lakes Backyard Should Know Decorative birdhouses are charming. They add personality to a porch.They look beautiful in a garden bed.They make perfect gifts. But here’s the real question: Do birds actually use them? The answer is… sometimes.And it depends entirely on the design. Let’s break it down. 🐦 First: Not All Birds Use Birdhouses Only certain birds are cavity nesters — meaning they naturally nest in tree holes. In the Finger Lakes, common cavity nester

Creating a Finger Lakes Outdoor Space That Feels Alive A lakefront yard is already special. The water.The wind.The open sky. But when birds become part of the picture — when cardinals flash red in winter, swallows skim the water in summer, and goldfinches bounce through wildflowers — your yard transforms from scenic to soulful. If you live along Seneca, Keuka, Cayuga, or anywhere in the Finger Lakes, here’s how to design a lakefront space birds truly love. 🌿 1. Work With the

How to Attract Birds Without Watching Feeders Take Flight Living lakeside in the Finger Lakes? Beautiful — but windy. Strong gusts off Seneca, Cayuga, Keuka, and Owasco can turn ordinary bird feeders into spinning sails or tangled wrecks in the brush. But don’t worry. You can  enjoy year-round bird feeding — you just need the right feeder styles and setups. Here’s how to choose bird feeders that stand strong and  keep feathered friends happy. 🪟 Why Wind Matters for Lakeside

Smart Backyard Feeding in the Finger Lakes If you live in the Finger Lakes, you already know: Where there are birds…There are raccoons. Raccoons are intelligent, determined, and surprisingly athletic. And once they discover your feeder, they don’t forget it. The good news? You can absolutely enjoy backyard birds without turning your yard into a midnight raccoon buffet. Here’s how. 🌙 Why Raccoons Love Bird Feeders Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores. That means: Seeds Suet

How to Create a Backyard Birds Love If you want more birds in your yard, the secret isn’t just feeders. It’s plants. In the Finger Lakes, native plants are the foundation of a healthy bird habitat. They provide food, shelter, nesting material, and insect life that birds depend on — especially during migration and nesting season. The best part? Native plants are low-maintenance and built for our climate. Here’s where to start. 🌊 Why Native Plants Matter in the Finger Lakes Na

Turn Everyday Bird Sightings into Meaningful Memories You don’t have to travel far to experience nature. Some of the best bird watching happens right outside your kitchen window. Starting a backyard bird journal is one of the simplest ways to slow down, pay attention, and build a deeper connection with the wildlife around your home — especially here in the Finger Lakes, where every season brings new visitors. Here’s how to begin. 🌿 Why Keep a Bird Journal? Bird watching is w

Simple Ways to Turn Nature into an Adventure You don’t need expensive gear or a long hike to introduce kids to bird watching. In the Finger Lakes, birds are everywhere — in backyards, along lakefront trails, in vineyards, parks, and even downtown trees. With just a little curiosity, bird watching can turn an ordinary afternoon into something magical. Here’s how to make it fun, simple, and memorable. 🌊 Why the Finger Lakes Is Perfect for Young Birders The Finger Lakes region

Easy Steps to Make Your Yard a Haven in the Finger Lakes You don’t need acres of land or a wildlife preserve to make a difference. Sometimes, supporting local wildlife starts with one feeder, one native plant, or one simple decision in your own backyard. Here in the Finger Lakes, we share our space with songbirds, pollinators, hawks, foxes, turtles, and countless other species. The good news? Small, intentional choices can create a big impact. Here are simple ways to help. 🐦

What Every Upstate NY Bird Lover Should Know If you’ve ever heard that sudden thud  against your window and felt your stomach drop — you’re not alone. Window strikes are unfortunately common across the United States, and yes, they do happen here in the Finger Lakes. With our wooded lakefront properties, vineyard landscapes, and backyard feeders, Upstate New York creates the perfect environment for bird-window collisions. Let’s talk about why — and what you can do about it. 🐦

A Finger Lakes Guide to Watching Raptors in Flight If you’ve ever looked up over Seneca Lake and seen a wide-winged silhouette circling high above the water, you’ve probably spotted a hawk riding the thermals. The open shoreline, wooded ridges, vineyards, and farmland surrounding Seneca Lake create a perfect environment for raptors. Whether you’re lakeside at sunrise or watching from a hillside in the afternoon, hawks are part of the landscape here. Here are the most common o

How to Attract Bright Yellow Finches to Your Upstate NY Yard If you’ve ever seen a flash of bright yellow bouncing across your yard in summer, you’ve probably spotted an American Goldfinch. In Upstate New York — especially throughout the Finger Lakes — goldfinches are one of the most cheerful backyard visitors. They’re small, social, and absolutely love one thing above all: Thistle seed. Here’s what you need to know to attract and support them. 🐦 Meet the American Goldfinch

How to Attract & Support These Beautiful Backyard Visitors Few sights are as magical as a bright bluebird perched against a green field or lakeside fence post. In Upstate New York — especially throughout the Finger Lakes — Eastern Bluebirds are a treasured spring and summer visitor. Their soft blue feathers and warm rusty chest feel like a sign that winter is finally over. If you’ve ever wanted bluebirds to nest in your yard, here’s everything you need to know. 🐦 Meet the Ea

The Bright Red Reminder That Spring Always Comes When snow blankets the Finger Lakes and the trees stand bare against a gray sky, something flashes red across the yard. A cardinal. While many birds migrate south for warmer temperatures, Northern Cardinals stay right here in New York all winter long. And honestly? We’re lucky they do. Let’s talk about why. 🐦 1. Cardinals Don’t Need to Migrate Unlike many songbirds that rely heavily on insects, cardinals are seed eaters. In wi

A Video Guide to Learning, Exploring & Loving Birds Online Whether you’re a brand new birder or you’ve been watching backyard feeders for years, YouTube is one of the best places on the internet  to learn, explore, laugh, and connect with the birding world. That’s exactly what BirdingOutdoors.com ’s list of “16 Must-Watch Birding YouTube Channels” helps you discover  — a curated guide to some of the most engaging birding video content online for all experience levels. From sc

100 Best Bird Blogs and Websites For Ornithologists and Bird Lovers in 2026 Why FeedSpot’s Top Bird Blogs  List Is Your Go-To Resource If you’re passionate about birds — from backyard yard visitors to rare migratory species — there’s no shortage of great online content to explore. One of the most useful hubs for finding quality bird-focused blogs is the FeedSpot Top Bird Blogs  list. 📌 What Is the FeedSpot Bird Blogs  List? FeedSpot is a blog directory and reader platform th

How to Style a Lakefront Yard with Feeders, Birdhouses & Yard Art There’s something special about a lakefront yard. It’s not just landscaping. It’s not just decor. It’s an experience. When you live near the water — or even just want that peaceful lake feeling — your yard becomes an extension of your home. It becomes a place for morning coffee, quiet reflection, visiting birds, and evenings that stretch just a little longer. Here’s how to style your lakefront yard in a way t

Local bird species, seasonal guides and backyard feeding tips

There’s something about waking up at 4:00 a.m.  that makes you question how committed you really are to your craft. Spoiler: I am very  committed — or possibly unhinged. But when you’re chasing that perfect Adirondack sunrise, you do what you have to do. So, with a thermos full of ambition (and coffee that could strip paint), I drove two hours north into the fog-drenched wonderland that is Old Forge, New York , the beating heart of the western Adirondack Mountains , where mir

When the Galaxy Photo-bombs a Tree Ireland has castles, cliffs, Guinness, and apparently, trees that look like they’re auditioning for a Tim Burton film. Add a sky full of stars, a galaxy flexing its muscles, and a long exposure, and suddenly you’re that person who won’t shut up about aperture sizes at the pub. The Setup: You, a Tripod, and Judgy Sheep First things first: shooting star trails or galaxies in Ireland means finding a spot dark enough that your camera doesn’t thi

Sunset on Canandaigua Lake There are sunsets you stumble into, and then there are sunsets you chase. This one, over Canandaigua Lake, was worth the chase. The sky lit up in a fiery wash of pinks and reds, painting the water and the lake houses in a glow that felt more dream than reality. The Technical Side of Shooting a Sunset Sunsets are both the easiest and trickiest subjects for a photographer. They’re easy because the sky does the heavy lifting—you just have to be there.

Silent Keys, Forgotten Stories (Abandoned Photography at the Allegany County Poor House, Angelica, NY) Abandoned places have a way of pulling you in—not with noise, but with silence that hums louder than words. The Allegany County Poor House in Angelica, NY is one of those places. Its walls sag with the weight of stories, its air thick with dust that feels like memory itself. And then there’s the piano. A Sterling Concert Grand, left behind as though its last player simply wa

Aurora at the Bluffs: Why I’m the Crazy Artist Who Went Out at 2 AM for This You know those photos you see on Instagram where people are under magical northern lights, sipping coffee, looking perfectly composed? Yeah, this isn’t that. This is me, stumbling around at 2 AM  like a raccoon with a camera, muttering to myself, “It’ll be worth it, it’ll be worth it,”  while my tripod tries to blow away into Lake Ontario. But spoiler alert: it was worth it . Because what you’re look

"Electric Stallion" - to date one of my best selling photographs When Nature Throws a Dare There are moments as a photographer when Mother Nature throws you a dare. On this particular evening, she handed me lightning, a storm front, and a very opinionated Arabian stallion named Major —and then told me to figure it out before I got fried. Major, true to his dramatic nature, decided he was not going into the barn. Nope. Storm or no storm, he was determined to put on a runway sh

They don’t call it the "Grand Canyon of the East"  for nothing. With massive waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, scenic overlooks, and more foliage than a Bob Ross painting, Letchworth State Park  is a dream for landscape photographers—especially those with decent leg strength and a high tolerance for mist on their lenses. I’ve shot Letchworth in all seasons, all weather, and yes, once while being chased by a very ambitious chipmunk. If you're ready to tackle one of New York’s most

If you've never been to Watkins Glen State Park  (aka nature’s flex), let me paint you a picture: imagine Mother Nature showing off. Now add 19 waterfalls, moss-covered stone trails, dizzying drops, and the kind of light that makes photographers cry tears of joy (and also frustration, because exposure is hard, okay?). I’ve photographed Watkins Glen more times than I can count, and it still  makes me giddy every time I step onto the Gorge Trail. Whether you’re a seasoned photo

Becoming a street art festival artist seems romantic in theory. You imagine sipping iced coffee in a breezy white tent, casually chatting with patrons who hand you stacks of money while exclaiming, “You’re a genius!” Let me stop you right there. Being an art festival artist is like camping, vending, public speaking, mild gambling, and amateur meteorology—all rolled into one stress-induced weekend where you pray your canopy doesn’t become a parasail. But hey, I did it for 20+

After 20+ years of weddings, wandering, weirdos, and white tents, I’ve reached a point in my career where I’ve earned the right to overshare. So if you're here for polished portfolio talk, keep scrolling. If you're here for what it's actually  like being a wedding photographer-turned-festival artist who’s sold in art shows in eight states—welcome to the inner circle. Grab a granola bar. Let’s get uncomfortable. 👰 Yes, I’ve Shot a Wedding in a Dress and Hiking Boots Because w