A feathered silver lining for nature lovers this December
Hoards of northern finches like crossbills and grosbeaks are entertaining Americans stuck at home this winter.
Bird watching
A little fresh water goes a long way in keeping birds at your feeder throughout winter months
In winter, open water is often as hard for birds to find as available food. (Photo courtesy of the National Wildlife Federation) I’m an unabashed hunter and that includes both gamebirds and waterfowl. I’m equally an unabashed bird feeder and we have a bird feeding station at my home year-around. I also hunt squirrels and welcome them at my feeders,…
Bird-watching soars amid COVID-19 as more Americans head outdoors
With coronavirus restrictions dragging on, interest in bird-watching has soared as bored Americans notice a fascinating world just outside their windows.
An obvious dating clue: pelican horns
You’ll see migrating American white pelicans sporting longer feathers and a growth on their beaks.
Lessons in recognizing a popular upland forest dweller: ruffed grouse
If someone tries to convince you ruffed grouse are chirping from an urban wetland in April or May (or anytime), they’re probably wrong.
Birdwatching history: the first U.S. birding field guide
Remarkable tome with a remarkable inscription provides a window into the earliest days of North American birding and conservation.
Birding alert: A great winter for grosbeaks
Often on the move, evening and pine grosbeaks will be appearing at regional bird feeders through late winter.
A birder abroad: Wildlife- and bird-watching in Uganda
Heading to the heart of Africa produces remarkable encounters with wild, charismatic megafauna and additions to a birding life list.
Smartphone birding apps that every birdwatcher should own
Next-generation software for your digital devices makes bird-watching more efficient and satisfying than ever.
Winter bird feeding entertains, educates
Writer enjoys watching birds over the bead on the barrels of his double-barrel shotgun well enough, but also enjoys watching them at his feeding stations every winter day.
New York City’s Mandarin duck versus the sound and fury of birder drama
Though the Central Park waterfowl story felt overblown at first to seasoned birdwatchers, its ability to inspire novices reminds the author of calmer, simpler times in the birdwatching world.
Amid a rough news cycle, the internationally famous drunk migrating waxwings of Minnesota
Though the author has never convinced a bird to admit it has an alcohol problem, she has indeed helped intoxicated birds “sleep it off.”
Old growth could be key for native songbird species
Hotter, drier summers are having an impact on some of the migrating songbirds that come to Oregon and Washington to breed each spring.
Top locations for birding during the autumn migration
The fall season has reached a fever pitch for bird-watchers, and even a little time afield via these simple, accessible spots can produce action for your life list.
Birders descend on Lake Erie shore to spot rare songbirds
The marshes, woodlots, meadows, and natural areas along the Lake Erie shoreline are a collecting point for hundreds of thousands of songbirds.
For birders, May is Christmastime in Michigan
The return of Michigan’s migratory birds from their southern wintering grounds is cause for celebration, and in May, many celebrate by heading to the fields, forests and wetlands to view these colorful harbingers of spring. “I love birding in May,” said Andrew Simon, a Macomb County resident and avid birder. “It’s the peak of migration and marks the return of…
Bird survival tactics for spring blizzards
Birdwatchers across the northern United States have watched with concern, and awe, as wildlife cope with last weekend’s record-breaking snowstorm.
Migration madness signals the heart of the birdwatching season
And thanks to technology, we now have access to more bird movement information than ever.
As peak spring migration looms, ‘Seek’ new nature game apps and tools
Clever new apps pique interest in the out-of-doors via smartphones for kids and adults alike.
Help bluebirds and other native birds via the Sparrow Swap
Research program uses volunteer citizen scientists to monitor status of invasive house sparrows in North America.
It’s a bird, it’s a plane – nope, another bird: 2018 Great Backyard Bird Count takes off
The 21st GBBC kicked off today (Friday, Feb. 16) and runs until Monday, Feb. 19 in backyards – and beyond – across the country.
One ‘size’ doesn’t fit all: Match feeders to birds’ feeding habits
Ornithologists tell us birds only get about 20 percent of their food needs from backyard feeders, but these feeders can be very important during periods of extreme cold or when ice covers food sources.
What a ‘lark’ to feed wild birds free food
Feeding birds, where legal, doesn’t have to cost a lot of money when other alternatives are available.
Great Backyard Bird Count a fun, worthy mid-winter activity
Watching birds for as little as 15 minutes could add to the scientific base of knowledge.
Unique bird behavior from winter visitors: redpoll holes
Bird-watchers might see migrants tunneling into local snowbanks to avoid the season’s wind and cold.
If you fill the feeders, they will come
Take your bird-feeding responsibility seriously.
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