The impressive great gray owl irruption of 2021
If you’re looking to add one of the world’s largest owls to your lifetime birding or bucket list, this winter offers some prime opportunities across the region.
Birds
Trump administration scales back wild bird protections
(USFWS)BILLINGS, Mont. — The Trump administration recently finalized changes that weaken the government’s enforcement powers under a century-old law protecting most American wild bird species, brushing aside warnings that billions of birds could die as a result. Federal wildlife officials have acknowledged the move could result in more deaths of birds such as those that land in oil pits or…
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.
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,…
How to keep wasps out of your nectar feeder
As hummingbird feeding season 2020 winds down, you already can start planting and working toward next spring by considering hummingbird-attracting flowers.
Bird and other wildlife sightings during the COVID era
Are critters really more abundant, or are citizens working from home simply seeing more of the birds and mammals that always have lived among us?
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.
Birding ideas for a pandemic
During this challenging time, find comfort in the great outdoors and enjoy the upcoming peak of the spring migration.
Spring cleaning is for the birds
Tackle these duties before the snow melts for better bird nesting success and health this spring.
Where are the winter birds?
Have you noticed that the number of birds visiting your yard each winter seems to fluctuate year to year?
Great bald eagle watching opportunities during the winter
Find some open water along the Mississippi River drainage from the Twin Cities on south, and you’ll often see adult bald eagles.
Dramatic wild bird declines make unfortunate national headlines
A study by a joint team of conservation biologists described a steady drop of nearly 3 billion North American birds since 1970, primarily as a result of human activities.
Study says bird populations declined nearly 30% in 50 years
Two bird organizations published findings in scientific journal.
The little-known scoop on bird poop
There’s a method to the madness of our avian friends managing the defecations of nestlings during the summer, and the clues are surprisingly obvious to a trained eye.
There’s more than gobblers out there, so take in the spring
One of the writer’s favorites is the bobolink, which generally appears in early to mid-May in the Southern Tier. It’s been a strange spring gobbler season, full of the usual highs and lows, filled tags, close calls, and near misses. A mid-season gobbling lull could be blamed on some wet and cool weather, but there always seemed to be a…
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.
How many bald eagles can the North Country support?
As territories shrink, some fight to the death, while others are working together.
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.
Don’t eat the blue snow either
Seeing patches of blue in your yard this winter? The ‘Birdchick’ explores this mysterious bunny-buckthorn connection.
Experts: Birds equipped to survive Minnesota’s bitter cold
About half of the state’s roughly 300 bird species head south to warmer climates in the winter, and the birds that stay are tough enough to survive the extreme cold weather, as long they’re able to find food,
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.
Thanksgiving weekend offers more than just turkeys for Pennsylvania hunters
There are multiple game birds and waterfowl worth pursuing for Pennsylvania hunters during their time away from work and school.
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