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Flashes of yellow zip across your binos as warblers flit through the leaves foraging for insects. They are quick and beautiful, but who does that yellow belong to? At this time of year, male warblers in their breeding plumage are striking but can look similar – especially when they are moving quickly. Here are some […]
Get ready for shorebirds to start migrating north in late winter with an innovative chart that makes shorebird ID much easier. Shorebirds aren’t easy to identify. But with a comparison of bodies, beaks and legs in a Rockette-like line-up the differences between that Willet and Yellowlegs and the Sanderling and Dunlin are readily apparent. Who knew […]
Imagine you’re a researcher sent to an island off New Guinea to find a bird no one had seen in over 140 years. You set up camera traps, spend weeks in the jungle and yet, no sign of your quarry – the Black-naped Pheasant Pigeon, or “Auwo” as they are locally known. Then, after feeling what […]
Watching birds and reporting what you see during the annual Great Backyard Bird Count is a great reason to get outside in winter! Each February, Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society ask people to spend at least 15 minutes over a 4-day period to watch birds and report every bird they see. […]
All species of Mergansers are beautiful diving ducks. But… Common and Red-breasted Mergansers can be found in the same areas, and both males and females can be confusing to decipher. No need for panic – here are some ways to solve the riddle. 1 -PROFILE: Both species are large, slim, diving ducks. Red-breasted tend […]
You’re at a hawk watch and the birds overhead have found the thermals, circling higher and lower – occasionally flapping. They dont look anything like the pictures in your field guide that shows them perched close up. In fact, sometimes it’s even difficult to get any field mark other than a silhouette as they […]
Songbirds are making their way south, but many of them sure look different than they did in spring! Most male birds who needed to look special to get a mate in spring, now don’t want to run the risk of being easily seen during migration or spend the energy to replace those fancy feathers with […]
Fast-moving warblers in spring can often look similar. You see a flash of bright yellow underneath and a necklace…..which is it – Magnolia or Canada Warbler? Here are a few tips to help you decide. Necklace: the streaky necklace on Magnolia Warblers extends under the wings; Canada Warblers have a very short, thinner necklace Eye-ring: Canada […]
No matter where you are February 18-21, you can help birds by joining tens of thousands of birders from around the globe who are counting, and reporting birds during that time period to eBird for the Great Backyard Bird Count. The info reported helps scientists keep track of bird population numbers and locations. Just by doing […]
When you started learning to identify birds, which plumage and songs did you learn? Most likely it was males. In some respects, it makes sense as males defend territories with their vibrant songs and their breeding plumage is usually more unique and flashier than female plumage for a reason – females need to be inconspicuous […]
Owls come in all shapes and sizes. Here are some ways to tell two closely related smaller owls apart: CALL: This is the obvious first pass on these birds. If you are fortunate enough to hear them, Boreal Owls have a haunting call with bursts of several notes in successive groups. Northern Saw Whet Owls have a […]
Want to help birds and have fun at the same time? Migratory Bird Day is October 9 – it’s also a Big Day – when birdwatchers around the globe go birdwatching and submit their sightings on eBird. This gives the folks at Cornell Lab of Ornithology a snapshot of what birds are where around the world. It […]
Some warblers can look so different from spring to fall, it’s hard to believe they are the same species! In spring, the songbirds we see coming through North America are stunning. Males are all bright and crisp – some with outrageously bright colors designed to attract females. But after a grueling spring migration and breeding season, a lot […]
Sparrows can be confusing, but there are a few that are not difficult to recognize – White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows. Here’s how to make the ID: The simplest way is to be able to observe the obvious things for which they are named (throat and crown respectively) – but if you cannot see the entire front […]
There are four species of Nuthatches in North America, but the two most widespread species are Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches. These compact little steel-blue birds, often found hanging in some acrobatic fashion around feeders, other times, lifting up bark to insert a seed and then hammering it open to “hatch” the seed, are great to […]
Whether lurking around and storming feeders or streaking through the trees after a bird, these fairly common raptors are both beautiful and aggressively resist identification. Determining if you are looking at a Coopers or Sharp-shinned Hawk can be really confusing. If this happens to you, don’t worry as even experts aren’t always on the mark. […]
Two woodpeckers who look very much alike are busy inspecting tree bark around North America looking for food. Both look natty in their checkered plumage, but how to tell them apart? Beak Size: The most pronounced field mark is beak size. Downys have small beaks – almost unnaturally so, and Hairys have much larger thorn-like beaks. Size: Hairys […]
A summer at the beach continues to be a favored American pastime – and one which is doable during the time of covid. But even with social distancing we are not alone on the beach! Of course, there are various species of gulls whose presence is unmistakable. But there are also lots of other birds who are […]
Scarlet Tanager Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel A flash of intense bright red in the trees during summer in North America. No crest means the all red bird is most likely a Tanager. and not a Northern Cardinal. If you are in North America, it could be either a Summer or Scarlet Tanager. Both birds have bright red heads […]
Common Yellow-throat Illustration by David Sibley When cities are quiet, we can easily hear the birds around us. This illuminating article from the New York Times helps us learn about 13 birds we live in close proximity with but may never have seen. With stunning images by David Sibley and informational sonograms of bird calls from Donald Kroodsma, this article […]
Released just as spring migration is starting, this timely book bringsunderstanding and learning birdsong to a new level. Don Kroodsma is a world-renown authority on birdsong. And apart from understanding it he knows the positive effect of an immersive nature experience. Birdsong For the Curious Naturalist opens with the line “birdsong fills our lives with beauty and […]
Make the ID: American Wigeon vs Green Winged Teal Winter waterfowl makes for great birding, but some of the more common ducks can be difficult to tell apart. American Wigeons and Green-winged Teals can be a bit confusing – especially in dull light. But there are a few specific markings that can make the ID […]
Snowy Egret Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel White wading birds are elegant and interesting to watch, but telling them apart can be confusing. Some waders may be grey or rufous, but have white morphs making it a little trickier to distinguish them from the birds which are always white. But for two of the more common egrets – Snowy […]
Yellow-rumped Warbler Photo Credit:Deborah Rivel What is THAT bird? This is the annual cry of frustration from many a birder during fall migration, when spring’s flashiest male birds are sporting more muted attire. These birds have had a very busy spring and summer finding a mate, defending their territory and raising chicks – all of which requires […]
Purple Finch Photo Credit: Stan Tekeila Two beautiful reddish finches which can be easily confused…but just as easily identified! Well, they are very similar…or are they? Interested in making the ID? Here are some things to look for to tell them apart: 1 – Field Marks – Male House Finches are a rosy red around the […]
These two beautiful blue birds are spring migrants, sometimes seen during breeding season in the same Indigo Bunting Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel locations in the eastern and central part of the US. In certain light, they can look very similar. So to tell them apart, check out how they compare: 1 – Size: Indigo Buntings have small […]
These two red finches both share a similar attraction to seeds. White-winged Crossbill Photo Credit: Stan Tekeila They also overlap in range, preferring the far north and into Canada, and sometimes telling the difference between them can be challenging. Here are a few tips to make the right ID between these winter favorites — White-winged Crossbills and Pine Grosbeaks: Pine Grosbeak Photo […]
Make the ID: These two beautiful ducks can be found in the same areas, and at a distance, or in poor light on their own, can be confusing. Common Goldeneye Photo Credit: Stan Tekeila Both Buffleheads and Common Goldeneyes have iridescent green on their heads and shocks of white. And while Common Goldeneyes do indeed have golden […]
Gray Catbird/Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel Up your birding ID game this spring by starting now to learn to ID birds by their songs. Often birds are only heard, and by recognizing their calls you can easily add more birds to your list. Not all birds have calls that are instantly recognizable – like the unmistakable call […]
Have a blast birdwatching and make a contribution to science by joining a Christmas Bird Count in your area. Photo Credit: Camilla Cerea/Audubon This marks the 119th year since Audubon co-opted the annual bird shoot and make it into a much bird-friendlier bird count! This year you can join over 70,000 people in the US, Canada, Latin America, […]
Yellow-rumped Warbler Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel In spring making bird ID’s is so much simpler, as every bird is dressed in their very best plumage – bright, fresh and ready to find a mate. But in fall, few birds look like the iconic field guide image for the species – why sport the fancy stuff […]
Red-tailed Hawk Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel Fall raptor migration is amazing! For the serious hawk watcher, it is the time to get really spectacular flight photos and see raptors en route in often high numbers. If you are new to hawk watching and want to plan a trip or a day outing, keep an eye on […]
Chestnut-mandibled Toucan Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel Birds beaks have to be tough, durable, super lightweight and made to exactly fit the job they are designed to do. So, what are they made from anyway? Listen to Birdnote to find out.
Photo Credit:Meghan Kearney, USFWS This month in the Year of the Bird, we encourage you to get your kids or kids you know out into nature. If you love birds, teaching a child how to bird can create both an understanding of and interest in nature which can translate into a lifelong passion for him […]
Make the ID: Magnolia vs Canada Warbler Magnolia Warbler Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel Fast moving warblers in spring can often look similar. You see a flash of bright yellow underneath and a necklace…..which is it – Magnolia or Canada Warbler? Here are a few tips to help you decide. Magnolia Warblers can be stunning […]
Make the ID: Cape May vs Palm Warbler Cape May Warbler Photo Credit: Stan Tekeila The joy of seeing warblers during spring migration is always a highlight of any outing. But some species can seem similar – especially when the view is fleeting. Cape May and Palm Warblers can be confused, and here are […]
doodle Sky Dance Have you ever seen or heard a Timberdoodle? Better known as Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel American Woodcock, this shy football-shaped forest bird cuts quite a figure dancing in the sky. In early spring woodcocks are migrating back north to get to their breeding ground, and April is a good time to see them […]
Those big black birds with glossy feathers seem to be everywhere. But are they American Crows or Common Ravens? If Common Raven Photo Credit: Stan Tekeila you have ever wondered which bird you are looking at, you aren’t alone! These two birds are easily confused and sometimes it takes a little sleuthing to tell the […]
Owl ID: Owling By Sound Owls are primarily nocturnal creatures, so your best chance of seeing them is going to be at night when they are most active. You may get quiet flyovers as they check you out, which are especially exciting when there is a bright moonlit sky, and you may sometimes find them […]
ID Migrating Hawks 101 One of the best things about watching hawks is the opportunity to learn to ID them at your own pace. Unlike songbird migration, or just watching songbirds for that matter, when you watch hawks migrating, you often have a much longer view of the birds and the opportunity in some […]
ID TIPS: Downy vs Hairy Woodpeckers While it’s easy to identify a Pileated Woodpecker (think Woody Woodpecker) or a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, two smaller and very common woodpeckers provide a challenge to even more experienced birders. So… how to tell the Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers apart? The little Downy Woodpecker (pictured here) is around 6.5 inches […]
ID Tips – Loons vs Mergansers Common Loons and Red-breasted Mergansers Common Loon and chick are beautiful waterfowl which many associate with the Northern Woods, as they typically breed on these fresh-water lakes. Both birds are found in similar territories year round. During breeding season they have more distinctive markings. But sometimes the Red-breasted Merganser […]
Warbler ID Tips – Magnolia vs Yellow-Rumped It’s spring migration! As warblers are passing through where you are, or the overwintering species are now in their Magnolia Warbler breeding plumage, some of these birds can be a little challenging to ID. Iconic Yellow Warblers are easy to recognize with their overall yellow body and red […]
Easy ID – Sandhill vs Whooping Crane Every March, Sandhill Cranes descend on Nebraska’s Platte River which is a favored feeding area during migration for tens to hundreds of thousands of cranes. The other species of crane in North America is the Whooping Crane. But, unlike Sandhill Cranes, Whooping Cranes are endangered. So, if you assumed the cranes […]
Eagle ID Tips Making the ID between a Bald Eagle and a Golden Eagle is simple, right? After all, don’t Bald Eagles have a white Adult Golden Eagle head? And don’t Golden Eagles only live in the western US? Well, yes and no. If you use just these two parameters in your ID, you will likely […]
Winter is an excellent time to find ducks, geese, and swans. Ducks are actively seeking to stay warm by finding open patches of water to feed, so they are easy to see, and are great birds to show kids or novice birders. And now waterfowl are pairing up and mating, so they are in […]
Common Raven In winter, corvids, which include crows and ravens, are easy to spot and are fairly common. At a distance, both look very similar, and their all-black plumage makes identification tricky. With these tips and some practice, you’ll be able to separate crows and ravens with ease. If in doubt, remember that it’s easier […]
Owl ID Tips Owls are such mysterious birds. They are most active at night and are difficult to find unless you are listening. Here are tips for ID’ing three owls that are fairly common in their territories in North America – Great Horned, Barred and Saw-whet Owl. When most of us think of the sound […]
Wading Bird ID 101 This summer if you are near fresh or salt water, you will likely see wading birds. Many of the larger waders are easy to identify if you just know the basics. If you are new to finding and identifying these long-legged herons, egrets and cranes, here are a few tips to […]
Tips to Make Those Warbler ID’s Sure, you know the birds at your feeders, but spring songbird migration is on and now’s the time to hone your warbler ID skills! There are over fifty species of warblers, so to make the identification process easier, we have a few suggestions to help you determine if […]
Welcome winter — the perfect time to watch ducks! For kids or adults who haven’t done much birding, ducks are a great place to start as they have three very important things going for them: 1 – they are big 2 – they are out on the open water and easy to see 3 […]
Late autumn and winter are great times to look for owls. Owls are nocturnal so the best time of day to start looking for them is right around sunset when they start getting active. Unless you already know where an owl roosts during the day, they are seriously difficult to find in daylight when they […]
The best way to identify owls is by their sound. To make your owling outing more productive, try memorizing some local owl calls. Here are some owls which are common across much of North America and a good place to start if you want to learn owl calls. Also check with local experts and bird […]
Flash! A small Accipiter is flying through! Is it a Coopers Hawk Sharp-shinned Hawk or a Cooper’s Hawk? This is one of the hardest ID’s to make. Most novice birders will simply write it off a “Shooper”, not really sure which one it is. But here are some tips that can help you make the […]
Fall Birding sure is a lot different than spring. One challenge is that fall migration takes place after breeding Molting Male Goldfinch season, so many migrants are in their “basic”, or non-breeding plumage. Males that were bright and colorful in the spring and summer are now either becoming or are already dull and brown. For […]
This month, many shorebirds are nesting in the high northern latitudes. A few species, such as Killdeer and Piping Plovers, nest in the Continental United States, but most are in northern Canada and Alaska, nesting on the tundra. Shorebirds are amazing, but many birders ignore this Sanderling dynamic group of birds because they are […]
Most owls are nocturnal, actively hunting under the cover of darkness. For a cool (in all sense of the word!) thing to do, take a trip outside at night to find owls. Finding a silently moving bird in the dark can be a challenge, but it can be a lot of fun! The best way […]
At the beach you see a fairly large black and white bird with a long red or orange beak. What is it? There are two very distinctive birds at many beaches that nest in the same location and look very similar in color…but are very different. Here’s how to easily tell the difference between the […]
Would it surprise you to know there are over 30 species of sparrows in North America? Sparrows may be brownish for the most part, but they have some beautiful and unique songs, and many have distinctive markings that make them easy to identify. The moniker LBB (little brown bird) doesn’t really do them justice. Learning […]
Owls are really cool but they are also really hard to see. There are two main reasons why that is – most owls are nocturnal (meaning they sleep during the day and are active at night), and because they need to be safe while they are sleeping in the daylight, they blend in well with […]