For me, it’s officially spring when Song Sparrows start singing! Song Sparrows are found throughout the United States and into Southern Canada. To bring them into your garden, plant thick, low vegetation, or create a brush pile. This sparrow is celebrated – and named – for its singing. Without its melodious song, this furtive bird could be […]
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 […]
One of the more spectacular of our migratory birds in the Americas, hummingbirds are found exclusively in the New World, making this a truly American bird. While most of the over 300 species of hummingbirds are found in Central and South America, around a dozen species of these tiny gems searching for food and shelter grace […]
There are so many active nests to choose from! We just started following this family of Barred Owls: Two eggs were laid in early March! Check out the rest of these nestcams – Eagles, Petrels, Red-tailed Hawks, Ospreys, Albatross and more!: Decorah Eagles – DNR and Mr. North have 2 adorable chicks! Bith hatched later […]
Scott Weidensaul, Pulitzer Prize finalist and bird researcher, speaks to NPR’s Fresh Air about some of the nearly unfathomable details of bird migration in this fascinating and timely podcast. Scott’s new book – A World on the Wing: The Global Odyssey of Migratory Birds – is based on his extensive fieldwork and explores these topics in greater […]
One of the most frequently asked questions by birdwatchers – either novice or those who want to upgrade their binoculars – is “what binos should I buy?” This is a subjective and highly personal decision to make, but there are ways to narrow down the choices. Here are some things to consider: 1 – […]
Owls are normally associated with the deep woods and remote areas, and indeed this is a logical spot to find them. But owls will find smaller parks in urban or suburban areas that work for them. This year, New York City hosted a Snowy Owl for the first time in 130 years. This was a historical visit by […]
When birds like these Sanderlings and Dunlin form flocks, each individual is less likely to be captured by a predator. Some shorebirds that forage with their heads down, like godwits, will flock with birds that forage with their heads up, like curlews. Still other birds work together — like American White Pelicans driving fish […]
Give it your all February 12-15 in the Great Backyard Bird Count! Run by Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this annual bird count is a really fun way to help birds as birdwatchers around the world record all the birds they have seen on these 4 days into their eBird accounts so Cornell has a snapshot of bird […]
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 […]
Some birds have really unusual, and in this case dizzying, behaviors. Phalaropes, which are shorebirds, are rarely seen as they spend much of their time on the water , nesting way far north in Alaska, or otherwise overwintering off the coasts of South America and Africa. But if you ever get the chance to watch a flock […]
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. […]
Iniko is the name of a 6 month old condor chick in Big Sur, California. His name means “Born in Troubled Times”, and his story has been a dramatic one. Born April 25, 2020 to Condors “Kingpin” #167 and “Redwood Queen” #190, he was lovingly cared for by both parents who shared the duties of feeding […]
Shorebirds embody the word “superlative” in almost every way. As a species, they make some of the toughest and longest distance migrations in the world. And now, a new official record for marathon non-stop flight has been set by a satellite tagged Bar-tailed Godwit who recently made a 12,000+ km (7,500 miles) migration with a small flock […]
As summer drifts away and gives way to autumn, many of us want to clean up the yard and make it tidy for the coming winter. Neat and tidy is great for closets, but if you want to help birds out, just let it all go to seed – literally and figuratively! Birds are now facing the […]
You don’t need to go outside to get to know birds: Try drawing them instead. David Sibley, the ornithologist who wrote and illustrated The Sibley Guide to Birds, created a video for Audubon that shows how to sketch a Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Get out a piece of paper and a pencil or crayon and try it yourself! Check out […]
Ever wonder why shorebirds have different colored legs? It’s not by accident! Nature has a plan for shorebirds to be able to see where they are going no matter where they are walking. Sound intriguing? Listen to this BirdNote piece! Yellowlegs; Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel
For many shorebirds, nesting season is highly stressful and often unsuccessful – often due to human interaction. But in one spot in NJ, there is a protected beach area where Piping Plovers can raise their brood relatively undisturbed – due to human intervention. Because here, a protected spot was built especially to protect the nesting habitat […]
Can’t fly because of the pandemic? It hasn’t seemed to stop migrating birds, pretty much anywhere. In fact, a Mongolian cuckoo by the name of Onon who was tagged with a GPS last summer, completed a 10,000 mile journey from South Africa to Mongolia in 2 weeks. Given it was believed that cuckoos in Asia migrated to south […]
We may not be able to travel right now, but Birdlife International is making it possible to be whisked away to the far ends of the globe with updates on birds from all seven continents from Helmeted Hornbills to Sage Grouse to Grey-breasted Parakeets. Learn more about making a healthy planet a human right and […]
For months now, early every morning the songs and calls would Molting Northern Cardinal Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel start – sometimes before dawn – and the raucous, beautiful and energetic bird sounds from birds like Carolina Wrens and this Northern Cardinal continued filling the soundscape until sundown. Then one day….suddenly the yard was oddly quiet. While some juvenile birds were still […]
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 […]
Guillemot Chicks screenshot – courtesy Audubon/Explore By now, most raptor chicks have fledged. But now there are some other nests and burrows that are very active: In a manner befitting a Guillemot, both eggs hatched in the Guillemot burrow on International Guillemot Appreciation Day! Do not miss watching these two adorable, black, amazingly active and fluffy little chicks! […]
California Condor Chick – courtesy Ventana Wildlilfe Society This has been a busy month — some birds we have been following have fledged, others are still in the nest about to burst out on their own. NEW this month is a great view of a California Condor nest in Big Sur, which is home to an active and fluffy chick […]
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 […]
The spider’s web is an intricate piece of precision engineering. Made from large proteins, it’s sticky, stretchy, and tough. So it’s no surprise that many small birds – including this Anna’s Hummingbird – make a point of collecting strands of spider silk to use in nest construction. Spider silk not only acts as a glue, holding […]
Baltimore Oriole Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel What better way to be outside, productive, socially distanced and helping birds than gardening! Spring is here whether or not we are sheltering inside, and now is a great opportunity to make progress on your native plant garden. Being in nature benefits all of us, and when we are limited in what […]
Great Horned Owl and owlets – courtesy Owl Research Institute Bird around the globe from home with nestcams! In North America, you can see nests we have been following and some new ones with owls, eagles, peregrines and ospreys. Visit New Zealandwhere you can continue to follow the now very large Northern Royal Albatross chick. Then zip over to Bermuda, to […]
Birdwatching Solo Photo Credit: John Chao If you’re sheltering at home, or at the very least practicing social distancing – and especially if you live in an urban environment – getting outside to see spring migration may seem like a challenge at best. Migration is starting, and is it safe or even wise to go birding? It’s critical […]
Every year, Sandhill Cranes renew their lifelong partnership bond with an elegant and graceful dance. Both partners engage and it starts the beginning of their annual migration north, mating ritual and rearing of their chicks. Listen to this piece from BirdNote to hear and learn more about these beautiful birds. Sandhill Cranes Mating Dance; Photo Credit: Dan Kaiser
Fluffy Bermuda Petrel chick, courtesy Cornell Lab It’s the season for nestcams! What can you see now? Travel the globe to see eagles, owls, hummingbirds, peregrines! Plus get updates on albatross and petrel nests (including this Bermuda Petrel pictured here) we have been following. All just waiting for you to click their cam link! […]
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 […]
Not many birds are cave dwellers. But in South America there are very unusual birds who not only live in caves, but as they forage for fruits at night, spend most of their lives in darkness – using many of the same skills as bats and owls to navigate and find food. Check out this […]
Barred Owl Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel Get those binos out, invite your friends,and block 15 minutes of time during at least one day from February 14-17 – its time to participate in this year’s Great Backyard Bird Count! Join over 160,000 other people around the world taking the time to look for birds and report their findings to […]
Year round, its nesting season somewhere! Right now our focus is on Northern Royal Albatross Cornell/NZ Dept. of Conservation Nestcam birds “down under”, and we have the privilege to see the intimate but brief land-life of the largest seabird in the world — a Northern Royal Albatross pair in Taiaroa Head, New Zealand — with a most spectacular view via […]
Hairy Woodpecker Photo Credit: Stan Tekeila It’s cold and windy outside, a heated birdbath offers relief to dehydrated birds, and the ever-growing brush pile I started a few years ago is getting a lot of use by birds darting inside to huddle and find respite. I am delighted that the little native plant meadow I planted four years […]
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 […]
After the release of the scientific report last month, spearheaded by White-throated Sparrow Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel Cornell Lab of Ornithology, showing the loss of 3 billion birds in North America in less than 50 years, we were deluged with requests asking what can a normal person do to help? The decline of birds is so precipitous that […]
Chestnut-breasted Coronet Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel Top components of a winter birding getaway are often a warmer climate and seeing new and endemic birds. I have made a number of trips to Ecuador, but I have made a number of trips to Ecuador, but one of the most interesting was when I visited several of […]
Song Sparrow in native plant meadow Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel Putting your garden to bed for the winter can mean clipping, raking and maybe throwing things out. But if you want to maintain your property for birds and wildlife, think first before you do any of these things, as birds and wildlife depend on what […]
Migrating Tree Swallows Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel The mass migration of tens of thousands of Tree Swallows on the East Coast is a migration event I look forward to every year. It happens towards the end of September right along the coast. Sometimes the flocks are flying south low along the beach near the dunes – […]
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 […]
Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel Fresh water for birds is important year round, and as the summer heats up, water is a priority. When temperatures soar, birds need fresh water to avoid dehydration, keep cool and bathe to keep their feathers in good shape. Fortunately, there are many different ways you can provide fresh water whether you have a […]
Check out this great video from Audubon about sharing our beaches with beach nesting birds – many of whom have little ones to care for. We can all #sharetheshore!
Piping Plover chick Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel Tiny and aggressive, Piping Plovers migrate from Central America and the Bahamas to the US and Canada to breed each year. But pressure from human disturbances and development on or near their nesting areas, has pushed some of these birds to nest in unlikely and unsafe areas. […]
Our gardens and backyards have more impact than we realize. Monarch Butterflies on Native Plants Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel We expect them to provide beauty for us, and native plant gardens offer mini-habitats for birds, bees and other wildlife. Well planned gardens and backyards can make a difference in the populations of butterflies, nesting and […]
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 […]
BirdCast Live Migration Map/ Cornell Lab of Ornithology We can’t tear ourselves away from these amazing real time migration radar maps from Cornell’s BirdCast showing where birds are migrating at night, the intensities of the migration and what direction. If you want to track where most of the nocturnal migration is taking place, or want to have a reasonable chance […]
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 […]
Canada Warbler Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel When warblers make their way north from Central America in spring, they follow time-honored migratory pathways. Their timing and location depends on a variety of factors including weather, geography and food supply. But arrive they will each spring. And if you want to set yourself up for the best views of […]
Bermuda Cahow chick -nestcam/Cornell Chicks are hatching! Our favorite nestcam this month is the ridiculously adorable Bermuda Cahow chick on Nonsuch Island. He’s so fluffy and tiny that every movement and especially wing flapping becomes an experience! And don’t miss the parental visits to feed and preen him and fluff his nesting materials. Unbearably cute! Fraser Point Bald Eagles – all […]
Pied Kingfisher, Eilat, Israel Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel If you find it difficult to tear yourself away from spring migrationwhere you live, you are not alone. But experiencing migration in another part of the world can be an amazing experience. If you are serious about birding, Israel is one of those places that should not be missed. […]
Rufous-TailedHummingbird Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel All species of hummingbirds are found in the New World, making this a truly American bird. While most hummingbirds are found in Central and South America, some species of these tiny gems searching for food and shelter grace many a North American garden. If you are in an area where hummingbirds […]
One of the most often asked questions by birdwatchers getting their first pair of binoculars, or veterans who want to upgrade is “which binos should I buy?” This is a subjective and highly personal decision, but there are ways to narrow down the choices. To get you started, here are some things to consider and some reviews: 1 – Price – you […]
Fraser Point Bald Eagle nestcam/explore.org There is a lot to see right now — owls setting up to nest, baby hummingbirds being fed, beautiful birds at the feeder in Panama and more… Enjoy them all! Fraser Point Bald Eagles in Santa Cruz have 2 eggs – hatch watch starts March 16. Rufous-tailed Hummingbird cam in California with a chick and another egg! (see […]
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 […]
Gray Catbird Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel It’s time to plan your spring gardening. Whether you are just starting a native plant garden or already have native plants in your yard, we have some ideas that can make your garden a bird magnet year round by providing food and shelter regardless of the season. Diversity is critical to providing the […]
A wayward Robin (not the North American thrush kind, but the tinyEuropean kind found widely throughout the UK), showed up at the Beijing Zoo recently. Dubbed a Brexit refugee by some, he has become another avian celebrity – not unlike the Mandarin Duck (a China native) who arrived in New York City’s Central Park. Popular with photographers, the […]
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 […]
Waterfowl are busy pairing off and mating, which means ducks are at their most beautiful this time of year. If you haven’t had the chance to see ducks courting, it is definitely worth your while as some of them look stunning and have some pretty interesting behaviors. Look out for small intimate interactions like allopreening – where one bird preens his/her mate and […]
Waterfowl are mating in winter and they can be found in huge flocks — sometimes numbering in the tens of thousands! Seeing great rafts of ducks and geese can be a good antidote for the often extreme temperatures and conditions you need to endure to do it. But seeing hundreds or thousands of birds at one time is possible to […]
courtesy Freepix Take someone birding! If you have just one resolution for 2019, make it this one! Introducing the natural world to someone through birds can be a life changing experience for them and may alter they way they think about not just birds, but conservation and nature in general. Who says one person can’t make a difference? If […]
This year, an unusual visitor has come to New York City’s Central Park and he has become an overnight celebrity. This stunning Mandarin Duck in the photo above has made worldwide headlines for his appearance. He is a native species from Asia, and most likely has been captive, causing him to receive resistance from some folks. It’s […]
Black-tailed Godwit/Photo Credit: BirdLife Sweden For our year end issue we wanted to highlight some bird conservation success stories. Sometimes the challenges to birds and conservation can loom large. It’s not always good news. But there are numerous successes and new positive findings about birds which give us hope that the work we do on behalf of […]
Snowy Owls – those spectacularly beautiful all white owls – are being seen again this winter in the US. Project Snowstorm is once Snowy Owl/ Photo Credit: Stan Tekeila more tracking dozens of owlsthis year across the US to obtain more data and information on the behavior, movements and lifestyles of these mysterious and beautiful birds. The Project Snowstorm site has lots of info […]
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 […]
Black-capped Chickadees/ Photo Credit: Stan Tekeila As temperatures drop, it’s time to winterize your backyard to make it a popular and safe place for birds. Birds need to stay warm and have adequate food and shelter during cold or stormy weather. What does your backyard provide? Here are some of the things you can provide for birds to […]
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 […]
How Many Birds Are on Fall Migration? Do you ever wonder how many birds are on the move during fall Tree Swallows Migrating Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel migration? We did and found Cornell Lab of Ornithology answered this question in their first report on numbers of birds migrating over the US from data gleaned from radar […]
Birds are everywhere! And that makes seeing them something you can do pretty much anywhere you are at the time. Purple Sunbird, Abu Dhabi Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel Every family vacation, business trip or outing can be an opportunity to see and learn more about birds. Globally there are currently over 11,000 species of birds recognized and tracked […]
Peregrine Falcon Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel Most of the best hawk watching sites in North America are fairly well known – Cape May NJ, Hawk Ridge in Duluth, Hawk Mountain PA and River of Raptors in Veracruz, for example. But if you are a photographer wanting excellent shots of migrating hawks, you may be disappointed […]
Hurricane season is really tough on birds. It happens during migration BirdCast Live Migration Map, 9/14/2018 Cornell Lab of Ornithology when many millions of birds are on the move, and it can be anywhere from disruptive to deadly. Birds do the best they can to avoid the maelstrom and being blown off course or worse, […]
Songbirds are mostly finished nesting, Guillemot Chick Screenshot: explore.org and their chicks are gaining strength to make their first migration south. But there are still some adorable nestlings and juvenile birds waiting to make their first flight. Don’t miss these seabirds and Osprey before they leave the nest! Puffin burrow with a fluffy puffling and a Guillemot chick in […]
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.
One of the best ways to get kids interested in birds is to get them working on a fun bird project. Photo Credit: Melpo Apostolidou, BirdLife Cyprus Our friends at BirdLife International have some great ideas that kids can do themselves. And they can reap the reward of learning about and doing something to help birds. From making […]
Indigo Bunting Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel Its important to be gardening with organic fertilizers and pesticides, and to keep chemicals out of your bird-friendly backyard. If you find this difficult to do, be aware that some pesticides contain neonicotinoids – a type of neuro active synthetic insecticide chemically similar to nicotine – which affects much […]
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 […]
Why Do Birds Stand on One Leg? Shorebirds Sleeping on One Leg Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel Have you ever seen birds standing on one leg – maybe even hopping on just one? Are they injured? Whether they are sleeping or standing in water, birds sometimes just prefer to remain upright on one leg. Ever wonder why […]
The Year of the Bird in June – Take Action and Use Less Plastic! Dead Albatross chick with stomach full of plastic Photo Credit: Chris Jordan Time was when discussions surrounding plastic and birds often revolved around taking bags (often plastic) to the beach and gathering up the myriad detritus of birthday balloons, plastic […]
Cool Video About Nesting Shorebirds Shorebirds are nesting on our beaches, and in many areas we are already sharing the beach with tiny hatchlings. Many towns rope off nesting areas on the beach so shorebirds, who lay their eggs on the sand — in a little depression they create called a “scrape” –can have a […]
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 […]
Nestcams! Wow – look who’s hatched! There are lots of chicks to see now – don’t miss the new addition peeking out from under mom in this Bald Eagle nest! Decorah Bald Eagle Cam, Explore.org Barred Owls in Indiana have three chicks! Thirty-three floors over Baltimore Peregrine Falcons have four eggs. Hatching watch starts […]
Where to Find Ducks Now Harlequin Duck Photo Credit: Deborah Winter is the best time to see waterfowl in their breeding plumage. Look nearby for open areas of water in ponds, reservoirs and even near the beach, and you are likely to see some unusually beautiful winter visitors hanging out. Visiting a […]