Migration Made Visible

  The mysteries of bird migration may never be completely unraveled. But with new technology, information about birds’ activities — where they nest, overwinter and make stops along the way — are becoming more clear. This is critical information for biologists for the conservation of species. But now it is possible for all of us to see an interactive […]

Sea Ducks Catch the Tail Wind!

  The fall migration of sea ducks along the Atlantic coast is one of the great migration events in North America. In autumn, millions of seabirds take full advantage of the often 30-40 MPH tailwind, driving their ground speed to dizzying numbers. Flocks of hundreds of all species of Scoters, Gannets, with Red-throated loons and teal mixed […]

New BirdCams!

  Lots to watch during the winter! From teeny baby Allen’s Hummingbird chicks in California to Northern Royal Albatross in New Zealand. Plus there are several links to watch migrating birds and our favorite neo-tropical feeder in Panama to get your fix of birds in a warmer climate. There’s always something fun to watch!   NEW! Allen’s Hummingbird […]

3 Billion Birds Gone – What Can I Do To Help?

If you are asking this question after reading about the study showing 3 billions birds are gone since 1970,  you White-throated Sparrow Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel are not alone as the enormity of the numbers of birds lost is difficult to comprehend.  Some of the hardest hit birds are ones we see most often  – White-throated Sparrows, Red-winged […]

Make the ID: Common Goldeneye vs Bufflehead

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 […]

Dapper Ducks Are Courting!

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 […]

Where to Find Ducks Now

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 […]

Year of the Bird — In April, Birds Need Your Help

The Year of the Bird in April – Birds Need Your Help 2018 is the Year of the Bird, and in April, birds really need your help!  The Year of the Bird celebrates the 100th anniversary of signing into law the Migratory Bird Treaty Act which has protected billions of birds on migration – from Peregrine Falcons to Magnolia Warblers, […]

ID Tips – Loons vs Mergansers

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 […]