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Miraculous Shades of Brown
Sparrows are remarkable birds that come in a wide range of brown hues. Just as sparrows are frequently dismissed in favor of more "charismatic" species, Black birders have historically been underrepr…
Published on 6 months, 3 weeks ago
Make Your Cloud-watching More Like Bird-watching
When we watch birds in flight, they’re often seen against a backdrop of clouds. Clouds have many different types and are listed in the International Cloud Atlas. The asperitas cloud was first describ…
Published on 6 months, 3 weeks ago
California Quail, Up and Running
The most distinctive characteristic of the California Quail is the black, forward-facing topknot that juts out from its forehead like a small flag. The California Quail – the state bird of California…
Published on 6 months, 4 weeks ago
The Skatebirder
Dave Mull is not your typical birder — he's a professional skateboarder, or a “skatebirder” as he puts it. He brings binoculars with him when he skateboards and doesn’t mind putting his board down to…
Published on 6 months, 4 weeks ago
Rivers of Birds
One of the world champions of long-distance migration is the Arctic Tern. Arctic Terns nest across the far northern reaches of the continent during our summer, then fly south to Antarctica for the re…
Published on 7 months ago
Migrations: Watching Migration from the Empire State Building
As the sun sets over New York City, author Helen Macdonald takes in the wonders of spring migration from the top of the Empire State Building. She watches a long procession of songbirds pass overhead…
Published on 7 months ago
Orchard Orioles Band Together
Orchard orioles are social birds that build their nests in large trees among streambanks and wetlands. The males have chestnut-colored breasts and black backs and wings, while females and immature bi…
Published on 7 months ago
Swainson's Warbler
The Swainson's Warbler is one of North America's shyest birds. These birds forage quietly on the ground, flipping over leaves to expose and capture insects. They scurry away, calling in alarm when bi…
Published on 7 months ago
Robins Raise a Brood in a Hurry
When it comes to raising a family, American Robins have got it down. Approximately eight days after the male and female mate, the female builds the nest. A few days later, she lays eggs. She sits on…
Published on 7 months ago
Bird Song ID
Roger Tory Peterson, the best known American figure of 20th Century birdwatching, offered help on birding by ear. Whenever he could, he provided a catchphrase to identify a bird's song. "Witchety-wit…
Published on 7 months ago