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American Woodcock
At sunset, the male American Woodcock – a plump, robin-sized bird – walks slowly on short legs from the cover of the forest to a nearby clearing. Aft…
1 year, 3 months ago
Adaptations for Flight
Birds evolved not only wings, but many other adaptations that make it possible to fly. Feathers provide insulation, waterproofing, and a lightweight …
1 year, 3 months ago
Zone-tailed Hawks Mimic Vultures
Zone-tailed Hawks of the American Southwest look a lot like Turkey Vultures. And they often soar among groups of Turkey Vultures. By consorting with …
1 year, 3 months ago
Spring Bursts Forth
People often say that spring “bursts” forth. But this seasonal change isn’t like flipping a switch. It’s more like a series of waves breaking slowly.…
1 year, 3 months ago
Beautiful and Beneficial Gardening for Birds
Buying enough birdseed to keep all your backyard birds satisfied can run up a big bill. Homegrown National Park co-founder Douglas Tallamy says growi…
1 year, 3 months ago
Black Swifts Reach for the Moon
Tracking devices revealed that Black Swifts spent over 99% of their time in the air during the winter, almost never touching the ground for months. W…
1 year, 3 months ago
Field Sparrow Nests Climb Higher and Higher
Field Sparrows make use of all the warm months of the year by building multiple nests each breeding season. Females will build their first, cup-shape…
1 year, 3 months ago
Drumming with Woodpeckers
Like a jazz player beating out a drum roll, a woodpecker uses its bill to rap out a brisk series of notes. Early spring resounds with the percussive …
1 year, 3 months ago
How Do Birds Brake from Flight?
Birds are often admired for their ability to fly. But braking just in time to avoid a crash landing is amazing by itself. How does a robin go from fu…
1 year, 3 months ago
Squirrel or Bird?
Identifying birds by ear means getting familiar with each species’ unique voice. And that means learning the other voices in the ecosystem, too. Squi…
1 year, 3 months ago