Birding

Dark-eyed Juncos, Backyard Gems, Come in a Dazzling Array of Colors
March 01, 2019 — The six flavors of junco were long considered separate species. Recent science shows that they instead boldly exhibit evolution in real time.
Want a Training Ground for Your Birding Skills? Try Patch Birding
February 28, 2019 — Birders around the world are immersing themselves in nearby nature, and you can, too.
Take the John James ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ â€˜Birds of America’ Quiz
February 27, 2019 — We've chosen excerpts from 15 of JJA's original writings. Can you guess which bird he was describing?
How Kenn Met Kimberly—and 13 Other Birdy Love Stories
February 14, 2019 — From the City of Angels to the tip of Andes, these couples all have one thing in common.
Will You Still Love the Hot Duck When He Looks Like This?
February 06, 2019 — Big changes are coming for Central Park’s beloved bachelor. Mandarin fans, meet molting.
Field Notes From My First Rare-Bird Sighting
February 01, 2019 — When a Red-flanked Bluetail strayed into Los Angeles, one fledgling birder joined the stakeout—and learned a few things in the process.
Subzero Temperatures Couldn't Stop This Rugged Wyoming Christmas Bird Count
January 31, 2019 — A chance to spot Greater Sage-Grouse and see which species will show up at a certain geothermal pool makes enduring the cold worthwhile.
After an Injury, Maine's Famous Great Black Hawk Faces an Uncertain Future
January 28, 2019 — [Updated] Rehabbers helping the stray raptor from Mexico now face an ethical dilemma: Where to release a bird thousands of miles from home?
Meet the Heart and Soul of America's Oldest and Largest Bird Count
January 25, 2019 — Geoff LeBaron has led ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's Christmas Bird Count for the last 32 years, long before crowdsourcing scientific data was in fashion.
For Chicago Birders, a Christmas Day CBC Is the Perfect Holiday Tradition
January 24, 2019 — Participants in this year's count, including the author and her family, enjoyed a day outside birding while also snagging a pair of rarities.