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What causes a bird to start migration? The Germans call it “zugunruhe” or migratory restlessness. There are several factors that influence the beginning of migration, including the amount of daylight. How birds find their way is a trickier manner. A researcher at Cornell University used Indigo Buntings to study the migration urge and migration […]
A world apart, the toucan and the hornbill have an amazingly similar approach to feeding, designed to accommodate their large bills. One often seen feeding on the ground, an another favoring the trees.
The new “Dick Stamps” are now available for purchase. Duck stamps are used for habitat conservation and enrichment and benefit wildlife of many kinds. Scot Storm, a native of Freeport, Minnesota, was selected as the winning artist of the Federal Duck Stamp Contest, and 16-year-old Nicole Jeon of Scarsdale, New York, was selected as the […]
Continue reading about 2019-2020 Federal Duck Stamp now available
The end of July marks the start of a two week experience to the Pantanal region of Brazil. This is not a dedicated birding trip as I will be traveling with non-birders, my brother Mark, and brother-in-law Roger. We have hired Fisher Sousa of Wildlife Pantanal Tours to be our guide for the 10 days […]
This spotting scope features the Dual-Speed Focus system, allowing the user to move between near objects and long-range targets quickly, while enjoying the benefits of fine focusing and sharpness correction. A notable innovation of the Victory® Harpia is the relocation of the magnification ring from the eyepiece to the spotting scope body, alongside the focus […]
Continue reading about Zeiss’s Newest Spotting Scope, the Victory Harpia 95
Birds can fly because they have low weight and lots of power. Their feathers, wings, hollow bones, warm bloodedness, powerful breast muscles, and a strong heart all contribute to this ability. Last week, we discussed body weight and feathers. This week we cover: Strong Body SystemsThe avian repertory system includes a unique system of five […]
The woodcock is a strange little “shorebird” of moist woodlands. Here is how it is described in the Bent Life History series. “This mysterious hermit of the alders, this recluse of the boggy thickets, this wood nymph of crepuscular habits is a common bird and well distributed in our Eastern States, widely known, but not […]
Continue reading about The American Woodcock, as described by the Bent Life History series.
For some birds color is for camouflage. For others, it is used to attract the right mate. Even baby birds use color to get their needs met. The inside of the mouth of many baby birds is bright red, a visual cue for the parents to feed them. As the babies grow and become independent, […]
(From The Birding Community E-Bulletin) On 13 April of this year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced the successful recovery of the Black-capped Vireo, thus removing the species from Endangered Species List protection for this once-beleaguered species. Thirty years ago, the population was down to only about 350 individuals. Today, however, there are […]
Birding Products Showcase to be held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. Birders interested in a hands-on experience with the latest binoculars, spotting scopes and cameras will have the opportunity to do so at the American Birding Expo. This year’s event will be held September 21-23rd in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Admission is $10.00. The American Birding […]