The Journal

All Stories

1,084 stories and counting · Page 2

Bird ProfilesBirdwatchingBirdingMigratory BirdsBirds of PreyBirding TipsBird Sounds & CallsPre-historic BirdsBird CultureBird PhotographyRare & Endangered BirdsForest Birds
yellow and green bird
Migratory Birds

Why Some Birds Are Active in Winter While Others Migrate

As winter’s icy grip tightens across northern landscapes, a fascinating division occurs in the bird world. While many species embark on epic journeys to warmer climates, others remain behind, seemingly

Two Eastern Bluebirds energetically splashing in a birdbath.
Bird Culture

How to Keep Birdbaths Clean and Mosquito-Free

Birdbaths bring a delightful dimension to any garden, attracting feathered visitors who entertain with their splashing antics while finding essential hydration. However, maintaining these water features requires…

Group of emperor penguins congregating on Antarctic ice with snowy mountains in the background
Bird Profiles

The Birds That Live in Giant Colonies of Thousands

In the avian world, few sights are as awe-inspiring as thousands of birds swirling through the sky in perfect synchrony or clustering together in vast breeding colonies. While many bird

A Ural owl perched on a tree in a dark, mystical forest setting.
Bird Profiles

Why Birds Sometimes Sing in the Middle of the Night

The night’s silence is occasionally broken by the melodious tunes of birds, a phenomenon that may surprise many who assume avian creatures are strictly diurnal vocalists. While daytime birdsong is

standing penguin on sand near snow covered mountain covering the sun from view at daytime
Bird Profiles

The Bird That Can Dive the Deepest Underwater

When we think of diving birds, most of us might picture a penguin or cormorant dipping beneath the waves for a few moments. However, the world of avian diving capabilities

green bird beside the pink flower
Birding

How to Create a Bird Sanctuary With Just 3 Plants

Birds are nature’s living jewels, bringing color, song, and vitality to our outdoor spaces. Creating a bird sanctuary doesn’t require acres of land or complex landscaping—you can transform even the

A silhouette of a bird perched on a wire against a beautiful sunset backdrop.
Migratory Birds

What Moon Phases Mean for Migrating Birds

The mysterious synchronicity between celestial bodies and Earth’s wildlife has fascinated scientists for generations. Among these cosmic connections, the relationship between moon phases and bird migration stands out as…

A stunning black cockatoo, showcasing its vibrant plumage and intricate feather details.
Bird Profiles

The Most Spectacular Birds in the Australian Outback

The Australian Outback, with its vast reddish plains, sparse woodlands, and striking landscapes, is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary birdlife. Far from being a barren wasteland, this

A Striated Caracara with its beak open.
Bird Sounds & Calls

The Best Smartphone Apps for Recording Bird Calls

Bird watching has evolved significantly with technology, and one of the most exciting developments is the ability to record bird calls using smartphone apps. These applications have transformed the way

Close-up of an Australian butcherbird perched on a wooden bench.
Birding

How to Tell if a Bird Is Stressed or Sick

Birds are masters at hiding illness—an evolutionary trait that helps them avoid appearing vulnerable to predators in the wild. This natural instinct makes it challenging for bird owners and wildlife

A vibrant lovebird perched on a branch with a blurred background, capturing natural beauty.
Bird Profiles

Why Some Birds Have Permanent “Baby Faces”

The animal kingdom is filled with fascinating adaptations that have evolved over millions of years. Among these intriguing features is the phenomenon of neoteny—the retention of juvenile characteristics into…

A red and black bird on black metal bird feeder.
Birding

How to Create a Year-Round Feeding Station for Birds

Birds bring joy, color, and natural wonder to our outdoor spaces. Creating a year-round feeding station allows you to support local bird populations through changing seasons while providing yourself with

Two tree swallows perched on a textured surface.
Bird Sounds & Calls

How Long It Takes for Birds to Learn Their Songs

Birds are nature’s most celebrated musicians, filling forests, meadows, and even urban environments with complex melodies that serve purposes far beyond mere aesthetics. While many of us have marveled at

A flock of sandpipers flies over the water.
Bird Sounds & Calls

How Birds Avoid Mid-Air Collisions in Large Flocks

When thousands of starlings swoop and swirl across the evening sky in mesmerizing murmurations, or when massive flocks of geese navigate vast distances during migration, a remarkable phenomenon occurs: despite

Two hummingbirds under purple flower.
Bird Profiles

The Best Plants to Attract Hummingbirds Naturally

Creating a hummingbird haven in your garden requires more than just hanging feeders—it’s about cultivating the right botanical environment that naturally draws these magnificent creatures. Hummingbirds are attracted to…

A flock of Canada geese with outstretched wings flies in formation across a light sky.
Migratory Birds

Why Some Birds Migrate Thousands of Miles While Others Stay Put

In the vast theater of avian behavior, perhaps none is more spectacular than the phenomenon of bird migration. Every year, millions of birds embark on journeys spanning continents and oceans,

A vivid yellow dove soaring with wings spread wide, captured mid-flight against a lush green background.
Migratory Birds

How Birds Know When It’s Time to Migrate

Each year, billions of birds embark on remarkable journeys, traveling thousands of miles between breeding and wintering grounds. These epic migrations are among nature’s most impressive phenomena, yet the mechanisms

A camera on a tripod with the sun setting in the background.
Bird Photography

How to Choose the Right Tripod for Birding Photography

Finding the perfect tripod for bird photography can transform your outdoor shooting experience from frustrating to fulfilling. Birds are notoriously challenging subjects—they move quickly, often appear at a distance, and