The Journal

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1,084 stories and counting · Page 21

Bird ProfilesBirdwatchingBirdingMigratory BirdsBirds of PreyBirding TipsBird Sounds & CallsPre-historic BirdsBird CultureBird PhotographyRare & Endangered BirdsForest Birds
A person in a tan coat and white beanie looks through black binoculars over a body of water.
Birdwatching

The Best Binoculars for Backyard Birdwatching Beginners

Bird watching is a delightful hobby that connects us with nature right in our own backyards. The right pair of binoculars can transform a casual glance at feathered visitors into

A flight of seagulls soars across the sky, their wings catching the light.
Migratory Birds

What Happens When a Bird Gets Lost on Migration

Migration is one of nature’s most remarkable phenomena, with billions of birds embarking on incredible journeys spanning thousands of miles each year. These seasonal travelers navigate using sophisticated biological…

A flock of grey herons soaring in the sky, capturing the essence of migrating birds.
Migratory Birds

How Birds Avoid Predators During Migration

Birds undertake some of the most impressive journeys in the animal kingdom, with many species traveling thousands of miles between breeding and wintering grounds each year. During these epic migrations,

a bird sitting between the railings of a balcony,
Birdwatching

How to Turn a Balcony Into a Mini Bird Sanctuary

Transforming your balcony into a bird sanctuary creates a magical connection with nature, even in the midst of urban living. Birds bring color, song, and life to our surroundings while

An Arctic Tern flies directly toward the viewer with outstretched wings.
Migratory Birds

How Arctic Terns Traveling 44,000 Miles Are Changing the Way We Birdwatch

Arctic Terns are nature’s most extraordinary long-distance travelers, embarking on an annual migration that spans nearly 44,000 miles from the Arctic to Antarctica and back—the longest known migration of any

Gray sparrow perched on a plant stem in a home garden
Birdwatching

How to Design a Pollinator and Bird Garden Combo

Creating a garden that attracts both pollinators and birds transforms your outdoor space into a vibrant ecosystem buzzing with life and color. When these two wildlife groups coexist, they create

Adult house finch feeding juvenile at a backyard bird feeder
Uncategorized

How to Tell Juvenile Birds From Adults at the Feeder

Bird watching becomes even more rewarding when you can identify not just species, but age groups within those species. Distinguishing juvenile birds from adults at your backyard feeder opens up

Long-billed dowitchers are standing in shallow water.
Migratory Birds

Why Migration Timing Can Be a Life-or-Death Decision

Migration represents one of nature’s most dramatic phenomena, with billions of animals traversing thousands of miles across land, sea, and air. Yet behind this awe-inspiring spectacle lies a critical reality:

A colorful bee hummingbird perched on a branch.
Bird Profiles

Meet the Bee Hummingbird: The World’s Smallest Bird

In the lush forests of Cuba lives a marvel of nature so tiny it can be mistaken for an insect in flight. The Bee Hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae), weighing less than

A secretary bird with a white head and orange face.
Bird Profiles

The Secretary Bird: Africa’s Snake-Stomping Raptor

The African savanna is home to many iconic creatures, but few are as distinctive or specialized as the secretary bird. With its eagle-like body, crane-like legs, and unique hunting behavior,

Squirrel caught snacking on birdseed from a garden table
Birdwatching

How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Bird Feeders

Imagine the scene: you’ve carefully set up your bird feeder, filled it with premium seed, and eagerly await the colorful visitors to your garden. Instead, you watch as acrobatic squirrels

A Northern Hawk-Owl perched on a utility pole with visible wires, showcasing its natural habitat.
Migratory Birds

The Most Unexpected Places Birds Stop to Rest

Birds, nature’s tireless travelers, often find themselves in need of rest during their extensive journeys across landscapes and continents. While we typically picture birds perching on branches or nesting in

Bird with GPS tracking device attached to its back for migration study
Migratory Birds

How Researchers Use Tiny Backpacks to Track Birds

In the fascinating world of ornithology, scientists have developed ingenious methods to study bird behavior, migration patterns, and ecological interactions. One of the most remarkable innovations in recent years has

Elegant outdoor garden party table with decorative cakes inside birdcages and fresh floral arrangements
Birdwatching

How to Host a Bird-Themed Garden Party

There’s something magical about combining the natural beauty of your garden with the whimsical charm of birds to create an unforgettable gathering. A bird-themed garden party offers a refreshing departure

A White-Eared Bulbul eating seeds on the ground
Birdwatching

How to Make Your Own No-Spill Bird Feeder

Birds bring life, color, and melody to our outdoor spaces. Setting up a bird feeder is one of the best ways to attract these beautiful creatures to your yard. However,

Bird perched on a plant stem exposed to sunlight
Birdwatching

Why Morning Is Prime Time for Birdwatching

The soft glow of dawn breaking over the horizon signals more than just the start of a new day – it heralds one of nature’s most spectacular daily performances. Morning

A blue jay perches on a mossy branch.
Bird Profiles

What Makes the Blue Jay So Smart

Few backyard birds command attention quite like the blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), with its striking blue plumage and bold personality. While many admire these birds for their beauty, those who

Gray catbird with gray plumage perches in a birdbath.
Birdwatching

How to Tell if Your Birdbath Is Too Deep

Birdbaths bring a delightful splash of nature to our gardens, providing water for our feathered friends to drink and bathe. However, many well-intentioned bird enthusiasts don’t realize that an improperly