The Journal

All Stories

1,084 stories and counting · Page 22

Bird ProfilesBirdwatchingBirdingMigratory BirdsBirds of PreyBirding TipsBird Sounds & CallsPre-historic BirdsBird CultureBird PhotographyRare & Endangered BirdsForest Birds
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

A detailed close-up image of a vibrant hornbill with a striking bill and feathers.
Bird Profiles

Why the Helmeted Hornbill Is Being Hunted Toward Extinction

The Helmeted Hornbill, a magnificent bird native to Southeast Asia’s dense forests, stands on the precipice of extinction due to relentless hunting. Unlike other hornbill species, this remarkable creature possesses

A flock of snowy egrets fills the sky over the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary.
Migratory Birds

What Happens When Birds Migrate Too Early or Too Late

The ancient rhythms of bird migration have evolved over millennia, precisely timed to coincide with seasonal food availability, favorable weather conditions, and breeding opportunities. However, in our rapidly changing…

Carolina chickadee perched on metal rail
Birdwatching

How to Spot the Difference Between Similar-Looking Birds

For both novice and experienced birdwatchers, distinguishing between similar bird species can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of the hobby. That fleeting moment when a bird

Birdwatching

Why Birds Bathe in Dust (And Why It’s Healthy)

When we think of birds bathing, we often picture them splashing joyfully in water puddles or birdbaths. However, many bird species engage in a very different type of bathing ritual

Two different species of seagulls flying mid-air under a cloudy sky
Migratory Birds

How Birds Prepare Their Muscles for Migration

Migration represents one of nature’s most extraordinary feats of endurance and navigation. Every year, billions of birds embark on journeys spanning thousands of miles, crossing oceans, deserts, and mountain ranges

Scenic view of Delicate Arch with a bird flying overhead at sunrise in Utah's Arches National Park.
Migratory Birds

Why Desert Crossings Are the Riskiest for Migrating Birds

Migration is one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena, with billions of birds embarking on incredible journeys spanning continents each year. While these epic travels are fraught with numerous dangers, from

A large flock of birds flies over a structure against a textured sky.
Migratory Birds

The Secret Highways Birds Use During Migration

The sky may seem boundless, but for migrating birds, it’s a network of specific pathways—aerial highways that have guided avian journeys for millennia. These invisible routes crisscross our planet, connecting

A tufted titmouse perched on a bird feeder enjoying seeds outdoors.
Birdwatching

Mistakes to Avoid When Trying to DIY Feeders That Actually Work

Crafting homemade feeders for birds, wildlife, or pets can be both rewarding and economical. The satisfaction of seeing creatures enjoy your handmade creation is unmatched, while the cost savings compared

Hummingbirds perched together on a branch
Birding

How to Attract Hummingbirds Without Using Sugar Water

Hummingbirds, those jewel-like aerial acrobats, bring magic to any garden with their iridescent feathers and remarkable flying abilities. While sugar water feeders are a popular way to attract these tiny

A New Caledonian crow perches on a branch.
Bird Profiles

This Bird Can Open Locked Containers

The extraordinary problem-solving abilities of certain birds have long fascinated scientists and animal behaviorists. Among these remarkable avian intellectuals, the New Caledonian crow stands out for its exceptional…

A Pink-necked green pigeon perched on a branch.
Bird Profiles

The Most Colorful Pigeon You’ve Never Heard Of

In the avian world, pigeons often get a bad rap, dismissed as dull, gray city dwellers with little aesthetic appeal. But hidden among the 300+ species of pigeons and doves

Blue Jay bird eating a piece of bread
Birdwatching

The Truth About Bread and Feeding Birds

Many of us have childhood memories of tossing bread crumbs to eager ducks at a local pond or pigeons in the park. This seemingly innocent activity has been a tradition

Gull flying over ocean water with white-capped waves.
Migratory Birds

How Ocean Currents Help Seabirds Save Energy

Seabirds have evolved remarkable strategies for survival, including the ingenious use of ocean currents to conserve energy during their extensive flights. These marine birds, ranging from albatrosses to petrels, have

A majestic Harpy Eagle looks directly forward in a close-up shot.
Bird Profiles

The Harpy Eagle’s Grip Is Stronger Than a Rottweiler’s

Deep within the lush rainforests of Central and South America dwells one of nature’s most formidable aerial predators—the Harpy Eagle. With its massive talons and incredible strength, this magnificent bird

Gull soaring through vibrant blue and orange sky at sunset
Migratory Birds

How Some Birds Sleep While Flying

While humans require a comfortable bed and quiet environment for sleep, some birds have evolved the remarkable ability to sleep while soaring through the sky. This extraordinary adaptation allows certain

A house stands in a bird-friendly yard.
Birding

How to Design a Bird-Friendly Yard With Limited Space

Creating a bird-friendly habitat doesn’t require acres of land. Even the smallest urban balcony, compact patio, or modest yard can become a sanctuary for local and migratory birds with thoughtful

A Great Tit perches near a bird feeder.
Birding

The Most Common Mistakes People Make With Feeders

Feeders play a crucial role in providing sustenance to wildlife, pets, and livestock, offering convenience to caretakers while ensuring animals receive proper nutrition. However, many well-intentioned individuals make…