The Journal

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1,084 stories and counting · Page 29

Bird ProfilesBirdwatchingBirdingMigratory BirdsBirds of PreyBirding TipsBird Sounds & CallsPre-historic BirdsBird CultureBird PhotographyRare & Endangered BirdsForest Birds
Crow standing on the edge of a bird bath, gazing upward
Bird Profiles

The Truth About the Intelligence of Crows and What It Means for Bird Lovers

In the avian world, few birds capture our imagination quite like the crow. With their glossy black plumage and penetrating gaze, these remarkable creatures have long been symbols in mythology

Flock of terns gathered in marshland, some in flight during migration
Migratory Birds

Why Birds Choose the Pacific Flyway Might Be the Most Underrated Bird Migration Route

When it comes to the magnificent spectacle of bird migration, the Pacific Flyway has long stood in the shadow of its more celebrated counterparts. Stretching from the Arctic regions of

An American kestrel perches, displaying its striking orange and gray plumage.
Bird Profiles

The Smallest Bird of Prey in North America

The skies of North America are home to a diverse array of predatory birds, from massive eagles to nimble hawks. Yet among these aerial hunters, one diminutive species stands out

Close-up of a black-capped chickadee sitting on a branch with a blurred natural background.
Birding

These 6 Sounds Reveal More Than You Think (Bird Edition)

Birds are nature’s musicians, filling our environments with a symphony of sounds that often go unnoticed. Yet, each chirp, whistle, and call carries a story, a purpose, and sometimes, a

A barn owl with a distinctive heart-shaped face.
Birds of Prey

Behind the Mask Why an Owl’s Face Is Its Greatest Weapon

In the shadowy realm between dusk and darkness, a silent predator takes flight. With wings that cut through the air without a whisper and eyes that pierce the veil of

A shoebill stork stands tall, its large bill and grey plumage prominent against a green backdrop.
Bird Profiles

Why Shoebills Are Known as the “Most Metal Bird”

Deep in the swamps of East Africa stalks a bird that seems to have stepped straight out of the prehistoric era. Standing at up to 5 feet tall with a

A watchful Prairie Falcon with keen yellow eyes perches on a bare tree branch.
Birds of Prey

A Day in the Life of a Falcon Speed, Strategy, and Survival

The falcon, nature’s aerial master, embodies the perfect fusion of deadly precision and breathtaking grace. These remarkable birds of prey navigate their world with unparalleled speed and hunting prowess that

A light-bellied Swainson's Hawk in mid-flight, wings beating against a clear blue sky and dry field.
Migratory Birds

Inside the Sky Highway Used by Millions of Migrating Birds

Every spring and fall, the sky comes alive with a breathtaking parade: millions of birds, from tiny warblers to massive cranes, follow invisible aerial highways across continents. Let’s step inside

Migratory Birds

Top 10 Reasons Why Birds Choose the Pacific Flyway That Every Birdwatcher Should Know

The Pacific Flyway, stretching from Alaska to Patagonia, serves as a superhighway in the sky for millions of migratory birds each year. This magnificent aerial corridor guides countless species on

a large bird of prey flying through the air
Birds of Prey

10 Deadliest Talons in the Sky — Ranked by Hunting Style

Birds of prey, or raptors, are nature’s aerial assassins, each species boasting talons uniquely adapted to their hunting styles. These formidable claws are not just tools but weapons honed by

Birds of Prey

9 Raptors That Have Thrived in Big Cities — And How

Urban landscapes, with their towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, might seem inhospitable to wildlife. Yet, several raptor species have not only adapted but are thriving in these environments. Their presence

A Baya Weaver hangs upside down from its woven nest.
Birding

From Trash to Treasure — 7 Nesting Habits That Shocked Scientists

Birds are nature’s master architects, crafting nests that range from the simple to the astonishingly complex. Some species have developed nesting habits so unique and unexpected that they’ve left scientists

White-throated Sparrow singing on a wooden surface
Birding

Why The Best Times to Watch Morning Songbirds Might Be the Most Underrated Secret

Morning songbirds represent one of nature’s most enchanting spectacles, yet their observation remains surprisingly underappreciated among both casual nature enthusiasts and dedicated birders. As we approach 2025, a…

A stone bird bath surrounded by green plants.
Birdwatching

Top 10 Tips For Choosing the Right Birdbath That Every Birdwatcher Should Know

Birds, like humans, need water not just for drinking but also for maintaining their feathers and cooling off during hot weather. A well-chosen birdbath can transform your backyard into a

Arctic Tern perched on its nest, guarding eggs
Birdwatching

The Secret World of Nesting What Birds Do When You’re Not Looking

Have you ever wondered what birds are up to when you turn your back? The secret world of nesting is full of surprises, beauty, and clever tricks. Step into a

A peregrine falcon soars through a clear blue sky, its wings spread wide.
Birds of Prey

When Birds Use the Wind as a Weapon 6 Incredible Species

The relationship between birds and wind is one of nature’s most fascinating partnerships. While we often think of birds as merely riding air currents or using them for migration, some

Nightjar bird sitting on the ground, looking through surrounding leaves
Bird Profiles

How the Secretive Life of Nightjars Are Changing the Way We Birdwatch

The twilight world comes alive with mysterious, soft-churring calls and silent, moth-like flights that challenge our conventional birdwatching methods. Nightjars—those cryptic, nocturnal birds with camouflage so perfect…

Martial Eagle gliding through the air looking for for potential prey
Birds of Prey

The 10 Fiercest Female Hunters in the Sky (Yes, Females!)

When we think of formidable hunters soaring through the skies, it’s often the males that come to mind. However, in the world of raptors, females frequently outsize and outmatch their