The Journal

All Stories

1,084 stories and counting · Page 33

Bird ProfilesBirdwatchingBirdingMigratory BirdsBirds of PreyBirding TipsBird Sounds & CallsPre-historic BirdsBird CultureBird PhotographyRare & Endangered BirdsForest Birds
Close-up of a Marabou Stork standing near water
Birdwatching

The Feathered Giants That Walked With Mammoths and Survived

Imagine a world where colossal birds strode across ancient plains, brushing shoulders with woolly mammoths and saber-toothed cats. Some of these feathered titans are gone, but others—smaller, stranger, or simply

A majestic Peregrine Falcon soars with wings outstretched against a cloudy sky.
Birds of Prey

6 Birds of Prey That Use Wind Like a Weapon — Literally

Birds of prey, or raptors, are renowned for their keen eyesight and formidable hunting skills. Some species have developed remarkable abilities to harness the wind, using it as a tool

Brightly colored oriole resting on a branch surrounded by green foliage
Birding

How Feeding Orioles Without Harming Them Are Changing the Way We Birdwatch

The vibrant flash of orange and black as an oriole visits a backyard feeder represents more than just a moment of beauty—it’s part of an evolving relationship between humans and

A tree swallow with a blue head and white belly perches on a roof.
Bird Behavior

Recognize Returning Bird Families by These 5 Behaviors

As winter’s grip loosens and spring emerges, so too do our feathered friends return to familiar territories. Many bird species exhibit remarkable site fidelity, often returning to the exact same

Birdwatching

Why Some Birds Only Visit Certain Yards and How to Change That

Have you ever wondered why your neighbor’s yard seems to be a bustling avian paradise while yours remains eerily quiet? The selective nature of wild birds isn’t random—it’s based on

Orange-headed tanager perched on green leaves singing on a bright day
Birdwatching

Know These 7 Bird Sounds by Heart Every Backyard Birder Should

The symphony of nature is never more apparent than in the melodious calls of our feathered neighbors. For backyard birding enthusiasts, identifying birds by their distinctive sounds opens up an

Birds of Prey

5 Forest Raptors You Rarely See — But They’re There

Deep within the emerald canopies of forests worldwide, some of the most remarkable predators on Earth conduct their lives largely unseen by human eyes. Forest raptors, with their specialized hunting

A bald eagle perches on a pine tree branch, looking to its right against a blue sky.
Birds of Prey

Why These 10 Raptors Deserve Their Own Superhero Movie

When we think of superheroes, we often imagine caped crusaders with extraordinary powers. But what if I told you that nature has its own lineup of avian heroes, each with

Silhouette of trees against a starry night sky
Migratory Birds

What Happens To Birds If The Stars They Use to Navigate Suddenly Disappear?

For millennia, birds have performed remarkable migratory feats, traveling thousands of miles across continents and oceans with astonishing precision. Many species rely on celestial navigation, using star patterns as…

A Gastornis model displays its large, powerful beak and stout body.
Pre-historic Birds

These 8 Prehistoric Birds Were Bigger Than Today’s Largest Raptors

Argentavis Magnificens: The Giant of the Skies Argentavis was so massive, it could barely get off the ground! With a wingspan stretching up to 23 feet—wider than a small airplane—this

Small bird enjoying seeds on a weathered wood feeder
Birdwatching

The 10 Best Bird Feeders Ranked by Backyard Success!

Squirrel-Proof Fortress Feeder Ever feel like you’re feeding more squirrels than birds? This clever feeder keeps out even the craftiest backyard acrobats, thanks to its weight-sensitive perch. Only birds can

Birds of Prey

Wings Like No Other 10 Raptors With Record-Breaking Spans

The sky has always been a realm of wonder and majesty, where birds of prey reign supreme with their impressive wingspans and hunting prowess. Among these aerial predators, certain raptors

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

The #1 Mistake That Makes Birds Avoid Your Garden

Birds can transform an ordinary garden into a vibrant ecosystem filled with song, movement, and natural pest control. However, many well-intentioned gardeners find themselves disappointed when birds consistently bypass…

Bird flying away from a hanging bird feeder
Birdwatching

9 Things That Scare Birds Away Without You Realizing It!

Shiny Objects: Mirrors in the Sky Glimmering surfaces like CDs, aluminum foil, or even car mirrors can send birds into a tailspin—literally. Birds see these reflections as sudden flashes or

A Golden Eagle with impressive wings extended flies low over a green, grassy field.
Bird Behavior

The Unlikely Bond Between Shepherds and Wild Raptors

In the vast, open landscapes where shepherds tend their flocks, an extraordinary partnership has evolved over centuries—one that transcends the traditional boundaries between humans and wild animals. This remarkable…

A striking Prairie Falcon with speckled feathers and outstretched wings perches on a gloved hand.
Birds of Prey

7 Birds of Prey That Migrate Thousands of Miles in Silence

Birds of prey, or raptors, are renowned for their keen eyesight, powerful talons, and impressive hunting skills. Among them, several species embark on extraordinary migrations, traveling thousands of miles with

Skeleton model of Argentavis on display at Museo Paleontológico Egidio Feruglio
Pre-historic Birds

When Giant Birds Ruled Both the Sky and the Land

In the distant recesses of Earth’s history, long before humans walked the planet, magnificent avian giants dominated ecosystems across multiple continents. These weren’t just slightly larger versions of today’s…

A young Peregrine Falcon perches on a bare tree branch, looking to its right.
Birds of Prey

Hunting School in the Sky? 7 Young Raptors That Learn Through Play

In the vast theater of the sky, nature’s most impressive aerial predators—raptors—engage in what might appear as frivolous play but serves as critical education for survival. Young birds of prey