The Journal

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1,084 stories and counting · Page 34

Bird ProfilesBirdwatchingBirdingMigratory BirdsBirds of PreyBirding TipsBird Sounds & CallsPre-historic BirdsBird CultureBird PhotographyRare & Endangered BirdsForest Birds
An Egyptian vulture with white feathers and a yellow face stands on a rock.
Birds of Prey

How Vultures Became Nature’s Clean-Up Crew

In the vast theater of nature, where every species plays a specific role, vultures have been cast in what might seem like an unglamorous position: nature’s sanitation workers. These remarkable

A southern white-faced owl with striking orange eyes.
Birds of Prey

Owls Can Hear This — 5 Things Humans Will Never Pick Up

The natural world is filled with sensory experiences that extend far beyond human perception. Among the creatures with extraordinary sensory capabilities, owls stand out as masters of auditory detection. These

Red-tailed Hawk perched on a city building ledge
Birds of Prey

This Hawk Built a Nest on a Skyscraper Here’s What Happened

In the concrete jungle of our urban landscapes, nature finds a way to adapt and thrive in the most unexpected places. One such remarkable story unfolded high above the bustling

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

Prehistoric Birds or Sci-Fi Creatures? These 10 Blur the Line

In the vast tapestry of Earth’s evolutionary history, few transitions are as fascinating as the emergence of birds from dinosaur ancestors. This remarkable evolutionary journey has produced creatures so bizarre

A detailed close-up of a finch perched on a birdbath in Camarillo, California.
Birding

The 10 Bird Bath Habits That Could Be Harming Visitors

Bird baths are a delightful addition to any garden, offering our feathered friends a place to drink, bathe, and socialize. However, certain common practices can inadvertently harm these avian visitors.

An Osprey flies near a nest, carrying a fish in its talons, under a blue sky.
Birds of Prey

What 7 Raptors Teach Their Young (Before They Learn to Fly)

Raptors, the majestic birds of prey, are renowned not only for their hunting prowess but also for the meticulous care they provide their offspring before they take their first flight.

The Strangest Skulls Ever Found: 6 Birds That Defied Anatomy
Pre-historic Birds

The Strangest Skulls Ever Found: 6 Birds That Defied Anatomy

The Shoebill: Nature’s Dinosaur Throwback With a beak bigger than its head and a stare that could freeze time, the Shoebill’s skull looks like something from Jurassic Park. Native to

A close-up captures a Mourning Dove with soft, ruffled brown feathers and a dark eye.
Bird Culture

The Doves of Peace — How One Bird Became a Global Icon

Throughout human history, certain symbols have transcended cultural boundaries to become universally recognized emblems of our deepest aspirations. Among these, perhaps none is more widespread or immediately understood…

Multiple birds perched on a mesh bird feeder surrounded by lush green foliage
Bird Photography

7 Bird Feeder Mistakes And How to Fix Them Fast!

Not Cleaning Your Feeder Often Enough Not Cleaning Your Feeder Often Enough (image credits: unsplash) A dirty feeder can turn your backyard haven into a birdy health hazard. Mold, old

A hummingbird perched on a flower in a garden.
Birdwatching

Want More Birds? Try These 8 Backyard Upgrades (That Actually Work)

Native Plants: The Secret Buffet Want a yard that birds can’t resist? Plant native shrubs, trees, and flowers. These plants offer natural food sources—think berries, seeds, and nectar—plus perfect nesting

A vibrant Scarlet Ibis stands at the water's edge, showing its bright red plumage.
Birdwatching

How to Watch Birds Without Being Seen — The Art of Invisible Birding

Have you ever wanted to slip into the secret lives of birds, watching their most dazzling moments without ever disturbing a feather? This gallery invites you to explore the breathtaking

Seagull flying with wings fully spread against a blue sky
Migratory Birds

The Truth About How Birds Sense Magnetic Fields and What It Means for Bird Lovers

Birds have long captivated our imagination with their remarkable ability to navigate across vast distances with pinpoint accuracy. While humans rely on maps, compasses, and GPS devices to find their

Three Brant geese flying close together against a blue sky
Birding

Hidden Facts About The Altitude Records of Geese That Might Surprise You

When we gaze skyward during migration season, we might catch a glimpse of geese flying in their characteristic V-formation. But what many don’t realize is just how extraordinarily high these

A Peregrine Falcon, also known as a Shaheen Falcon in some regions, looks to the left.
Birds of Prey

Falcons With Speed Records — These 10 Are Unmatched

When it comes to sheer speed, falcons are the undisputed champions of the avian world. These raptors have evolved to become some of the fastest creatures on the planet, with

Sparrow perched on wooden backyard fence
Birdwatching

How to Watch Birds Without Them Ever Noticing You

Birds are among nature’s most alert and sensitive creatures. With exceptional vision, acute hearing, and an innate wariness of potential predators, observing birds in their natural habitats without disturbing them

Stunning close-up photograph of a bearded vulture soaring through the sky, showcasing its impressive wingspan.
Birds of Prey

The Truth About Vultures 9 Myths People Still Believe

Vultures, those distinctive birds with their bald heads and imposing wingspans, are perhaps among the most misunderstood creatures in the animal kingdom. From ancient mythology to modern media portrayals, these

An illustration shows the large lizard Megalania facing an extinct Genyornis bird.
Pre-historic Birds

6 Theories That Explain How Birds Outlived the Dinosaurs

The extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago stands as one of Earth’s most dramatic turning points. While the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex and towering Brachiosaurus vanished

A Western Tanager with an orange head and yellow body perches on a flowered branch.
Birdwatching

The Brightest Bird in North America – Naturally Neon

In the diverse avian tapestry of North America, one bird stands out with such extraordinary brilliance that it seems to have been dipped in neon paint. The Western Tanager, with