The Journal

All Stories

1,084 stories and counting · Page 38

Bird ProfilesBirdwatchingBirdingMigratory BirdsBirds of PreyBirding TipsBird Sounds & CallsPre-historic BirdsBird CultureBird PhotographyRare & Endangered BirdsForest Birds
Dark-eyed Junco eating bird seeds on a wood surface
Birding Tips

What Can You Safely Feed Birds? These 6 Unexpected Foods Work

Feeding wild birds is a joyful activity that connects us with nature and provides essential support to our feathered friends, especially during harsh weather conditions. While commercial bird seed mixes

An ancient relief carving depicts two ducks, one with outstretched wings.
Bird Culture

Birds in Ancient Art: From Cave Walls to Royal Tapestries

Birds have captivated human imagination since our earliest artistic expressions. From prehistoric cave paintings to elaborate medieval tapestries, these winged creatures have soared through art history, carrying…

A woman reaches up to feed a flying seagulls
Birdwatching

The Easiest Way to Start Birdwatching Without Gear

Birdwatching offers a uniquely accessible gateway to the natural world that requires remarkably little to begin. While specialized equipment can enhance the experience, the essence of birdwatching lies in observation,

A large flock of Brant geese flies in formation against a grey sky.
Migratory Birds

These Birds Use 5 Tricks to Navigate Without Maps or GPS

In the vast expanse of our planet, birds undertake some of the most remarkable journeys in the animal kingdom, traveling thousands of miles without the technological aids humans rely on.

A close-up side profile of a Eurasian Eagle-Owl shows its prominent ear tufts and intense orange eye.
Bird Behavior

They Twist Like No Other — 5 Owls With Jaw-Dropping Flexibility

In the mysterious realm of nocturnal predators, owls stand out not just for their haunting calls and silent flight, but for an extraordinary physical ability that few know about: their

Common Starling perched on a branch of American Witchhazel shrub
Birdwatching

Make a Bird-Friendly Space — Even If You Don’t Have a Yard

Creating a welcoming environment for birds doesn’t require acres of land or even a traditional yard. In fact, some of the most effective bird habitats can be cultivated in small

Bird on a window ledge outside residential home
Birding Tips

How to Make Your Windows Bird-Safe and Beautiful

Windows pose a significant threat to birds, with hundreds of millions dying annually from collisions in the United States alone. These devastating crashes occur because birds cannot perceive glass as

A bird perches atop a decorative, spiral-designed lamp post silhouetted against a cloudy sunset sky.
Migratory Birds

6 Unexpected Things That Disrupt a Bird’s Journey

Birds are some of nature’s most accomplished travelers, with many species undertaking epic migrations spanning thousands of miles each year. From the Arctic Tern’s pole-to-pole odyssey to the Golden Plover’s

A small bird perched among vibrant purple flowers in a lush garden setting.
Birdwatching

How to Design a Bird-Friendly Corner in Small Yards

Even the tiniest outdoor spaces can become vibrant havens for local birdlife with thoughtful planning and design. Creating a bird-friendly corner in your small yard not only supports biodiversity and

A stylized pigeon dressed as a Roman warrior stands on a wall.
Bird Behavior

The War Pigeons That Carried Messages Through Gunfire

When we think of wartime heroes, images of brave soldiers, strategic generals, and fearless resistance fighters often come to mind. Yet some of the most valuable contributors to military communications

Song Thrush taking flight from a tree branch
Birdwatching

5 Clever Ways to Deter Bird Predators Naturally

For bird enthusiasts and backyard wildlife lovers, few things are more distressing than discovering that predators have disturbed your feathered visitors. Whether you maintain bird feeders, have nesting boxes, or

A bright yellow domestic canary perches delicately on a green plant with a red bloom.
Uncategorized

Birds That Changed History — 7 Events You Didn’t Expect

Throughout human history, certain events have hinged on the actions of unexpected players—birds. These feathered creatures have influenced warfare, scientific discoveries, and even saved entire communities. While we…

A black-capped chickadee with black, white, and grey feathers perches on a frosted branch.
Birdwatching

Top 6 Backyard Birds That Stay All Winter

Winter transforms our familiar landscapes into serene, snow-covered wonderlands, and while many birds migrate to warmer climates, several hardy species remain to brighten our backyards throughout the coldest months…

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

Why You Should Rotate Your Bird Feeders

Bird feeding is a popular pastime that connects people with nature and provides essential support for local bird populations. While many enthusiasts focus on choosing the right seed mix or

A shoebill stork stands tall in a grassy area, its large bill prominent.
Pre-historic Birds

How Did Birds Survive the Dinosaurs’ Fall? 6 Big Theories

The Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event that occurred approximately 66 million years ago stands as one of Earth’s most devastating mass extinctions. This cataclysmic event wiped out approximately 75% of all species,

A Red-tailed Hawk with brown and white plumage perches, looking to the left.
Birds of Prey

Mistakes People Make When Identifying Raptors — 6 to Watch For

Birds of prey, with their impressive wingspans and fierce hunting abilities, captivate both casual observers and dedicated birders alike. However, raptor identification presents unique challenges that can trip up even

Kakapo perched on a moss-covered tree branch blending into forest
Bird Profiles

The Flightless Bird That Climbs Like a Squirrel

Deep in the dense forests of New Zealand lives a truly remarkable creature that defies conventional bird behavior. The kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus), also known as the owl parrot, is the

A lifelike model of Phorusrhacos, a terror bird, stands with another's head in the background.
Pre-historic Birds

The Giant Bird With a Beak That Could Crush Bone

The animal kingdom has always fascinated us with its extraordinary creatures, some of which possess remarkable adaptations that seem almost mythical. Among these impressive beings stands the terror bird –