The Journal

All Stories

1,084 stories and counting · Page 4

Bird ProfilesBirdwatchingBirdingMigratory BirdsBirds of PreyBirding TipsBird Sounds & CallsPre-historic BirdsBird CultureBird PhotographyRare & Endangered BirdsForest Birds
A majestic Great Blue Heron gracefully flies over misty waters in serene morning light.
Bird Culture

The Town That Changed Its Lights to Save Migrating Birds

Each year, billions of birds embark on epic migratory journeys, navigating by stars and landmarks as they have for millennia. Yet in our modern world, these ancient travelers face a

Magnificent Frigatebird resting in a natural setting, showcasing distinctive plumage.
Bird Profiles

How Birds Prepare for Hibernation-Like States

When winter approaches and temperatures drop, many animals enter hibernation to conserve energy during the harsh months ahead. Birds, however, have evolved different survival strategies due to their unique physiology.

Several laughing gulls with black heads and white bodies stand on a wooden surface near blue water.
Bird Sounds & Calls

How Birds Teach Each Other – Avian Learning in the Wild

In the intricate tapestry of animal behavior, few aspects are as fascinating as the ways birds transmit knowledge among themselves. Beyond instinct lies a complex world of learning, where birds

A Northern Hawk-Owl perched on a solar panel against a twilight sky, blending technology and nature.
Bird Profiles

How Birds React to Solar Panels and Wind Farms

In our quest for renewable energy solutions, solar panels and wind farms have emerged as frontrunners in the transition away from fossil fuels. While these technologies offer significant environmental benefits

Close-up shot of a vibrant Common Grackle singing in Indiana. Perfect for bird lovers.
Bird Sounds & Calls

The Different Types of Bird Songs and What They Mean

The morning chorus of birds is more than just a pleasant soundtrack to our day—it’s a complex language that reveals much about the avian world. From territorial declarations to

A mallard duck gracefully flying over a calm water surface with a clear reflection.
Migratory Birds

How Scientists Track Bird Migration With Satellites

Bird migration has fascinated humans for centuries, with early civilizations documenting the seasonal comings and goings of various avian species. However, understanding the precise routes, timings, and behaviors of

Close-up of a swan sleeping peacefully with its head resting, showcasing serene wildlife beauty.
Bird Profiles

Birds That Sleep With Their Heads Tucked Under Their Wings

The avian world is filled with fascinating behaviors that have evolved over millions of years, but few are as universally recognizable as a bird sleeping with its head tucked under

white and blue short-beaked bird
Birding

The Best Bird Feeders for Different Types of Birds

Bird feeding is one of America’s favorite pastimes, with an estimated 59 million households participating in this rewarding hobby. Setting up the right feeder can transform your backyard into a

A small bird perched on a purple berry bush in Gouda, Netherlands.
Birding

The Best Plants for Attracting Birds to Your Garden

Birds bring life, color, and music to any garden. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these feathered visitors provide natural pest control and pollination services while connecting us to the wider

two blue birds on tree branch
Bird Sounds & Calls

How Birds Communicate – The Science of Avian Calls

Birds fill our world with beautiful melodies and distinct calls that serve purposes far beyond mere aesthetics. From the melodious warbling of thrushes at dawn to the sharp alarm calls

a colorful bird perched on top of a flower
Bird Profiles

The Most Mysterious Birds That Are Rarely Ever Photographed

In the vast expanse of our planet’s avian diversity, certain birds remain as elusive as whispers in the wind. These feathered phantoms inhabit remote corners of the world, display

Why Some Birds Can Drink Seawater Without Getting Dehydrated
Bird Profiles

Why Some Birds Can Drink Seawater Without Getting Dehydrated

Most living creatures would perish if they consumed seawater, their bodies overwhelmed by excessive salt that leads to severe dehydration and ultimately death. Yet across our planet’s coastlines, certain birds

brown and red bird on brown wooden bird house
Birding

Why You Should Provide a Water Source for Backyard Birds

Water is one of the most powerful attractants for backyard birds, yet it’s often overlooked by many bird enthusiasts who focus primarily on feeding. Beyond being essential for survival, water

A golden warbler perches gracefully on a tree branch in natural habitat.
Rare & Endangered Birds

The Rarest Bird in the U.S. – Can It Be Saved?

Hidden in the dense forests of Hawaii, a critically endangered bird species fights for survival against numerous threats to its existence. The Kiwikiu, also known as the Maui Parrotbill (Pseudonestor

A painting of two colorful birds on a flowering branch.
Bird Culture

Birds in Art History – From Cave Paintings to Cubism

Throughout human history, birds have captured our imagination with their freedom of flight, melodious songs, and vibrant plumage. As one of nature’s most visually striking and symbolically rich creatures, birds

A flock of cormorants with a lone pelican soaring in the sky.
Bird Profiles

How Birds Build Trust Within a Flock

Birds are remarkable social creatures that form complex communities where trust serves as the foundation for survival and prosperity. From starlings performing mesmerizing murmurations to geese flying in V-formations…

A group of birds flying gracefully against a clear sky, showcasing their plumage.
Migratory Birds

Why Some Birds Skip Migration Entirely

When we think of birds and the changing seasons, we often picture massive flocks making extraordinary journeys across continents and oceans. These epic migrations have captivated human imagination for centuries,

A young couple by the sea watching seagulls in a cloudy sky. Captured in Saint Petersburg.
Birding

The Top 5 Birding Mistakes Beginners Make

Birding, the art of observing and identifying wild birds in their natural habitats, offers endless joy and discovery. However, newcomers often stumble into predictable pitfalls that can hamper their enjoyment