The Journal

All Stories

1,084 stories and counting · Page 41

Bird ProfilesBirdwatchingBirdingMigratory BirdsBirds of PreyBirding TipsBird Sounds & CallsPre-historic BirdsBird CultureBird PhotographyRare & Endangered BirdsForest Birds
Clay pot bird nest hanging in a forest
Birdwatching

Why Some Birds Prefer Clay Pots to Birdhouses

When it comes to creating homes for our feathered friends, many bird enthusiasts automatically reach for traditional wooden birdhouses. However, there’s a growing recognition that some bird species actually prefer

A cinereous mourner with a stout bill perches on a shaded branch among leaves.
Backyard Birds

The Best Natural Cover for Backyard Birds

Birds are fascinating creatures that bring life, color, and melody to our outdoor spaces. Creating a bird-friendly backyard involves more than just setting up feeders—providing natural cover is equally important

A close-up of a Tawny Frogmouth with patterned brown plumage and bright orange eyes.
Forest Birds

Why the Tawny Frogmouth Isn’t an Owl at All

At first glance, the tawny frogmouth might fool you with its owl-like appearance—perched motionless on branches, sporting mottled plumage, and possessing large, forward-facing eyes. For decades, casual observers and even

Flock of migratory birds soaring above the trees in a forested area.
Migratory Birds

Why Some Birds Take a Migration Detour of Thousands of Miles

Birds are remarkable creatures, capable of traversing vast distances during their annual migrations. While many bird species follow relatively direct routes between their breeding and wintering grounds, some take…

Elegant Flamingos sleep, heads tucked into their feathers.
Bird Profiles

Top 6 Birds That Sleep Standing on One Leg

One of nature’s most peculiar yet fascinating sights is that of birds balancing on a single leg while sleeping. This remarkable behavior, observed across various avian species worldwide, serves multiple

A cactus wren with mottled brown and white plumage perches atop a spiny cactus.
Bird Profiles

Why This Desert Bird Builds 100 Fake Nests

The harsh, unforgiving desert landscape might seem like an unlikely home for complex animal behaviors, but it’s precisely in these challenging environments where some of the most fascinating survival strategies

Silhouette of a bird soaring over water under cloudy skies with sunlight breaking through
Bird Photography

How to Capture Bird Shadows in Your Photography

Bird photography typically focuses on capturing the vibrant colors, intricate details, and graceful movements of our feathered subjects. However, there’s a fascinating and often overlooked artistic approach that can…

Two birds are sitting on a fence post
Birdwatching

The Best Weather for Backyard Birdwatching

Backyard birdwatching offers a window into the fascinating world of avian behavior right from the comfort of home. While birds are present year-round in most locations, certain weather conditions can

A Sandgrouse bird with a yellowish head stands on grassy ground. Sources
Bird Behavior

The Only Bird That Drinks Through Its Skin

In the vast and diverse world of avian species, there exists one remarkable bird with a unique adaptation that sets it apart from all others. This extraordinary creature has evolved

A banded bay cuckoo with patterned brown feathers perches on a branch.
Birdwatching

Why Birds Return to the Same Branch Every Morning

If you’ve ever watched birds in your backyard or local park, you may have noticed something fascinating: many birds return to the same branch, tree, or area day after day.

Western Parotia bird standing on forest floor
Bird Behavior

This Bird’s Mating Dance Inspired a Global Meme

When nature meets internet culture, remarkable things happen. In the mid-2010s, a peculiar dancing bird captured the attention of millions worldwide, transforming from an obscure wildlife footage clip into one

Small nightingale bird resting on thin stem surrounded by leafy greenery
Birdwatching

The Truth About The Best Times to Watch Morning Songbirds and What It Means for Bird Lovers

Bird watching presents a magical opportunity to connect with nature’s most melodious creatures. For those enchanted by the symphony of morning birdsong, understanding when and why birds perform their daily

Child painting DIY wooden bird feeder
Birdwatching

The Easiest DIY Bird Feeder for Kids

Engaging children in nature-based activities not only cultivates their appreciation for wildlife but also develops their creative and motor skills. DIY bird feeders represent the perfect intersection of craft, education,

Black bird perched on a weathered roof framed by green foliage
Birdwatching

How to Make Your Roof a Bird-Friendly Zone

Creating a bird-friendly roof doesn’t just benefit our feathered friends—it can transform your home into a vibrant ecosystem that contributes to local biodiversity. As urban development continues to reduce natural

Hawk perched on top of a backyard bird feeder scanning the area
Birdwatching

What to Do If a Hawk Visits Your Bird Feeder

Bird feeders bring the joy of wildlife to our backyards, creating peaceful moments of connection with nature. However, these feeding stations can occasionally attract unexpected visitors—namely, hawks. These magnificent…

Person holding a bird sound recording device
Bird Sounds & Calls

How to Record Bird Sounds From Your Garden

Imagine stepping into your garden on a bright spring morning, surrounded by a symphony of birdsong. Those melodic tweets, chirps, and calls aren’t just pleasant background noise—they’re an intricate communication

Open schedule planner with handwritten notes and daily tasks
Birdwatching

How to Create a Bird Calendar Based on Visitor Trends

Birds have fascinated humans for centuries with their colorful plumage, melodious songs, and fascinating behaviors. For bird enthusiasts, tracking avian visitors throughout the year can transform a casual hobby into

A large flock of Canada Geese flies against a partly cloudy blue sky.
Migratory Birds

How Birds Handle Jet Lag During Long Migrations

In the quiet darkness of night, countless birds take flight across continents and oceans, embarking on journeys that span thousands of miles. These remarkable migrations are not just feats of