The Journal

All Stories

1,084 stories and counting · Page 8

Bird ProfilesBirdwatchingBirdingMigratory BirdsBirds of PreyBirding TipsBird Sounds & CallsPre-historic BirdsBird CultureBird PhotographyRare & Endangered BirdsForest Birds
Close-up of a wren bird feeding on a bird feeder in natural Indiana setting.
Birding

How to Keep Bird Feeders Safe From Bears and Other Wildlife

When we set up bird feeders in our yards, we’re inviting beautiful winged visitors to share our space. However, these feeders can also attract uninvited guests like bears, raccoons, squirrels,

An Ostrich with black and white plumage and a long pink neck stands in a grassy field.
Bird Profiles

Why Some Birds Evolve Without the Ability to Fly

Birds are renowned for their remarkable ability to soar through the skies, an evolutionary adaptation that has fascinated humans for centuries. Yet, across the avian family tree, numerous species have

A red bird sitting on top of a snow covered rock.
Bird Profiles

How Birds Survive Blizzards and Extreme Snowfall

In the heart of winter, when landscapes transform into frozen wonderlands and blizzards howl across vast territories, most creatures seek shelter. Yet birds, seemingly fragile with their hollow bones and

Two hummingbirds mid-flight amidst lush green leaves in a close-up nature scene.
Bird Profiles

What’s the Rarest Hummingbird in the World?

In the vibrant world of hummingbirds, where iridescent feathers flash like living jewels and wings beat so rapidly they create an audible hum, some species shine more brightly in

A Superb Lyrebird with its magnificent tail feathers displayed.
Bird Sounds & Calls

The Bird That Can Mimic Over 100 Different Species

In the dense forests of southeastern Australia, a remarkable creature with an unmatched vocal repertoire captivates both casual observers and ornithologists alike. The superb lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae) is…

Numerous seagulls fly over choppy water near a pier under a cloudy sky.
Rare & Endangered Birds

How Climate Change Is Creating New Bird Migration Paths

For millennia, birds have traversed the skies along ancient migratory routes, guided by instinct and environmental cues that have remained relatively stable across generations. These aerial highways have connected…

yellow bird on Sakura tree
Birding

The Best Times of Year to Go Birding in Different Regions

The dance of the seasons brings dramatic changes to our avian world, creating windows of extraordinary birding opportunity across the globe. For birding enthusiasts, timing can be everything—the difference between

A Common starling stands on a light surface.
Birding

How to Tell a Juvenile Bird From an Adult – A Field Guide

Distinguishing between juvenile and adult birds is a fascinating skill that enhances any birdwatching experience. Whether you’re an amateur enthusiast or seasoned ornithologist, understanding the age-related differences…

Black-headed gull with wings spread, standing on a rock in calm waters.
Bird Profiles

The Most Unexpected Birds That Have Been Kept as Pets

When we think of pet birds, our minds typically jump to familiar companions like parakeets, cockatiels, or the occasional parrot. However, the world of avian companionship extends far beyond

A sanderling walks along the wet sand, its reflection visible below.
Bird Profiles

The Smartest Non-Parrot Bird Species in the World

Birds have fascinated humans for centuries with their remarkable abilities and intelligence. While parrots often steal the spotlight for their impressive cognitive skills and vocal mimicry, many non-parrot species…

A Stephanie's astrapia with iridescent green head feathers perches on a mossy branch.
Bird Profiles

The Bird With the Longest Tail Feathers on Earth

In the vast tapestry of avian diversity, certain species stand out for their extraordinary physical attributes. Among these remarkable adaptations, perhaps none is more visually striking than the extravagant tail

A person wearing a camouflage hat and long sleeves is likely engaged in birdwatching.
Bird Culture

Can Birdwatchers Really Help With Conservation

Across the globe, millions of people engage in birdwatching as a hobby, spending countless hours observing avian species in their natural habitats. What many might view as simply a recreational

two eggs in bird nest
Bird Profiles

What Happens Inside a Bird’s Egg Before It Hatches

The humble bird’s egg represents one of nature’s most perfect designs—a self-contained life support system that transforms seemingly simple contents into a fully-formed chick ready to face the world. While

Seagulls perched on a boat with an American flag, set against a clear sky. Captured outdoors in daylight.
Bird Photography

The Best Places to Photograph Birds in the U.S.

Birds represent some of nature’s most captivating subjects for photographers, with their vibrant plumage, fascinating behaviors, and remarkable diversity. The United States offers an extraordinary range of habitats that

A red and black bird on black metal bird feeder.
Birding

The Best DIY Bird Feeder Projects

Creating your bird feeder is one of the most rewarding ways to connect with nature right from your backyard or window. DIY bird feeders not only attract a variety of

Free stock photo of juvenile bald eagle, montezuma wildlife refuge
Bird Photography

The Best Camera Lenses for Bird Photography

Bird photography requires specialized equipment that can capture fast-moving subjects at a distance while maintaining exceptional image quality. The right lens can make the difference between a blurry disappointment and

Charming sparrow perched on a branch with bright red berries.
Bird Sounds & Calls

How Birds Remember Thousands of Food Storage Locations

When winter winds howl and snow blankets the landscape, many animals face the harsh reality of food scarcity. While some migrate and others hibernate, numerous bird species employ a remarkable

A Southern Ground Hornbill holds food in its large beak.
Birding

How to Attract Insect-Eating Birds to Your Yard

Transforming your yard into a haven for insect-eating birds offers dual benefits – natural pest control and the joy of observing diverse wildlife right outside your window. Birds such as