so, while everyone else in the world was hanging out with the Kirtland’s Warbler (Setophaga kirtlandii) on the beach at Magee Marsh last week, I was off on a Biggest Week tour through the beautiful Oak Openings Metropark Preserve looking for Lark Sparrows, Blue Grosbeak, Red-headed Woodpecker and other great local birds. The first few [...]

Here in the U.S., we’re still on the more temperate side of Memorial Day, after which summer unofficially begins and one may wear white shoes with impunity. Yet if you roasted this weekend like we did in western New York, you’re probably a little scared of what July and August will look like! Save your [...]

The Black-fronted Dotterel is a small distinctive shorebird that is usually found near fresh water and is often heard before it is seen. It is present both in Broome itself and also surrounding ephemeral lakes and appears to breed throughout the year if the conditions are right. We often come across their nests by accident [...]

Here we are immersed in the fullness of May. I wonder how many recognize just how special this time of year is, not just because of the massive migratory spectacle but also for May’s pulchritudinous profusion of flowers and deliciously moderate climate. Lest ye take the magic of this month for granted, heed instead the [...]

I have a really great spotting scope, an angled Swarovski 80mm HD scope with a 20 – 60 zoom eyepiece (and sometimes I alternate a 25 – 50 zoom eyepiece).  I love using it and I especially enjoy sharing it with other birders when I can show them a new life bird or get a [...]

Few experiences birding get me more excited than adding a new bird to my Queens list. Of course, as the list grows it gets more and more difficult to add something new to it. My latest addition, a Parasitic Jaeger off the coast, finally got me to my 289th bird, well over a year since [...]

I recently read What the Robin Knows by Jon Young and this book made a surprisingly substantial impression on me. Like most nature lovers, I’m always looking for ways to not just expand my knowledge of flora and fauna but also to interact with nature more deeply and skillfully. Field guides are usually more helpful regarding [...]

This time of year, avian excitement is occurring ALL OVER THE WORLD! Let’s not waste precious time with introductions or niceties… see anything amazing this weekend? I blitzed Cobb’s Hill Park for a taste of migration, coming away with some lovely, lovely birds. While spotting six thrush species in a morning–four at once visiting a [...]

Britain might have had new species to add to it’s list, then again maybe it didn’t.  Not only seen by hundreds of observers, many of whom are highly experienced and knowledgeable birders, including some of the creme de la creme of British birding, but trapped, biometrics extracted, photographs and video taken, yet the identification of [...]

Over the last few weeks we have seen Roebuck Bay slowly empty as the shorebirds head north to breed. There are still several thousand shorebirds here throughout the year, but not the huge numbers we have had for the last 7 months. Not all shorebirds migrate, so we will see some of our resident shorebirds [...]

I first met Anthony Collerton when he was trying to see the Barrow’s Goldeneye at Jamaica Bay back in February. It was something like his fifth attempt at the bird. That made me wonder why someone would put so much energy into a species that is regular in New York and not a lifer. As [...]

The second Sunday of May reminds us how important it is to show the mothers in our lives how much we appreciate them. If you’re reading this, you’re probably planning to celebrate this touching Hallmark holiday with a Mother’s Day bird walk, Mother’s Day gifts of field guides and feeder supplies, and maybe even a [...]

It is May! For those in the northern hemisphere migration fever is upon us and employers who employ birders are wondering where everybody is. Have the birds really started moving where you live? Both Mike and I were on the road this weekend. I was in Chicago (actually, I might even still be here by [...]

Are you or do you know someone who is currently anywhere between the north of Australia and the Bohai Sea in China? Have you seen any Red Knot? Even if you are somewhere on the coast in China…have you seen any Red Knot? We know they are some of the last shorebirds to leave Roebuck [...]

With the arrival of May, we turn from bird love to migrant mania. Forget March Madness… this is when things get crazy for those in sync with the endless sojourns of countless species. Make the most of this special time! Speaking of making the most of special times, I’m taking my (very, very, very lucky) [...]

April didn’t deliver many of its vaunted showers in my area this year. I’d fear for May flowers if so many weren’t already in bloom. How is the season in your corner of the world? My best bird this weekend has to be the Hermit Thrush that’s been hanging around my backyard for the last [...]

On Wednesday this week we had a very close encounter with a Wedge-tailed Eagle on the edge of the road. The Blue-tongued Lizard that was also having the same experience was definitely not as excited and was trying its hardest to protect itself. It all looked rather hopeless as it tried to make itself look [...]

Today a friend asked me if ducks mate for life. Aside from creating an opportunity to deliver the whole “ducks are creepers” lecture, which is always entertaining in its effects on the listener, the question got me thinking about why people are so obsessed with animals mating for life. It’s one thing to decide that [...]

Some thrill to the feeling of spring in the air. Others crave something more primal such as love. Well, friends, can’t you feel it? Love is in the air… bird love! We’ve been talking about it–often in rather graphic terms–all week. Don’t pretend you’re not a little bit curious… This weekend, Corey and I will [...]

Yesterday marked the celebration of Earth Day, a holiday most of our readers observe every day. Here’s a question for all the proud naturalists and tree-huggers out there: Does Earth Day feel special to you or like more of the same? My Earth Day was cold and rainy, which didn’t bode well for the next [...]