You are browsing the archives of May.

The magical month of May draws to a close, leaving all good birds ensconced in their breeding territory and getting down to the business of making more good birds. We fortunate humans who live on the upper half of the planet can finally acknowledge the onset of the most sultry season of the year. Yes, [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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) [...]

Here in the United States, we’re celebrating Memorial Day and its attending rites of Americana from parades to barbecues. Many of us also get a long weekend, though social obligations often eat up a lot of that time. For example, I’m headed down to NYC for a full house of family events, which will alas [...]

Just like last year when I spent a goodly chunk of a Saturday at the end of May at Jamaica Bay I spent this past Saturday birding one of the premiere birding destinations of the northeastern United States, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.  Though I had hoped for nice variety of passerine migrants I was disappointed by the [...]

Does anybody track how devastating spring migration must be to the global economy? Seriously, I know what kind of hit my personal productivity has taken this week once wood-warblers descended upon trees outside my home office window (awesome, right?) and can only imagine the economic impact extrapolated across birders all over the world. Sounds like [...]

Migration mania is upon us in the world’s temperate zones. It doesn’t really matter what I say here: most of you are too busy chasing peregrinating passerines! So where are you birding this weekend and will you be doing anything else? Share your plans in the comments below. I have a new binocular harness I’m [...]

Every day may be Mother’s Day if you love your mom or are a mom that’s loved, but this weekend marks the official observance of the holiday. We can all look forward to lots of breakfasts and brunches, plenty of traveling to visit beloved matriarchs, and maybe even a spa day or two. But have [...]

All of a sudden, migration is on the wane. The unofficial beginning of summer happens to coincide with the end of spring migration. Funny how that works out! At least those of us in North America have a three-day weekend to ease into what many consider the slowest season of birding. How will you be [...]

All around the world, birds are on the move. Birders celebrate May as one of the most exciting migratory months of the year. See what I mean by getting outside this weekend. What will you be doing this weekend and is birding on your itinerary?  Share your plans in the comments below. Corey and I will [...]

All around the world, birds are on the move. Birders celebrate May as one of the most exciting migratory months of the year. See what I mean by getting outside this weekend. What will you be doing this weekend and is birding on your itinerary?  Share your plans in the comments below. All of us here [...]

In North America, we celebrate International Migratory Bird Day on the second Saturday of May? Find out by getting out! What will you be doing this weekend and is birding on your itinerary?  Share your plans in the comments below. I’m pleased to report that I will be birding the heck out of the Lake Erie Marsh [...]

What pleasures may come in the month of May? Find out by getting out! What will you be doing this weekend and is birding on your itinerary?  Share your plans in the comments below. The birdiest portion of my long weekend will probably be today when Mason and I tell Ivy’s pre-K class about the [...]

May is moving away from us and with it, masses of migrants headed to their summer or winter abodes. If you’re the type who enjoys variety in your bird blend, get out there soon. In no time at all, you’ll be left with your usual residents. How will you be spending the last weekend of [...]

Don’t you love this time of year? If you live in the United States, you’re either looking at a long weekend or wishing you had one. All around the world, temperatures are becoming more clement as birds and humans alike begin to settle in for the next season. What will you be doing this glorious [...]

Nature lovers who can’t find anything interesting to do in the middle of May just aren’t trying hard enough. So much is blooming, bursting, and breeding right now that you’ll suffer whiplash and sleep deprivation long before you have a chance to become bored. And if the weather this weekend doesn’t cooperate, you can stay [...]

It’s on now, isn’t it? Blossoms are blooming, gardens are greening, and birds are moving, assuming you live in the Northern Hemisphere. If you’re south of the equator, avifauna is still on the march but your world is turning in a different direction. In any case, now is the time to be out and about [...]

May is well and truly upon us and with it, the kind of mass migrations that make your heart pump and blood sing. We should all be moving somewhere this weekend, if only to be consistent to the spirit of the season. Where will you be making your move this weekend? Will you be birding? [...]