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Explore Birds

A macaw eating a green chili pepper its holding in its claw.
Hot Take—Seems Like Birds Can Taste Spice After All
December 23, 2025 — Peppers in the wild grow only so spicy, and new research suggests that may be to satisfy avian palates.
Bird Science
A drone photograph shows the winding, wooden walkway as it stretches through the fall-colored marsh land.
A Stunning Photo Project Shows a Year in the Life of a Local Lake
December 19, 2025 — In a city park just 15 minutes from home, a photojournalist found a meaningful new focus by watching closely, season after season.
Photo Essay
Two owl chicks sit in a nest as their much larger mother, with a rodent in her beak, comes in for a landing atop a broken tree snag.
Dead Trees Support a Bounty of Birdlife, but Preserving Them Isn’t Always Clear Cut
December 18, 2025 — By studying Great Gray Owls, scientists hope to help more people see that snags offer vital habitat.
Conservation News
Get to Know the Ancient Birds That Lived During the Age of Dinosaurs
December 18, 2025 — Tens of millions of years ago, a diverse array of bird species soared, swam, and thrived amid their scaly reptile cousins—and set the stage for modern birdlife.
Dino Birds
3 Ways Street-Smart Birds Hacked Human Infrastructure This Year
December 17, 2025 — Recent studies have uncovered some of the clever ways our avian neighbors are making the most of the urban environment.
Bird Behavior
With a lab coat and gloves on Maria Ortega inspects multiple trays of nest materials in her lab.
Scientists Are Uncovering Microplastics in Backyard Birds
December 17, 2025 — The tiny particles are widespread in waterbirds around the world. Now, research is finding them in neighborhood songbirds, too.
Bird Science
A charcoal drawing of a wood stork held up in front of a brick wall.
Putting the Quiet Dignity of the Wood Stork to Paper
December 17, 2025 — It may not be the prettiest bird, but Franna Lusson loves it all the same. Through an expressive mixed-media portrait, the artist aims to convey the wader’s deeper essence.
The Aviary
Colorful illustration of a person with binoculars walking outside seeing birds and data visualizations.
Beyond the Checklist: How to Explore, Experiment, and Have Fun With Your Birding Data
December 17, 2025 — Counting and identifying birds is just one option. Try a fresh approach to shake up your time outside.
Birding Advice
A gull floating on water stares at the camera and tilts its head slightly.
Forget Valentine's Day—Celebrate Gullentine's Day Instead
December 17, 2025 — This Februrary, start a new tradition with some of North America’s most confounding birds. What could be more romantic?
Birding Advice
A flock of Snow Buntings camouflaged in white plumage fly over a snowy field.
Farm Fields Hold a Wonderful Winter Secret: Visiting Arctic Songbirds
December 17, 2025 — Need a nudge to get outdoors when the mercury drops? Take inspiration from these hardy travelers and hit some backroads for a comfy birding adventure.
Birding Advice