Topics Explore Birds

Photography & Videography

Left: A man's arm with a lesser yellowlegs tattoo places a decoy of the same bird on the ground. Right: A hand holds a lesser yellowlegs fitted with colorful leg bands.
Biologists Are Racing to Protect These Elusive Shorebirds. But First They Have to Catch Them
June 24, 2026 — Colombia’s rice fields may seem like an unusual place to seek out Lesser Yellowlegs, but these croplands could play an important role in safeguarding the dwindling species.
Photo Essay
A green caterpillar on a leaf close-up in the foreground with a house on a suburban street in the background.
An Introduction to Insect Photography
June 23, 2026 — Many of the skills and tools of bird photography translate well to smaller subjects, but getting great pictures of insects and other arthropods can also require special considerations.
Photography Tips and How-Tos
A Cactus Wren hovers with its wings outstretched near a cholla cactus with pink flowers, holding bits of dry plants in its beak.
14 Charming Photos That Showcase the Beautiful Bonds Between Birds and Native Plants
May 28, 2026 — Bask in some of our favorite images from the Plants for Birds category in the 2025 ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Photography Awards.
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Photography Awards
Two people dressed in bright yellow cold-weather gear stand at the edge of a rocky shoreline, holding a large net and watching a crowded colony of penguins gathered along the coast.
Follow Scientists on a Daring Mission to the Danger Islands, a Penguin-Breeding Stronghold
March 27, 2026 — Home to the world’s largest known Adélie Penguin population, the Antarctic islands recently gained protected-area status. Now researchers say the seas around the archipelago also need protection to safeguard the breeding colony’s food supply.
Photo Essay
A Ruffed Grouse stands on a mossy rock at dawn flapping his wings, evident by motion blur.
Here’s How Ruffed Grouse Make That Wild Drumming Sound—and How to Hear it for Yourself
March 27, 2026 — The secretive game bird’s unique courtship display is a treat for birders and a boon for science.
Bird Behavior
Our 10 Favorite Bird Videos From the 2025 ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Photography Awards
March 23, 2026 — Come for the adorable yawning loon chick, stay for the enchanting Rainbow-bearded Thornbill.
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Photography Awards
Perspectives That Take Flight: Women Capturing the Lives of Birds in the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Photography Awards
March 10, 2026 — Patience, empathy, and observation—qualities that transform moments in birds’ lives into visual stories of nature and conservation.
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Photography Awards
A fuzzy great horned owl chick snuggles up against its parent in their nest, both with their eyes closed, with wispy spanish moss hanging around them like a curtain.
These Precious Photos of Baby Birds Are Just What You Need
February 24, 2026 — Our favorite chick pics from the 2025 ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Photo Awards will improve anyone's day.
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Photography Awards
Two Brown Noddies perch on a Brown Pelican in the water, one on its back and one on its head.
Our Favorite Fascinating Bird Behaviors From the 2025 ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Photo Awards
January 30, 2026 — Take a peek into the always entertaining lives of birds, from intimate moments with mates to fierce fights for territory.
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Photography Awards
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