Around the world there is a large community of people who share a fascination for birds. In fact, there are entire subcultures around the various hobbies that stem from this fascination. Words such as twitching, lifers, foys, birders, and bird watchers are all terms that are firmly integrated into the bird community. However, two of these terms are intriguing, because to those that aren’t terribly familiar with them, they appear to be the same thing. The two in question are birder and bird watcher. A quandary posed by many is whether or not they are actually the same thing or if they are in fact different. If they are different, than in what ways are they separate from one another? While this can certainly be debated, we’re here to help answer the question, what is the difference between a bird watcher and a birder?
To those not indoctrinated into the bird world, the common term for describing someone who has an interest in birds would be “bird watcher.” It is the term most known by the general public, but what does that actually describe? And is it accurate as a broad term to describe anyone interested in birds? To answer this, we turn to the Merriam Webster dictionary. This dictionary describes a bird watcher as…well “a birder.” And it describes a birder as “a person who observes or identifies wild birds in their natural habitat.” So it would seem that according to the dictionary, the terms could be used interchangeably, case closed, right? Not quite.
White-breasted Nuthatch
For the whole answer we must look inward to the bird community. One of the first mentions in pop culture of a difference between the terms comes from the movie “The Big Year,” in which a character refers to the hobby of searching out birds in their natural habitat as “bird watching” only to be met with a stern retort from one of the main characters named Stu (played by Steve Martin) that it is in fact called Birding. This is the first evidence that indicates there is a difference between a birder and a bird watcher, even though the dictionary doesn’t seem to think so. So, there may in fact be a difference, but what is it?
Based on discussions with others in the bird community the definitions could be as follows.
A bird watcher is someone who has a fascination for birds and typically views and notices them but does not actively search for them
Whereas a birder is sometone who actively seeks out birds.
In general, a birder would be a more specialized stage of bird watching in which more knowledge is gained and the hobby becomes more focused and driven. Birders may take vacations specifically to see birds and keep tallies of all of the birds they’ve seen in a competitive manner.
Spotted Towhee
A good comparison would be the hobby of cave exploring. Spelunking and caving are two terms that both describe the same activity, but caving has more of an emphasis on exploring for sport whereas spelunking in considered to be exploring as a light hobby.
In sum, both bird watching and birding are very similar, and the terms generally describe the same hobby, but there are some subtle differences with birders being more active in their pursuit of seeing birds. In the end, does it really matter? Probably not, but as the hobby of birding continues to grow, there will undoubtedly be more subgroups that pop up, and maybe someday people will even petition the Merriam Webster dictionary to more distinctly define the two terms. Until then, thanks for watching we’ll see you next time, on Badgerland Birding.
One of the key elements of birding is the process of identifying individual birds to the correct species. Some species are extremely distinctive looking and easy to differentiate, but then there are some that are quite similar to the point where even seasoned birders have some trouble making a positive ID. Whether you’re a beginner just learning the basics, or a veteran birder who wants to brush up on some tricky IDs, here are 3 tools that can help you correctly identify birds.
Merlin Bird ID and Other Apps
There are numerous apps out there specifically for identifying birds such as the Audobon and Sibley bird guide apps that allow users access to ID info on their phone. There are also many apps that walk users through the process of identification and end up giving the user suggestions for what the bird most likely is
One of the most popular of these apps is Merlin. Merlin has a ton of different features to help users easily figure out what bird they are looking at or hearing. With a step-by-step wizard that askes the user questions about the birds size, shape, and color, visual recognition from photos, and even call recognition, the merlin birding app is currently unmatched in terms of leading the user to an accurate identification.
While these apps can be instrumental in learning about identifying birds and even arriving at the correct conclusion about which species an individual belongs to, they are not without their shortcomings. The suggested birds aren’t accurate 100 percent of the time and it’s worth double checking any ID given from any of these apps.
Facebook Groups
Facebook groups are a fantastic resource for identifying birds. With tons of experienced birders in state or regional birding groups, there will almost certainly be someone in the group that can help you arrive at a correct ID. Additionally there are birding groups on Facebook specifically made for people to get answers on their identification questions. Some of the ones I use most often are What’s this Bird? American birding association and the bird identification group of the world. Similarly to the ID apps, sometimes people will make incorrect ID suggestions on Facebook groups as well, but most of the time the right conclusion will eventually be reached.
Bird Guide Books
Sometimes the old school way of doing things can also be the best. Hard copy bird guides are still incredibly useful when it comes to identifications. With many to choose from including Sibley, Stokes, Peterson and Kaufman just to name a few, there is a lot of variety in terms of how the information in these books is presented and plenty of debate over which one is the best. Additionally, there are field guides available for specific states, countries, and provinces as well that are great for learning the birds in your own backyards, or the species you are likely to encounter on a vacation.
Mountain Bluebird
Many of these bird guides offer side by side comparisons and note the field markings of the bird and how to differentiate between similar species. Overall, sometimes it’s just helpful to crack open a book and do some research to figure out what a bird is on your own.
All three of these tools can be incredibly useful in understanding which species you’re looking at in the field. While individually each one is of great help, using all three is even better as you can thoroughly explore all of the possibilities. Which one of these tools do you prefer using? Let us know in the comments below.
The typically peaceful bird feeder breaks into commotion as a large, fast shape flies past the window. The typical birds of the yard scatter and for a while, the feeders are empty and quiet.
Hawks and falcons are predatory birds that frequently take advantage of bird feeding stations as a source of concentrated prey. Some people love to see hawks in their yard as they are an important part of the ecosystem and a key link in the food chain. However, there are others who can’t stand hawks because they kill the backyard birds that they have cared for and loved to watch.
If you feed birds, hawks will certainly be a potential problem for your backyard birds. While there is no way to prevent them coming to your yard, there are some things you can do to help the birds at your feeders survive a visit from a hawk or falcon. Here are some things you can do to prevent hawks and falcons from killing your backyard birds.
Provide cover from above
Hawks and falcons have incredible eyesight and often spot prey while flying or perched high up in trees. To keep birds out of the sight of hawks, put feeders under something covered. Whether it’s a tree, an awning, or a structure built specifically for feeder cover, something to conceal the birds from predators flying above can be very helpful in mitigating the number of casualties at your bird feeder.
Provide ground cover
Another way to help out backyard birds is by providing low cover near bird feeders. If hawks and falcons do visit, it’s helpful for birds to have an easy escape route. Shrubs, bushes, and thick trees can all serve as places for small birds to conceal themselves in the event of a hawk or falcon attack. Combining high cover and low cover can definitely go a long way in giving backyard birds a fighting chance.
Black-capped Chickadee
Put up window decals
Hawks and falcons have learned to take advantage of the panic that ensues when they dive bomb a bird feeder. Often times, birds are in such a hurry to escape that they fly right into windows. The birds that hit the window end up stunned or deceased, making them significantly easier to catch. Some sources say that this is an intentional practice learned by hawks in particular, but it may also be coincidence. To help prevent birds from hitting the windows while a predatory bird is around, placing decals on the windows can show birds that the path is not clear and steer them in a direction where they can actually escape.
Take down feeders
If a predatory bird finds a feeding station and thus an easy source of food, they will often come back time and time again to hunt. Taking down bird feeders for one to two weeks can be an effective way of breaking the pattern. The downside to this method is that the birds typically visiting the feeder will also need to find a different food source while the feeders are down. While many of them will eventually come back, this could be hard on the birds if they are accustomed to the easy food source (especially in winter when food is far less plentiful). Nevertheless, it is a way to persuade a predatory bird to move on from your bird feeder.
Cooper’s Hawk
Do nothing
Hawks and falcons are natural parts of the bird world and while their presence can be saddening for those that feed birds, predatory birds are actually helpful to have around. They aid in the preventing certain species from overpopulating an area and they eat other types of animals that can be pests such as mice. While trying to fight back against predatory birds (metaphorically speaking) has been the norm for many backyard bird watchers, sometimes accepting their presence can actually be the best thing to do.
Seeing birds of prey taking backyard birds from your bird feeder can certainly be distressing, but by using these tips, you can give your backyard birds the best chance possible to escape unharmed. However, as stated previously, sometimes the best thing to do is to learn to live with these natural predators and enjoy the circle of life taking place in your own backyard.
Out of all of the different varieties of birds, some of the most captivating are owls. These majestic and charismatic animals have long since been held in high regard by many different cultures all across the globe, and even today hold special importance to many people.
For birders, owls are often a coveted bird to find and photograph. However, due to the nocturnal nature of most species, owls are often secretive and difficult to find. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to make finding owls easier.
Before we get into our tips, we want to stress how important it is to be respectful of owls as they can be sensitive to human disturbance. While viewing them, stay a significant distance away, don’t stay too long, and look for signs of stress such as fluffing, trying to appear thin, wide eyes, or flushing. If you notice any of these signs, back away slowly and leave the area. With that in mind, here are our seven tips.
Know the Habitat
One extremely important thing to recognize about owls, is that while they fall into one large category, each species is unique with its own set of behaviors and places they prefer to live. For example, Barred Owls generally prefer to live in old growth forest and swampland while short eared owls prefer open prairies and marshes with few trees. Snowy Owls can be found in areas with wide open spaces like farmland and even airports, while Great Gray owls can be found near conifer bogs and boreal forests. Looking for a species of owl in a habitat they typically aren’t found in will generally not yield positive results, but understanding what type of biome each individual species prefers, will greatly increase your chances of having a run-in with an owl.
Brush up on Behaviors
Not only does each owl species prefer a different habitat, but they also go about their lives in different ways, including different hunting habits and flight patterns. One important thing to note is when each species will be most active and when they will be roosting. For example, Snowy Owls can often be seen during the day and will be visible for long periods of time while they survey the landscape for prey. Great horned Owls are mostly nocturnal and will be active during the night and roosting during the day. Short eared owls are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. Knowing what an owl will be doing at a particular time of day is vital, in order to make sure you are timing your efforts correctly and looking in the right places.
Barred Owl
Know the Range of the Bird You are Looking For
Range is an incredibly important thing to take note of for all bird species and owls are no exception. Get to know which owls are in the area you plan to look in and even more than that, know the time of year they are most common in the area. Many owl species have annual migrations and may only be in a particular area for a season, meaning timing can be everything. Knowing that the birds range overlaps with the places you’re looking in will help maximize your efforts.
Keep an Eye out for Roosting Sites
Most owls have specific places they return to when they aren’t active. These sites can be a particular grove of trees, a certain cavity in a tree, or even a specific branch that they seem to like. Taking some extra time to check out holes in trees or looking for roosting branches can sometimes be just what you need to find one of these secretive birds.
Look for Evidence
Sometimes the best way to find an owl is to look for clues that they leave behind. Owl pellets and droppings (known as whitewash) underneath a roosting site is a great sign that you are hot on the trail of an owl. Search the surrounding area to see if you can find a roosting owl in the vicinity. Some species will repeatedly use the same nesting sites and can be found once you know the general area to look.
Eastern Screech Owl
Let the Other Birds Help You
Sometimes all you have to do to find an owl is to listen to other birds. Crows have a habit of harassing owls when they find them in their territory, and a mob of crows making noise can mean there’s an owl in the area. Other species such as chickadees and titmice will also try to drive off smaller owls, and listening for chatter from them can also lead you to an owl sighting. Keep an eye and ear out for these mobbing events and search the area carefully to see if you can locate the reason why the other birds are upset. Note that hawks and other predatory birds also get mobbed so it may not always be an owl that they are chasing away.
Get Connected with Other Birders
Often times the best way to find an owl is to get connected with other birders who already know of the best spots to look for them. Facebook groups and reaching out to local birders can be a great way to obtain information, although some groups restrict the posting of certain species or specific locations. Another useful tool is eBird in which sightings of many different birds are recorded along with the location they were found in. Do note however that some sensitive species such as Long-eared owls may not show up on eBird reports as their locations are hidden to protect them from getting overstressed by people wanting to see them.
Owls are certainly a special type of bird and are very enchanting to see in the wild. It’s worth noting one more time that while these birds are extremely cool to see, they can be easily stressed out by humans so please be respectful and keep plenty of distance between you and the owl. We hope these tips were helpful to you and as always, thanks for watching, we’ll see you next time, on Badgerland Birding.
Bird feeding is a gigantic industry in the United States with billions of dollars going toward making sure backyard birds are happy and fed each year. In North America there are tons of different species that visit bird feeders, but there are some that are especially nice to have around. Whether it’s due to their coloration or personality, here are five birds that you absolutely want to come visit your bird feeders.
Please note that these birds are specific to North America and some have a limited range. Even so, most of them have similar counterparts in other parts of the continent. Also note that this is a subjective list and some people may have totally different thoughts on the birds they love to see most at their feeders. Put your favorites in the comments below and be respectul of others opinions. Without further ado, here is the list.
5. Northern Cardinal
Northern Cardinal – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Kicking off the list at number 5 is the Northern Cardinal. The Northern Cardinal is one of the most recognizable and beloved bird species in North America. Males have a red body and crest, black by their bright orange bill, and slightly darker colorations on their wings and tail. Females are grayish brown with the same bright orange bill and a duller black mask. They have hints of red on their crest, wings, and tail.
Northern cardinals are native to the Eastern United States as well as some of the southwestern states and Mexico, so to all of you in the northwestern US watching…sorry about this one, but you have plenty of other cool species that the Eastern half of the country doesn’t get.
Cardinals are adored for a variety of reasons including the long-held belief by many that they bring good luck. At bird feeders, cardinals are fairly skittish and like to stay hidden in tangled branches. They will however come out in the open to feed adding a nice splash of color. Another interesting thing about Northern Cardinals is that they are extremely late feeders, often being some of the last birds to be eating, and even staying out in the twilight hours. The reason they aren’t higher up is due to the fact that their limited range prevents feeder watchers in the northwestern states from being able to see this bird regularly. Even so, these relatively peaceful birds can be an uplifting sight to see at a bird feeder and for that reason, the Northern Cardinal has earned a spot on the list.
4. Tufted Titmouse
Tufted Titmouse – Photo by Mark Goad
At number four is another bird with a crest, the Tufted Titmouse. The Tufted Titmouse is a cute and charismatic species of the Eastern United States. Not to fear if you live in the Western United States however, as many other similar looking and similar acting titmouse species live there including the black-crested, the juniper, and the oak. The Tufted Titmouse gets the spot on the list because it has a larger range than the other titmouse species in the Untied States. The Tufted Titmouse is in the same family as chickadees, and observing one for even just a short amount of time will make the similarities easy to see as both species are incredibly acrobatic and personable.
This species can be identified by its gray back, wings and crest, white underside, black marking near the bill, and peach sides. They are quite fun to watch at bird feeders as they are quick moving and rarely sit still. Tufted Titmice often frequent bird feeders when food is less plentiful such as in the winter months, and have been known to actually store food during the fall. During these months they will visit more often and can even be seen stashing seeds away for later consumption.
Even though Tufted Titmice are only found in the Eastern United States, the fact that they have comparable western counter parts elevates them on this list, and their fun personalities make them far too entertaining to leave off.
3. American Goldfinch
American Goldfinch
At number three is a species that plays nice with other birds, the Americn Goldfinch. During the breeding months, these birds are extremely colorful, with males having bright yellow covering most of their bodies, a black cap on their head, and black wings, as well as a black partially forked tail. In non breeding plumage, American Goldfinches are more dull with brownish bodies, a yellowish head, and black wings with white wing bars. Females in breeding plumage are still bright yellow but not to the same degree as the males, they also have less black on the top of their head.
American Goldfinshes can be found throughout most of the United States with the species following a typical migratior path of traveling south in winter and north into Canada to breed in summer. They are also found year round in many of the Midwestern, Northeastern, and Northwestern states. American Goldfinches typically feed in flocks (with some flocks becoming quite large) and will also feed alongside other finch species such as Common Redpolls, and Pine Siskins. These flocks of mixed finches can be quite fun to watch and it can be entertaining to try and pick out the different species in the groups.
For people in the Southwestern United states, another species, the Lesser Goldfinch plays a similar role to that of the American Goldfinch in the North. Male Lesser Goldfinches have a yellow underside and darker colored backs ranging from greenish to black depending on the region. They also have a white marking on their wings as opposed to the white wingbars of the American Goldfinch. Females are more dull overall. Both the Lesser Goldfinch and the American Goldfinch bring a lot of energy to a bird feeder but the American Goldfinch is more widespread giving them the nod over the lesser goldfinch and the less common Lawrence’s Goldfinch which also inhabits some parts of the Western United States.
The fact that American Goldfinches are so colorful and energetic, mixed with the fact that they are a great species for a community of birds in a yard, land them a spot in the top three.
2. White-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Out of all of the birds that visit bird feeders, some of the goofiest are nuthatches. Out of the four nuthatch species that are typically found in the United States, the White-breasted Nuthatch is the most widespread with most of the lower 48 states having them year round. These hilarious birds can be identified by their blue-gray back and wings, white face and underside, and black stripe on the top of their head from their back to their bill. White-breasted Nuthatches are entertaining acrobats that cling to trees, hopping up and down, often scouring branches for insects. They come and go from bird feeders quite quickly, usually taking a seed and either eating it away from the feeder or hammering it into a tree crevice to save for later.
Another nuthatch species fairly common at bird feeders in the United States is the Red-breasted Nuthatch. These birds, described by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s all about birds site as “an internse bundle of energy at your feeder” reside in the northern and western United States year round, and many of the more southern states in winter. They have white and black striped heads, blueish gray backs and wings, and a namesake reddish orange chest and underside. Like the Whte-breasted Nuthatch, Red-Breasted Nuthatches are very fun to watch, they are always moving and even when not in sight can be identified by their distinctive laughing call.
Nuthatch species in general are quite entertaining, and in addition to the White-breasted and the Red breasted, there are two other species in the U.S. that sometimes come to feeders, the Brown-headed Nuthatch and the Pygmy Nuthatch. Bown-headed Nuthatches live in the southeastern part of the United States while the Pygmy Nuthatch lives in parts of the western U.S. (typically areas with long needled pine trees). Both of these species are less frequent in backyards and at bird feeders but can be lured in with suet.
The entertainment value associated with having White-breasted Nuthatches visiting your bird feeder combined with the fact that they live throughout the United States put them at number two on the list.
1. Black-capped Chickadee
Black-capped Chickadee
Taking the top spot on the list is the fan favorite, Black-capped Chickadee. Black-capped chickadees are extremely recognizable with a very small stature, back head and throat, gray wings, and light tan wash on their sides. Black cappd chickadees inhabit north america year round and are one of the most common birds to find in forests and at bird feeders in the winter time. While Black-capped Chickadees aren’t typically found in many of the southern states in the U.S. Other Chickadee species are, including the Mountain Chickadee, the Mexican Chickadee, and the very similar looking Carolina chickadee. In the northern parts of the U.S. and Canada there is also another chickadee species, the Boreal Chickadee which is a bit more shy than the black-capped but also comes to bird feeders.
Black-capped Chickadees are great to have around for a variety of reasons. First, they aren’t normally aggressive toward other birds and can happily get along with most species. They don’t stick around at the feeders very long, preferring to come in to grab a seed and then crack it open on a neary perch. Black-capped Chickadees certainly bring a lot of energy with their constant moving around, and they can also be comfortable enough around humans to be fed by hand. Overall, they are a great species to have around in addition to other chickadee species across North America, and find themselves as the top bird species you absolutely want at your bird feeder.
Summary
Check out the video version of this post on the Badgerland Birding YouTube Channel
With so many different bird species in the world, everyone has a different opinion on which they prefer to see at their feeders. That being said, there is something fun and special about these five. Whether due to their color, energy, or personality, these are five birds you absolutely want at your feeders. Do you agree with our list? Let us know in the comments below. And as always, thanks for watching, we’ll see you next time, on Badgerland Birding
Winter can sometimes feel like a desolate time for birding. Gone are most of the fall migrants and in comes the cold weather; but that doesn’t mean that the most frigid months of the year are all bad. In reality, winter is an amazing season for birding, and my personal favorite. Here are 5 reasons birding is actually the best season for birding.
Exciting New Migratory Birds
Evening Grosbeak
As sad as it is for spring and fall migration to be in the rear view mirror, a whole new set of birds are on the move in winter. In the continental United States, species like Dark-eyed Juncos and American Tree Sparrows are regular visitors along with predatory birds such as Rough-legged Hawks, Northern Shrikes, and Snowy Owls. Along with these typical migratory species, winter also brings irruptive species. These birds move in accordance with the supply of food available in the north. If food is scarce, they move south, sometimes in large numbers creating a spectacle for people lucky enough to encounter them in the field or see them at their bird feeders.Many of these birds are quite beautiful and unique such as Evening Grosbeaks and whitewinged crossbills just to name a few. These irruptions can be quite fun and exciting to experience and definitely set the winter apart from other seasons.
Birds Are More Congregated
Numerous gulls loafing on a frozen lake
Unlike other times of the year when insects, seeds, and fruits are readily available, during winter, the pickings are much more slim. When a layer of snow and ice covers the ground, food ends up being much more limited and in fewer places. The result of this change is that birds have to flock to the remaining sources of food that haven’t been covered, making them show up in larger quantities where there are resources. In particular, bird feeders end up being amazing places to not only see high quantities of birds but also a wide variety of species (some of which may be regional rarities). Other places to keep an eye out for birds are roadsides, berry trees, and open water. In general, in winter, it’s not necessary to cover hundreds of miles to find birds, but rather hit the hotspots where they gather together during this time of the year.
Visibility is the best
American Kestral
One thing that can make birding in spring and summer difficult is the amount of leaves on the trees and bushes. All of this greenery can conceal birds and make them almost impossible to get a look at. While this isn’t universally true, in most parts of North America, the trees lose most of their leaves during the winter, making visibility significantly better than in other seasons. Birds that would often be hidden from view become visible and often even give unobstructed views, making actually seeing birds and photographing them a top notch experience in winter compared to other seasons. Sure some places like conifer forests will remain unchanged, but if you ever wanted to get a clear photo of that cardinal that’s been lurking around your yard, now might be the time.
Easier to focus
Snowy Owl
Spring can be overwhelming with how many different birds are moving through. Sometimes there are days when rarities are reported in many different directions, during work hours, or at other inconvenient times and it can feel next to impossible to see everything. Fortunately, this isn’t nearly as much of a problem in winter. Migration is slowed down during this time of the year and that makes it much easier to focus on any rare birds that make their way into the area. Additionally, there are many rare but regular visitors that show up in the winter time. These species provide fun opportunities to plan out trips without having to rush to see them. In all, the winter feels like it moves at a slower pace for birding than other seasons, and that can be a good thing.
No biting insects
American Three-toed Woodpecker
Personally, one of my least favorite things about birding during late spring and summer are the biting insects. Both mosquitos and ticks can make any experience outside an unpleasant one. Fortunately, at least in the northern parts of the country and in places where temperatures get below freezing, this is no longer a concern by the time winter rolls around. Being able to go out without having to slap away mosquitos buzzing in your ear is a great feeling, and I for one would take the cold any day over the bugs.
While winter can sometimes be a drag and the cold can be unpleasant, it can still be an incredible time for birding and in my opinion, the best time. In spite of the difficult weather, it’s the season I look forward to most every year. What’s your favorite season to go birding? Let us know in the comments below, and as always, thanks for watching, we’ll see you next time on Badgerland Birding.
Birding is a past time that can take you to some of the most amazing and beautiful places on planet earth. Between state parks, national wildlife refuges, and pristine wilderness, there is no end to the breathtaking habitats that birds call home. However, birds don’t always turn up in the most secluded places, and instead flock to where they can find food and shelter. For this reason, the quest for birds can take those who seek them out to some extremely strange places. Here are the top 5 weird places birders go to find birds.
5. Roadsides
Horned Lark along the side of a country road
Every birder has had the experience of spotting a bird from their car. Birds frequently hang out along the sides of roads taking advantage of edge habitat and high perches making it easy to spot prey. In many instances, the actual side of the road is a great place for birds to find insects and seeds. In winter, plows clear snow and churn up the substrate, allowing birds that forage along the ground access to an easy meal. Sparrows, finches, grouse, longspurs, Horned Larks and more can all be found along roadsides as they forage. Not only are road sides great places for birds, but the option to go birding by car makes it easy to cover a lot of ground and see a lot of different habitats, even though it’s not a place many non birders would expect to find birds.
4. Sod Farms
Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Photo by Bill Grossmeyer)
Farms in general are a great place to find birds. With an abundance of food, flooded fields, and a lot of open space, it’s no wonder birds frequent these areas. Of the different types of farms, the most specific and strange place to find birds is the sod farm. During fall, these farms play host to shorebirds migrating down from the north including black-bellied plovers, American golden plovers, and buff breasted sandpipers. In addition to these species, other birds that frequent agricultural fields and open spaces can also be found roaming the turf, making it a fun and ecclectic place to go birding..
3. Cemeteries
White-winged Crossbills
At first glance a cemetery may not seem like a place that birds would frequent, but it’s not about the cemetery itself, rather what’s planted there. Many cemeteries have decorative fruit trees or small groves of pines. The fruit trees can draw in birds like robins and waxwings, as well as winter migrants like Pine Grosbeaks looking for a meal. Pines can bring in species like Red-breasted Nuthatches, crossbills and other cone feeders. Although it may sound a bit odd to spend your free time lurking around a cemetery, if the right trees are planted there, they can be havens for some fascinating birds.
2. Stranger’s Houses
Rufous Hummingbird visiting a bird feeder
Most people that have been birding for a while have been involved in a home feeder stake out situation. The event usually plays out like this: A homeowner reports a rarity visiting their feeder, word gets out that the homeowner is allowing visitors, and birders from all over the region come to see the rare bird. Many times, homeowners are extremely welcoming and enjoy meeting the birders that come to visit. Even so, when you think about sitting in your car and spying on a strangers bird feeder, the idea is pretty weird.
1. Landfills
Gulls gathering just outside of a landfill
Out of all the strange places to find birds, there is none more out of left field than the dump. As it turns out, a lot of opportunistic bird species find the food scraps in the garbage to be a convenient food source. These species include crows, ravens, eagles, and most of all gulls. In fact, landfills are one of the best places to find large groups of gulls including some that are considered regionally rare. While it’s certainly not an appealing or beautiful place to bird, the dump can serve as an important spot to find a variety of species.
Did you agree with our list? Is there another strange place to bird that we left off? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to check out the Badgerland Birding YouTube channel.
You may be surprised to learn that one of the fastest growing outdoor hobbies is birding. Birding is defined as the observation of birds in their natural habitats as a hobby. Once thought of as an activity reserved for retirees, birding is starting to catch on with a whole new generation, because as it turns out, birding is awesome, and these are the top five reasons why.
Birding takes you to unique places
Something great about birding is that it can take you to a variety of places. Birds live in pretty much every environment and location imaginable, so there’s no shortage of locations to visit. Many of them are beautiful and scenic, while others are urban and populous. State parks, natural areas, large cities and backyard bird feeders are all places people go to find birds. Sometimes the most memorable birding trips can be the ones involving the most ecclectic places that you woudn’t have gone to if not for the birds. Birding is essentially a scavenger hunt that takes place in every corner of the world so who knows what strange and wonderful place you will end up visisting because of it.
Horicon Marsh
Birding can be low cost
In terms of cost effective hobbies, birding can be at the top of the list. It’s totally free to go outside and take a walk, or stay inside and look out the window. Otherwise a state park sticker and the cost of gasoline can open up a lot of possibilities on a small budget. That being said, there can be some aspects of birding that are more on the pricey side. Buying gear like cameras, scopes, and binoculars can certainly be expensive, but those types of items are typically one time or infrequent purchases and while helpful, they are not necessary to be a birder. The good news is that to participate in birding, the costs can be minimal to non existent depending on what you want to do.
Birding can be social
While some people love the solitutde of birding by themselvs, there are also many who love the social aspect of birding. Just like any community, the birding community has many forums, message boards and groups, both online and in person to participate in. Chances are, there is some sort of bird club or ornithological society nearby and even if there isn’t there are almost certainly other birders nearby that can be found via facebook or other social media sites. Whether you’re looking for a tight knit group to go birding with our a larger community to share ideas with, you can certainly find it.
Birding can be competitive
While many people think of birding as a leisurly activity, it can actually be quite competitive. The Big Year is a birding competition in which people try to find as many bird species as they can in a calendar year. While this type of bird competition can be a long grind, others are more fast paced such as big day competitions where birders try and find as many species as they can in a single day. There are also birding records that include the first person to see a bird in a particular county or state as well as life list totals. If there is something that can be quantified in birding, chances are that someone has started a competition around it. For people that are competitive and love nature, birding can be an incredible hobby.
Fox Sparrow
Birding can be what you want it to be
Undoubtedly one of the best things about birding is that it is what you make it. Since there are so many different fascets to the hobby, there is something for everyone and each individual can find a niche that suits them. Since there are no firm rules governing the hobby it really is up to each person to make birding what they want it to be. If they want to be a competitive lister, bird photographer, or casual feeder watcher it’s all under the umbrella of birding.
Although birding is starting to gain traction as a main stream hobby, some people have predicted that birding is about to get much more popular, and It makes sense that it would. There are so many things about birding that make it an incredibly fun hobby for people of all ages and skill levels that it’s only a matter of time before the secret gets out. Do you know people who would enjoy birding? Send them this article and get them started on their journey.
As far as birds go, there is none more iconic in the United States than the bald eagle. Known as a symbol of freedom, grace, and perseverance, America’s national bird can be seen regularly in most parts of the country; but this wasn’t always the case. Not too long ago, the Bald Eagle was critically endangered and at serious risk of becoming extinct. This is the story of how this regal raptor came back from the brink.
What led to the Bald Eagle’s Decline?
In North America, eagles have always been associated with positive traits. So much so, that in 1782, the Bald Eagle was adopted as a National Symbol of the United States. Even with this bird being a national icon, at this time in history, there was a lot of misinformation about their habits and lifestyle. We now know that this species feeds mostly on fish and carrion, but at earlier eras there was a wide held belief that eagles were a threat to medium sized livestock and even children. As a result, many Bald Eagles were hunted by landowners fearful of losing animals to the large birds. In addition, much of the bald eagles natural prey was also on the decline due to hunting and habitat loss. However, hunting and habitat loss were not the only factors leading to the bald eagle’s decline.
Serious trouble came in the form of a new pesticide called DDT. After World War II, DDT was commonly used to eliminate insect pests such as mosquitos but caused a lot of collateral damage. The chemical would then wash into waterways, fouling entire waterways, including the things that lived in that water. This meant that fish and other animals that Bald Eagles feed on were not only scarcer due to hunting and habitat loss, but also contaminated with toxins. Eagles would consume the contaminated fish and absorb the DDT into their bodies. While DDT wasn’t fatal to the adult Eagles, it was the bird’s eggs that were most adversely effected. The ingestion and absorption of DDT by the adult birds led to the inability to produce strong eggs. As a result, many Bald Eagle eggs were crushed or cracked during incubation leading to a grave amount of unsuccessful broods.
Due to a combination of chemical poisoning, hunting, and habitat destruction, the Bald Eagle was quickly approaching the point of extinction. In 1963, there were a mere 487 breeding pairs left in the lower 48 states.
What led to the Bald Eagle’s comeback?
Recognizing that the Bald Eagle was losing its battle against extinction, the US government stepped in to try and aid in its plight. In 1972 DDT was banned in large part to its negative impact of wildlife (particularly birds), and in 1973 the Endangered Species Act was created. The endangered species prevented habitat destruction as well as the harassment or killing of any species deemed endangered. These steps in addition to reintroduction, nest monitoring projects, and water quality improvement put the Bald Eagle on a pathway to move out of the precarious place they were in as a species.
How is the Bald Eagle doing today?
In the following decades, the Bald Eagle’s numbers began climbing. In 1995 they were moved from the endangered species list and designated as threatened. Twelve years later The Bald Eagle was officially completely delisted on June 28th 2007. Now, over 70,000 pairs of Bald Eagles live in the lower 48 states and the species as a whole is listed as a species of “least concern.”
The Bald Eagle is one of America’s greatest conservation success stories. With a very stable population of this species in the wild today, this regal national symbol will continue to soar the skies of American for generations to come. Hopefully more success stories like the Bald Eagle will emerge in the ecological war against extinction, and we will get to discuss more birds that have come back from the brink
Each year, certain migratory birds in North America make the trip south to their wintering grounds. This journey takes place every year in roughly the same pattern. So much so, that one can almost plan their calendar according to the arrival and departure of a certain species. However, there is another migration that takes place in a much different way: the winter finch migration.
Winter finches reside in the northern forests of Canada during summer and often move around in fall and winter. However, they don’t migrate in the same patterns as other bird species. In fact they don’t even repeat the same pattern from one year to the next.
Red Crossbill
The term “irruption” is often used to describe mass migrations of some of these northern species into the United States. In years past, birders have noticed increased numbers of certain winter finch species (Inlcluding Crossbills, Evening Grosbeaks, Pine Siskins and more) in some winters, while in other winters, North America’s conifer forests stand untouched by these birds.
Part of the mystery of winter finches is that for the longest time, it was unclear which species would irrupt (if any) on a given year and what the cause was for these large flights of birds moving across the continent. It turns out there is actually a singular driving force to the movements of these birds: food.
Purple Finch
The best way to predict which winter finch species are going to be moving south is by analyzing each species preferred food source in the north. In particular, many of these birds feed on conifer cones. When cone crops are low, these nomadic birds migrate to other areas in search of food. Enter the winter finch forecast.
Each year experts (originally Ron Pittaway and now Tyler Hoar of Ontario Field Ornithologists) put together a detailed picture of which northern conifer crops are high and low in Canada, and therefore which finch species are expected to irrupt and move into the United states. What is particularly interesting about these finch species is that each one seems to prefer a different type of conifer seed as its dietary staple. Thus, understanding the movements of a particular species is somewhat of a scientific art form. This report has become an annual treat that is highly anticipated by birders excited by the prospect of seeing these colorful birds dotting the winter landscape.
White-winged Crossbills
The winter finch forecast usually comes out in the middle of September and provides an excellent sneak preview of what to expect as far as the types of birds you’re likely to see come fall and winter. You can find this exciting report by going to the Finch Research Network , joining the finches, irruptions, and mast crops Facebook group, or by waiting until someone in your local birding community posts it.
Note: In addition to the winter finches, the forecast also includes clues to other irruptive and nomadic species too such as Red-breasted Nuthatches and Bohemian Waxwings.
