Cover image: With its outlandishly long legs and fierce demeanor, the secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) of the African savanna looks like a cross between a crane and an eagle. Its hooked beak is all raptor. Photo by Joel Sartore. Photographed at Toronto Zoo. Source: National Geographic … Continue Reading …
by Anne Schmauss
Ice free birdbaths important in mild winters too
Although much of the late fall and early winter has been mild, the nights have been cold (freezing) and we've seen little precipitation. As a result, birds don't have much to drink. Birds need to drink water every day and bathing helps to keep them warm. A clean bird is a warm bird. Clean feathers offer better insulation … Continue Reading …
Featured Event Articles
Española Christmas Bird Count 2017
Folks, Attached here is the report from the Española Christmas Bird Count. And, please remember that Ohkay Owingeh Lakes is closed for birding until spring. Enjoy! … Continue Reading …
Field Trip to Sandia Crest for Rosy Finches
On January 29, 2017, about 25 enthusiasts made the trek to the Sandia Crest House on Sunday morning in the hopes os seeing rosy finches. The weather was fine, the road up to the Crest mostly clear but icy in spots Participants were amply rewarded with good looks at all three species: Gray-crowned Rosy finch, Black Rosy … Continue Reading …
Featured How-To Article
10 Things You Can Do For Birds
Plant a garden. Be a citizen scientist. Join “Lights Out.” Your steps can make a difference. 1. Make your yard a bird oasis Start by providing the five basics: clean water, plants with flowers for nectar and insects (songbirds feed insects to their young), fruit-bearing plants to provide fuel for migration and winter, … Continue Reading …
Featured Birding Articles
Binoculars And Beyond: Nine Tips For Beginning Bird Watchers
The Big Year movie opened last night, and audiences poured in to watch Jack Black, Steve Martin, and Owen Wilson race around the countryside wielding binoculars. The birds and bird names came thick and fast—and I’m sure some people wondered how anyone learns to identify so many of anything. But like anything, it’s mainly … Continue Reading …
Identifying the birds in your backyard
This fall has been a terrific time for watching backyard birds. Not only are we seeing a large number of birds but the variety has been wonderful. In the fall we normally see more jays, juncos, nuthatches, and chickadees than we do in other seasons but for some reason, this autumn is off the charts. Many of you are … Continue Reading …