News

Why Some Songbirds Kick Their Chicks Out Before They Can Fly
June 22, 2018 — A new study finds that nest type plays a big role in how long young birds can live at home.
How Lost Luggage Led to This Amazing Shot of an Atlantic Puffin
June 21, 2018 — For photographer Ann Pacheco, the potentially trip-ruining mishap ended up being a blessing in disguise.
Behind the Shot
With Legal Pot, California Faces a Barrage of New (and Old) Environmental Problems
June 19, 2018 — Cleaning up poisons killing Northern Spotted Owls is just one challenge the state faces. A conservation fund built from cannabis taxes could help.
Video: Watch (and Hear) Two Bitterns Getting Weird in a Rice Field
June 18, 2018 — Mindful conservation on California rice farms creates homes for wetland birds, while also providing a rare chance to study them.
Hear the Robin's Intricate Evening Song Slowed Down
June 18, 2018 — As dusk approaches, these thrushes get much more musical.
BirdNote
We Should Definitely Call Pigeons “Rock Doves” Again
June 15, 2018 — An official proposal would change the Rock Pigeon's name back to its previous, more dignified moniker. That's a sensational idea.
To Photograph Nesting Puffins, Belly Crawl
June 15, 2018 — Getting up close to these birds can be thrilling, but you've got to be careful.
Ethics
Hummingbird Gorgets: Jewels of the Sky
June 14, 2018 — The glittering, colorful feathers on the throats of male hummingbirds help them attract mates and defend territory. Here's how they work, up-close.
What a Fateful Expedition to Alaska 100 Years Ago Can Teach Us Today
June 14, 2018 — In his new book "Tip of the Iceberg," Mark Adams explores glaciers, climate change, and a defining moment for turn-of-the-century conservation.
Books
In ‘American Animals,’ Audubon’s Art Is a Source of Obsession, Greed, and Infamy
June 13, 2018 — To the director and one of the real-life perpetrators of the new crime film, “Birds of America” is more than just a plot point.