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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
Red-winged Blackbird
History of the Land
December 18, 2025 — Trinity River Audubon Center History
TEXAS Get Involved
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 in 2025
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 Now Finding Microplastics in Backyard Birds
December 17, 2025 — The tiny particles are widespread in waterbirds around the world. New 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