In the August 2022 issue of Birding, learn where to look for Black Rails, find out why we can't help you locate any Carunculated Pigeons, enjoy two unique Birding interviews, and more.
This issue of NAB prominently features an in-depth look and reanalysis of plumage aberrations by Hein van Grouw, a widely renowned expert on the topic. NAB Regional Report Publication Editor Randi Minetor summarizes and explains the recent blitzkrieg of Limpkins across the southeastern United States. Chrissy Kondrat, who studies Bendire’s Thrashers professionally, offers her tips for identifying them in the field.
Podcast ➚
It's time for This Month in Birding with Jody Allair, Jennie Duberstein, and Sean Milnes. The panel joins host Nate Swick to talk about the biggest bird news of the month with a wide-ranging discussion that covers a last gasp for the 'Akikiki, how vultures reduce carbon emissions, the state of read more >>
A Thick-billed Vireo (ABA Code 4) leads off the continuing rarities in the ABA Area this week, most of which come from Alaska in the form of Little Stint (4), Baikal Teal (4), and Eurasian Bullfinch (4). That focus on Alaska will turn out to be a theme this week. What read more >>
ABA Travel
When you travel with the ABA, you help build a better future for birds and birding. The ABA offers a carefully designed program of birding travel experiences that not only let experience and thrill of seeing great birds and traveling with friendly, interesting people, they give you the satisfaction of knowing that you are supporting local on-the-ground conservation efforts as well as the ABA’s ongoing work to inspire all people to enjoy and protect wild birds.
Below is a sample of what we’ve got going. Click here to view all of our tours >>
I knowingly saw my first American Redstart 40 years ago this summer. The bird was not a full-on adult male, splendiferously black-and-blaze-orange. It was more muted, light gray with lemon-yellow highlights...
It’s all over. Migration. It came and went. Why does it always happen so fast? Why didn’t I go birding more during that precious window? How long until shorebirds start passing through again? No, no, no. Not only is it true that migration may not even be over in your...
The first response of some quiz-takers might well be, “What a horrible photo, particularly for a quiz photo!” Others, however, may well jump on the correct identification immediately. For those of us that are not accomplished at or comfortable with identification by shape, posture, and behavior, this could certainly provide for a difficult quiz. Those that had the second response posited above would have gotten the ID solely on shape and posture, perhaps aided by behavior.
An ABA-Area first Icterine Warbler at Gambell tops off an amazing early fall in Alaska thus far. This misoriented migrant may have made an incredible over-Arctic journey from its breeding grounds in Scandinavia to St. Lawrence Island, where it joined an already spectacular roster of vagrants found in September 2022.
I have often commented that we’re living in the golden age of field guides. Many titles have been published in the past 10 years, from guides exploring new countries or focusing on previously ignored bird families, to apps bringing instant information gratification. And then I wonder, “What’s next?” My money...
As someone who has spent most of my birding hours in Texas and Georgia, I think of Merlins as a species of the winter. They are wide ranging, fast moving, and inconspicuous. An encounter with one is always unpredictable and any day that has them on the list is a...
The 2022 mid-year update of the ABA Checklist has been posted. It adds 5 new species:
Bat Falcon, Red-Masked Parakeet, Lilac-crowned Parrot, Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush, Chihuahuan Meadowlark.
Current ➚
Birds inspire art in many ways: writing, painting, photography, film. Not least of the art forms that birds frequently move people to create is music. The work of composer and violinist Julia Tchira has been heavily influenced by the wonder of birds, including a recent piece she wrote about the ABA’s 2022 Bird of the Year, the Burrowing Owl.
I have often commented that we’re living in the golden age of field guides. Many titles have been published in the past 10 years, from guides exploring new countries or focusing on previously ignored bird families, to apps bringing instant information gratification. And then I wonder, “What’s next?” My money...
The 2022 mid-year update of the ABA Checklist has been posted. It adds 5 new species:
Bat Falcon, Red-Masked Parakeet, Lilac-crowned Parrot, Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush, Chihuahuan Meadowlark.
Current ➚
Birds inspire art in many ways: writing, painting, photography, film. Not least of the art forms that birds frequently move people to create is music. The work of composer and violinist Julia Tchira has been heavily influenced by the wonder of birds, including a recent piece she wrote about the ABA’s 2022 Bird of the Year, the Burrowing Owl.