Wild Birds

The brilliant and unmistakable Hyacinth Macaw is the largest macaw and largest flying parrot in the world. It is native to semi-open habitats across central and eastern South America. Not only is this bird’s massive size a treasure to behold, but its beautiful rich marine blue feathers are another sight entirely. The Hyacinth Macaw belongs […]

In the wild or as pets, macaws are magnificent birds with unique colors, intimate personalities, and an incredible ability to mimic sounds; they even star in movies. But the blue macaw varieties are truly exceptional. They have monochromatic blue plumage, an extraordinary appearance akin to human fingerprints, and are the most prominent and widespread. The

If you live in or visit the mountainous, rocky areas of the west of the United States, you will spot one of the amazing songbirds: the mountain chickadee.  I have seen it in forests, and I have also seen it in backyards. And every sighting is even more exciting.  This tiny bird always draws attention.

The green-breasted mango is a neotropical hummingbird and a particular favorite of mine. Despite their extensive range and relatively large population, they are not a common sight. This is because the green-breasted mango is an explorer! This species of hummingbird is not migratory. However, it is known to travel large distances to scope out new

The Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) is a species of raptor in the genus Accipiter. Accipiters are a group of birds of prey that include about 51 species found all around the world. Members of this genus are generally slim birds with short, rounded wings and a long tail that acts as a rudder to help

Big, bold, and beautiful! Aptly named, the Blue-and-Gold Macaw is among the most popular parrots worldwide. It is a native of Central and South America but most widespread in South America. These charming and famous beauties, identifiable by their blue and yellow vibrant colors, offer more than just majesty. As pets, they make the best

The annual hummingbird migration is one of the incredible feats of the animal kingdom. Each year, birders, residents, and scientists alike, get thrilled as hummingbirds travel between wintering and breeding grounds. Thousands of dazzling hummingbirds swarm through fields and forests. Some even stop by at feeders and gardens for refreshments and nourishment. Weighing less than

The Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis) is a species of raptor in the genus Falco. Falco is a group of raptors that includes about 40 species found worldwide. Members of this genus are generally high-speed birds which have sharp, pointed wings and which hunt for other bird species that they pursue and seize in flight. Falcons

The Merlin (Falco columbarius) is a species within the genus Falco, which is a group of birds of prey that also include about 40 other species that are scattered all around the world. Falcons are characterized by fast flight (sometimes very fast!), very sharply pointed wingtips, and a preference for eating other birds, which they

Have you read the Guardians of Ga’Hoole series? If you have, you know that Grimble was a Boreal Owl. Another book, The Boreal Owl Murder, by Jan Dunlop, is based on birders tracking the Boreal Owl. This Owl is very scarce and isn’t seen often, so seeing one and getting a picture of it are