Identifying The Key Features On a Bird’s Head

Does it ever sound like a foreign language when you listen to a master birder speak about the features on a bird’s body?

Well, it kind of is.

Today, I’m going to walk you through 12 topographical features on a bird’s head to help you build your confidence and knowledge of this secret language.

We’ll take a closer look at a few helpful species like, the Black-throated Gray Warbler, the Cape May Warbler, the Townsend’s Solitaire, and the Northern Flicker.

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Learning Bird Song In The Winter? Start with the Jay

Learning bird song can be a challenging undertaking. I’ve always found that the people who start trying to learn in the winter are better prepared for all of the migrating birds in the spring.

Here’s a little inspiration to get you started this time of year.

It’s not always easy to find vocal birds in the winter. Well, not only can you be certain that the jays are going to have something to say throughout the day, they can be found all throughout North America this time of year.

If you’d like to know more about how to LEARN BIRD SONG click this link

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If You Want to Go Deeper With Your Birding Skills, Accept This Challenge

I was watching a group of Hooded Merganser’s on a local pond the other day and saw something that I never would have noticed if I hadn’t agreed to challenge myself.

This challenge has helped to break me out of my rut with birding and I want to share it with you today.

It has pushed me to see the birds I am already familiar with in a much deeper way.

Enjoy,

~ Kristi

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Thanks to the good folks at Flickr Creative Commons for the following images:
Hooded Merganser – USFWS – Flickr Creative Commons – 2015
Cooper’s Hawk – Renee Grayson – Flickr Creative Commons – 2018

Leave a comment below to let me know how the challenge goes for you.

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The Best Time To Go Birding (To Experience the MAGIC)

Most birders head out early in the morning or a little later in the day to find the “good” birds, but very few people go out at this time of day.

In fact, I’m often the only one watching birds during this time of day. I have to say, some of my most magic experiences, as well as some of the largest numbers of birds I’ve seen have been witnessed at this time of day.

Check out the video below to hear more.

P.S. … If you are looking for a bird nerd gift this holiday season, come check out www.birdmentor.com to pick up my new FREE book, Identify Any Bird Anywhere.

Seriously The BEST Time to See Kinglets

I hope your Thanksgiving weekend was nourishing.

Before I left for my family’s house on Thursday to partake in the eating of copious amounts of food, I headed out for a run to my favorite wetland. Despite it being super windy, I heard a few kinglets calling and felt inspired to make a short video for you.

You see, normally, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet and the Golden-crowned Kinglets can be quite challenging to see. This is because, in addition to being so quick and little, they spend much of their year very high up in the trees.

In fact, it took me 2 whole years to spot my first kinglet after learning what it sounded like.

But, all hope is not lost and it’s really not as hard as it seems to see them. It just takes the right time of year, a few layers, an indomitable spirit and a warm mug of tea/coffee if you have one.

Check out the video below to hear more.

P.S. … If you are looking for a bird nerd gift this holiday season, come check out www.birdmentor.com to pick up my new FREE book, Identify Any Bird Anywhere.

How to Find Warblers During Migration

If you’ve ever tried to find a warbler during migration you know it can be pretty tough. Right?

Well, in my video today I have a tip that most birders don’t think of right way that can make your warbler searching super simple, even beginners can find them.

Leave a comment below to let me know what birds you’ve seen sheperding the warblers through the forest.