All articles tagged with #birdwatching
A study of 58 participants (29 expert birders and 29 novices) found that experts showed higher activity and greater structural density in brain regions responsible for visual processing, attention and working memory when identifying birds, suggesting that long‑term birding may build cognitive reserve and slow age‑related cognitive decline.
Birdbuddy has introduced new smart bird feeders, the Birdbuddy 2 and Birdbuddy 2 Mini, featuring bird song identification, HD cameras, and modular design, with the larger model being solar-powered and more expensive, enhancing birdwatching at home.
The article highlights five underrated free apps worth installing: Yuka for health and cosmetics info, Transit for city public transport navigation, MyNoise for customizable ambient sounds, Listonic for smart grocery shopping, and Merlin Bird ID for bird identification, emphasizing their unique features and benefits.
Birdfy has introduced the Birdfy Feeder Vista, a smart bird feeder equipped with dual fisheye lenses capable of capturing 6K 360-degree videos of birds, using an innovative air pump system to deliver feed and AI software for bird recognition, aiming to enhance birdwatching experiences and compete with existing smart feeders like BirdBuddy.
A rare hybrid bird, resulting from a green jay and a blue jay mating, was discovered in a suburb near San Antonio, Texas. Biologists suggest this hybrid may be among the first caused by climate change-driven range expansions of the species. The bird was spotted and sampled by researcher Brian Stokes, highlighting the impact of changing climate patterns on wildlife.
A rare dark-sided flycatcher, typically found in Asia, was sighted on Google's Mountain View campus, attracting numerous bird enthusiasts and media attention, marking the first recorded sighting in California and the lower 48 states.
The article reviews the best bird song and identification apps in 2025, highlighting options like Merlin Bird ID, Smart Bird ID, Chirpomatic, Picture Bird, Audubon Bird Guide, and BirdNET, each suited for different user needs such as learning, beginner use, North American focus, or citizen science. These apps utilize AI, sound, and image recognition to help users identify bird species, enhance birding experiences, and contribute to conservation efforts, with considerations on their accuracy and features.
An unexpected app, Merlin Bird ID, has helped the author become more mindful and present by encouraging birdwatching and listening to nature, leading to increased awareness and a sense of grounding in the present moment.
NPR's correspondent shares her fascination with the blue-footed booby during a trip to the Galápagos Islands, highlighting their unique appearance, behavior, and historical significance in Darwin's theory of evolution.
Birdwatchers in Pleasanton are advised to consider removing bird feeders to minimize the risk of avian flu, a highly contagious virus that can spread from birds to humans, though human cases are rare. To reduce risk, feeders and birdbaths should be kept clean, and protective gear should be worn when handling them. Pets should be kept away from bird droppings and dead birds. Reporting dead birds to authorities is also recommended.
Amateur photographer Sanchez captured a Blue Rock Thrush in Oregon, marking the first confirmed sighting of this species in the United States. Typically found in Europe and Asia, the bird's unexpected appearance has excited the ornithological community and sparked discussions on possible reasons for its presence, such as storm displacement or climate change. This event underscores the significance of citizen science and the potential for unexpected discoveries in nature.
CNN Underscored tested various binoculars under $500 to find the best options for birdwatching and sports viewing. The Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 emerged as the top choice for its crystal-clear views, durability, and ease of use, while the Nocs Provisions Field Issue 8x32 was praised for its compact size and portability. The article emphasizes that spending between $200-$400 can secure a quality optic, with the Nikon Monarch M5 offering the best value for its price.
Swarovski Optik has launched the AX Visio, the world's first AI-powered binoculars, capable of identifying over 9,000 bird species and some mammals and insects in real-time using computer vision and geolocation. Priced at over $5,000, these binoculars feature a built-in camera and are designed for wildlife observation. While the device offers a unique experience and is user-friendly, its accuracy varies, with updates expected to improve performance. The binoculars also allow users to capture images and videos, enhancing the birdwatching experience.
A flamingo was spotted on Cape Cod, potentially marking the first confirmed sighting of a wild American flamingo in Massachusetts. Experts believe the bird may have been displaced by Hurricane Idalia. The Massachusetts Avian Records Committee will determine if the bird is wild.
Birdwatching in the age of dinosaurs would have been an extraordinary experience, with ancient birds such as Archaeopteryx, Confuciusornis, Falcatakely, Hesperornis, Vegavis, and Asteriornis roaming the skies. These ancient birds, closely related to dinosaurs, varied in appearance and behavior, from the iconic dino-bird Archaeopteryx with its feathered wings to the aquatic Hesperornis resembling a six-foot-tall penguin. The survival and evolution of these humble birds, including ancestors of modern ducks and chickens, played a crucial role in their ability to endure the mass extinction event that wiped out non-bird dinosaurs.