Field Notes

Anna's Hummingbirds sparkle with iridescence... with their emerald green back and hot pink throats — known as gorgets. But wait! Catch them in a certain light, and the sparkle goes away, or entirely new and vibrant colors appear. The microscopic structure of the feather barbules — not pigments —... read more »

Photographer Gregg Thompson had a stroke of good fortune. He wrote:In late September, I noticed a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers on this tree trunk. It was too late in the year for them to have any chicks, and after I read a bit, I decided this was a roosting tree. It could have been a nesting site... read more »

Join us for 18 days of wildlife viewing and cultural attractions!Travel to South Africa with BirdNote during the best time of year: the transition into spring and early summer. Visit the Greater Kruger Conservancy to see iconic animals and birdsEnjoy special excursions to observe whales,... read more »

 Autumn ... Feels like a new year.We all remember the feeling of starting back to school at the end of summer. A serious change of scenes and seasons. And there's a lot to be done for the birds, too. With winter coming on, think of what you can do to help...1. Clean out your nestboxes.It's a... read more »