Birdwatching Weekly #6

🐦 Bird of the Week: The Wood Duck

The Wood Duck is one of the most colorful waterfowl in North America. Males have iridescent green and purple feathers with bright red eyes, while females display a more subtle brown plumage with a distinctive white teardrop around the eye. These ducks nest in tree cavities near wetlands, making them unique among waterfowl.

Fun Fact: Wood Duck ducklings jump from their nests—sometimes from heights of over 50 feet—within a day of hatching.

Tip: If you want to attract Wood Ducks to your area, consider installing a nesting box near a quiet pond or marshy area.

🌱 Seasonal Birding Tips

• Watch for the first warblers. Early migrants like Pine Warblers and Yellow-rumped Warblers begin appearing in many regions this month.

• Check fields and forests for raptors. Hawks and kestrels become more active as they follow their prey north.

• Clean out old birdhouses. Nesting season is starting, and a fresh space encourages birds to settle in.

• Look for displaying waterfowl. Ducks and geese begin their courtship rituals, with males showing off to attract mates.

📰 Birding News

Audubon Sets Conservation Priorities for the 119th Congress
Audubon is advocating for key policies that support bird conservation, habitat protection, and environmental sustainability in the new congressional session.
AUDUBON

Investing in Conservation: A Win for Birds and Communities
New conservation initiatives are benefiting both birds and people, demonstrating how habitat restoration supports local economies and wildlife.
AUDUBON

How Birds Are Adapting to Climate Change
Scientists are studying how birds are adjusting their migration and breeding patterns in response to shifting weather conditions.
BBC NEWS

Adopt a Bird Through Audubon’s Symbolic Program
Support conservation efforts by symbolically adopting a bird species. Donations help fund habitat restoration and research.
AUDUBON

eBird in Action: Protecting Vermont’s Bird Habitat
A partnership between Audubon Vermont and the Vermont Land Trust is using eBird data to guide conservation efforts for grassland birds.
EBIRD

Bald Eagle Chicks Hatch at Big Bear Valley
Birdwatchers are celebrating the arrival of Bald Eagle chicks at Big Bear Valley, marking another successful nesting season for the famous eagle pair.
CBS NEWS

Latest Birding Reports from the American Birding Association
Stay informed on rare sightings, migration updates, and the latest birding news from across North America.
ABA

🎒 Gear Spotlight: Best Spotting Scopes for Birdwatching

Spotting scopes provide a closer look at distant birds, making them essential for viewing shorebirds, raptors, and waterfowl. Here are three top picks:

• Celestron Ultima 80 – A great mid-range scope with clear optics and a durable design.

• Vortex Razor HD 27-60x85 – High-end clarity and brightness for serious birders.

• Gosky 20-60x80 – A budget-friendly option with solid magnification.

📸 Featured Photo

This week’s featured photo is taken by Jit Roy—a stunning image of a Peregrine Falcon perched on rocks. Nice job, Jit! Keep taking amazing bird photos for a chance to be featured in an upcoming issue.

📬 Got a link for me? Reply and tell me. I will take a look and try to include it next week!

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