Category: Bird Related

Discover Nature: Best Free Birding Apps Reviewed

A colorful bird with vibrant plumage stands next to a smartphone displaying an app interface related to bird watching, featuring a list of bird species and a map in the background.

Dear Bird/Tech Fans,

Birding is a blast, whether you’re a newbie spotting sparrows or a pro chasing rare hawks. Maybe you’re like me, an armchair birder who thinks watching birds from the recliner counts. Either way, a free birding app is your ticket to fun! These apps help you name that chirpy visitor at your feeder or catch a hummingbird zooming by. With your phone as your sidekick, you’re ready for any bird adventure. Here are six free apps that are so cheap, they’ll have you cheeping with joy. Oh boy.

  1. Merlin Bird ID
A person holding a smartphone displaying a financial app interface with charts and data, including a section labeled 'Merlin' and various icons for functions.

Merlin Bird ID is like a bird expert in your pocket! It works on iPhone and Android, perfect for beginners and pros. Made by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and eBird, it’s super smart. Record a bird’s song or snap a photo, and Merlin’s AI tells you what it is. It’s a huge bird library that works anywhere—your backyard or a hiking trail. Best part? It’s free and easy to use. More info here.

2. GoBird

A graphic with a red circular border and the text 'No Image Provided' displayed prominently in the center.

GoBird is a must for bird lovers on iPhone or Android. Its hotspot map shows where birds hang out nearby. Love rare birds? GoBird points you to them! With over 10,000 photos, it’s great for newbies who mix up robins and orioles.
Whether you’re in your yard or exploring, GoBird makes birding a breeze. More info here

3. Audubon

A smartphone displaying the Audubon app with a grid of various bird species images and names, set against a blurred background.

The Audubon app, from the National Audubon Society, is like a bird guide on your phone. Free for iPhone and Android, it covers over 800 North American birds. Use the Bird ID tool to name birds by what you see. It has 3,000+ photos and eight hours of bird calls. Plus, range maps track your favorite birds all year. More info here

4. BirdNET

A person holding a smartphone displaying the 'Birdnet' app, featuring a search bar and illustrated birds on the screen, with a blurred background of lights.

 BirdNET is perfect if you love bird songs! Free on iPhone and Android, it uses AI to name birds from your recordings. Built by the Cornell Lab and Chemnitz University, it knows nearly 3,000 bird species. Record a chirp, and BirdNET tells you who’s singing. It’s great for pros and newbies alike. More info here.

5. iNaturalist

A person holding a smartphone displaying an image of an Ecotagy plant on the iNaturalist app, with a blurred natural background.

 iNaturalist is like a nature club on your phone! Free for iPhone and Android, it’s not just for birds—it covers all wildlife. Snap a photo or record a sound, and the app helps you name the bird. Share your finds with other nature fans and help science, too. It’s easy, fun, and perfect for curious birders. More info here

I use Merlin because it’s simple, and I’m too lazy to juggle apps. But these others look so fun, I’m ready to try them all! Which birding app do you love? Share in the comments below. Happy birding, and may your feeder attract more birds than squirrels.

Note: I do not promote any of these apps.

8 “Early Bird” Specials to Watch for in Central New York and Beyond

Dear Bird Enthusiasts,

If you share my passion for birds, you are probably counting down the days to spring migration like a kid before summer vacation, or fans of Muranda Cheese Factory that can’t wait to dance to the summer band picks. This exciting time of year will soon have the skies bustling with colorful, fascinating birds returning to the northern regions. So, dust off your binoculars, practice your “oohs” and “aahs,” and get ready for another season of trying to capture photos of warblers before they disappear faster than a SnapChat video.

Early Spring Migrants (March – Early April)

A black bird with red and yellow markings on its wings in flight, with green leaves and a blurred background.
Photo by Michaele Boncaro

Red-winged Blackbirds: Often the first to return, filling wetlands.

A small bird with bright blue feathers on its head and wings, and a rusty orange-red breast, perched on a thin branch.
https://nestwatch.org

Eastern Bluebirds: Return to nest in open, rural areas.

A close-up of an American Robin perched on a branch, displaying its gray feathers and distinct orange breast.
Alex Eberts/Macaulay Libary

American Robins: Often appearing in large flocks on lawns.

Osprey & Great Blue Herons: Return to waterways.

Killdeer & American Woodcock: Early shorebirds returning to fields.

A small bird with iridescent blue-green feathers and a white throat, flying over water.

Tree Swallows: Feed over open water. 

A close-up of a European starling perched on a wooden post, featuring iridescent green and purple plumage with speckles against a blurred green background.

European Starlings: Noisy pests possess a remarkable ability to gather in large flocks that head straight to your suet feeders.

 As of today, March 28, 2026, I have only heard a Red-winged blackbird and a Robin. Have you heard or seen any spring migrating birds? Let me know in the comments.

Sources:

Finger Lakes Times

All About Birds

National Audubon

Understanding How Birds Stay Warm in Winter

Hi Bird Watchers,

Central New York is in the middle of one of those “Freakin’ Frigid” cold snaps I like to complain about. It’s been bitterly cold since mid-January. While I’m lucky to have a cozy, heated home with running water, I can’t help but think about the birds braving the cold, especially their tiny feet. How do they manage in this icy weather?

A blue bird cozying up to two smaller, muted-colored birds perched on a branch, surrounded by green leaves.

This morning, I peeked out from behind my thermal drapes to check on the feeders hanging from the patio roof. My snooping startled at least seven Mourning Doves. I’ve said before in another post called Surprise: Pigs do fly! They’re just disguised as Mourning Doves, but even they must survive these freezing temps.

Later, my one-and-only cardinal showed up, along with some winter goldfinches, dark-eyed juncos, and a giant blue jay who made quite the entrance. I might grumble when they scatter seed everywhere, but I must admit, the blue jay’s bright feathers against the snow look amazing. Staying warm and keeping their energy up is crucial for these winter birds to survive the snow and temperatures below zero. Luckily, birds have developed some impressive strategies to get through the worst weather. Here are a few winter survival moves you might spot out your window or while birdwatching.

Preen and Powder

Preening and powdering for birds is kind of like when women sneak off to the powder room at a wedding while the band is on break. But birds don’t do it for special occasions unless they purposely show up for The Audubon Christmas Bird Count.

Unlike humans, birds use their beaks to clean and arrange their feathers, picking out dirt and bugs and ensuring their feathers are perfectly aligned for flight. Preening also locks the tiny parts of each feather together, keeping water out.

Birds have a little gland near their tail that produces oil. How convenient for them!! When they spread this oil on their feathers, it keeps them soft, flexible, and clean, and helps protect against germs. Interestingly, it’s not just the oil that makes them waterproof. Some birds, like pigeons, herons, and parrots, use a fine powder from special feathers instead. They dust this powder over themselves during preening, which also helps keep feathers clean and somewhat waterproof.

Whether it’s oil or powder, the bottom line is that birds must keep their feathers in top condition, so they fit tightly together and block out water.

The Huddle

Songbirds also bunch together for warmth, slow their metabolism, or hide out in tree cavities and nest boxes to stay safe from the cold and predators. Larger birds will flock together to share body heat, too.

Three birds sitting on a branch, two are small and gray with hints of orange, while one is larger, vibrant blue with black accents.

But What About Their Legs and Feet??

Ever wondered how birds keep their legs warm? Are they buying thermal-lined pants at Costco or stocking up on Carhartt wool socks from Tractor Supply? Unlike we central New Yorkers, nature has the birds covered.

Countercurrent Heat Exchange: Arteries carrying warm blood to the feet run immediately alongside veins returning cold blood to the body. It’s like nature’s version of Syracuse University heated sidewalks, except instead of melting snow, it’s keeping bird toes just above freezing. This clever plumbing keeps their feet toasty without wasting precious body heat. Imagine if your winter boots worked like this: warm on the way down and cool on the way back up, with no need for battery-powered socks!

Two colorful birds wearing oversized boots, standing on a gravel surface with a blurred green background.

Want to Help Out?

If you want to give birds a hand through winter, try offering high-energy foods like suet, peanuts, and black oil sunflower seeds. Water is important all year, so a heated bird bath can really help. Just keep it clean! You can also provide shelter by setting up roosting boxes or leaving dead trees for birds that use cavities. Planting fruit trees and shrubs can attract species like cedar waxwings (just make sure they’re native plants). If fruit trees aren’t your thing, evergreens are a great option, too!

A group of brightly colored birds perched around a bird feeder, with a mix of yellow, orange, and blue plumage.

If you’re not in Central New York, let me know in the comments where you’re birdwatching from. That will help me better serve you with good content. Do you see any birds in your backyard preening and powdering? Let me know in the comments.

Sources:

https://www.audubon.org/magazine/how-do-birds-cope-cold-winter-weather

https://www.fws.gov/story/how-do-birds-keep-warm-winter

https://asknature.org/strategy/preening-waterproofs-feathers

Top Winter Birds to Watch in Central New York

A vibrant scene featuring a male Northern Cardinal alongside a Blue Jay, surrounded by various feeder birds in a snowy landscape.

Dear bird fans,

Now that fall migration is over, and the smart birds have flown the coop for sunnier locations, other, tougher birds hang out in colder regions. By the way, migrating birds are no smarter than the winter birds; they’re just different. It’s like going to Long Point Winery or Johnson Estate Winery. Same species, different process. 

Apparently, some birds haven’t heard of Florida, where many Central New Yorkers birds and “people” go for the winter months.

A small, colorful bird perched on a shiny black surface, with green palm leaves in the background.

But, here at home, you’ll spot common feeder birds like Black-capped Chickadees, Northern Cardinals, and various woodpeckers, all braving the cold with enthusiasm, plus hardy waterfowl and raptors who must have lost their bird minds. It’s just Mother Nature’s way of keeping things interesting.

Common Backyard/Feeder Birds in Winter

  • Dark-eyed Juncos are often called “snowbirds” because they arrive from the north just as winter begins in the region. These birds clearly know how to beat the crowd and have zero complaints about airport crowds because clearly they are headed in the most unpopular direction.
A Dark-eyed Junco perched on a branch, showcasing its gray and white plumage.
  • Male Northern Cardinals stand out against the snow in their bright red plumage is nature’s way of making sure you never lose track of your bird feeder’s most dramatic guest. Read more on my post.
A vibrant male Northern Cardinal perched on a snow-covered branch, surrounded by winter foliage.
  • Black-capped Chickadee, in particular, is so tough it can lower its body temperature to get through cold nights. Sweaters are for amateurs, these birds basically audition for the ugly sweater contest at Liquid State Brewing Co every night.
A close-up of a Black-capped Chickadee perched on a wooden branch, showcasing its distinctive black cap, white cheeks, and grayish body.
  • In winter, Goldfinches lose their bright yellow breeding colors and transform into a drab, dull olive-brown or grayish-brown, making them look almost unrecognizable, with males becoming less yellow and females more gray/brown. Read more
A close-up of an American Goldfinch perched on a bird feeder, displaying its dull olive-brown winter plumage.
  • The Tufted Titmouse is the squirrel of the bird world tucking away seeds like it’s prepping for a feathered apocalypse every winter. Think Walmart on Black Friday.
A Tufted Titmouse perched on a branch, showcasing its distinctive tufted crest and grayish plumage with a hint of orange on its side.
  • You can often spot the White-breasted Nuthatch moving head-first down tree trunks while searching for food. It’s the only bird that auditions for Spider-Man daily, making squirrels drop their acorns in shock.
A White-breasted Nuthatch clinging to a tree trunk, showcasing its distinctive blue-gray back and white breast.
  • Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers are both common think of them as the neighborhood regulars at your backyard diner. The Downy Woodpecker’s small size lets it feed on just about anything, even weed stalks (think of it as the snack-sized woodpecker with a big appetite).Red-bellied Woodpeckers also stick around all year, probably because they can’t resist the local menu.
Two Downy Woodpeckers clinging to a metal pole, one facing left and the other facing right, showcasing their distinctive black and white plumage and red markings.
  • Blue Jays are smart and adaptable birds that live in the region all year. They’re so clever, they’ve probably figured out how to order birdseed online by now.
A Blue Jay perched on a thin branch with a soft focus background.
  • Who can forget the lovely Mourning Doves? While some people claim it’s their favorite birds, I see them as messy feeder hogs. Read on another of my posts about why Mourning doves aren’t my favorite bird.
A close-up of a Mourning Dove perched on a wooden post, showcasing its soft, muted plumage and gentle features.

Waterfowl and Raptor

  • You can spot Bald Eagles along the shores of larger lakes like Seneca and Cayuga from December to February, hunting for fish under the ice because who needs Wegmans grocery store when you have talons and attitude? Thinking about visiting? Click the link for more info. FLX Treehouses and Coastal Cottage. 
  • Large white Mute Swans while nooften seen in the Finger Lakes region and Lake Ontario, gliding along like royalty on parade (minus the crown). While Mute Swan are considered an invasive species, they often pass through during migration, probably just stopping to stretch their wings and gossip about the locals. Learn more here.
  • Ducks like Common Mergansers, Common Goldeneyes, Buffleheads, and Mallards look for parts of the Finger Lakes and Central New York that don’t freeze because, shockingly, even ducks prefer not to ice skate. Learn more here.
  • Flocks of Snow Geese, sometimes in the thousands, pass through the area in late winter as they migrate making the sky look like a badly shaken pillow fight. Learn more here. 
A Snow Goose standing on grassy ground, displaying its white plumage and distinguishing black-tipped wings.

Irruptive Visitors

Some species show up only some winters, depending on how much food is available farther north:

Have you seen any interesting birds at your backyard feeders? Drop me a comment. Inquiring birdbrains want to know.

References:

If you want more details about where to find these birds or recent sightings, check resources like the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon and eBird.

Most photos borrowed from All About Birds. Photo credit noted.

Birdwatchers, Birders, and Twitchers: Which one are you?

Dear Bird watchers,

If you’re reading My Birding Journal, you’re either hooked on our feathered locals or you thought this was a scrapbooking site for lovebirds (spoiler: no glue or stickers here, just wings, beaks, and backyard drama). Let’s unpack the quirky tribes of Central New York bird enthusiasts and see if you recognize yourself. 

Birdwatchers: The Casual Spotters

Birdwatchers are the laid-back nature lovers of the birding scene, like hikers at Fillmore Glen who spot a sparrow and go, “Aw, cute!” They’re out for a walk, binoculars and iPhones loaded with the Merlin app just in case they want to look up. What’s their vibe? Enjoying nature’s free show, maybe followed by a glass of Riesling at Six Mile Creek or a gummy from Sweet Grass dispensary to celebrate spotting a cardinal. These folks aren’t chasing rare birds; they’re just happy to see a chickadee while sipping coffee on their Cortland County patio. Me? I’m a birdwatcher with one toe on the birder bridge, dreaming of joining Birding Bob in Central Park (but not driving six hours for it). 

Birders: The Driven Bird Buffs

A person observing birds through a camera lens, wearing a hat and focused expression, set against a clear sky.

Birders are the CrossFit warriors of the bird world. Think Skaneateles Community Center regulars chugging a Wegmans protein shake and sporting Audubon-branded sweatbands. They don’t just watch birds; they study them, identifying species by a single chirp or an unusual beak like they’re at a high-stakes trivia night at Bru 64. Ready with eBird checklists and life lists longer than a Walgreens receipt, they’ll hike Labrador Hollow trails to log a warbler’s sneeze. Their fancy cameras cost more than my car, but their data supports conservation efforts that help the birding world. Birders aren’t just hobbyists; they’re basically birding FBI agents, without the sunglasses.

Twitchers: The Adrenaline Junkies

Three excited birdwatchers observing various birds in flight, surrounded by lush greenery.

 Twitchers? They crave the dopamine rush, like a hunter with ‘buck fever‘ but for a rare owl instead of a deer. Twitchers will drop everything, job, family, common sense, to chase a rare bird across state lines or another country. Imagine them booking a red eye to Iceland because someone tweeted about a snowy owl in the Westfjord. Their life lists are sacred, their apps (eBird, Rare Bird Alerts) are essential, and their slogan? “Neither snow nor rain nor low-balance bank account stops Twitchers from the chase!” If birding’s a sport, twitchers are the Breanna Stewart of birders, blurry photos and all. Watch The Big Year, it’s their life in movie form.

In a Nutshell

  • Birdwatcher: Got feeders in your yard, toss out whatever seed’s on sale, and call it a day? You’re living the chill life, my friend.
  • Birder: Whether you’re a scientist at  Cornell’s Ornithology Lab  (or self-taught like me), logging every beak on eBird? You’re the nerd we love.
  • Twitcher: Itching to max out your credit card for a glimpse of a Kirtland’s Warbler? You’re a legend, and also maybe a little unhinged.

Spill your guts in the comments

Are you a patio birdwatcher, a birder with a PhD in sparrow calls, or a twitcher ready to hitchhike to Brazil for a harpy eagle? I’m dying to know what rocks to your feeders!

Finger Lakes Bonus: Need a post-birding treat? Check out the many Wineries, Breweries, and Dispensaries.

5 Tips to Protect Finger Lakes Birds During Fall Migration

Dear Birdwatchers,

Across New York State, billions of birds are getting ready for their fall journey to the tropics. Bright Baltimore Orioles, Red-breasted Grosbeaks, and the ruby-throated hummingbirds are packing their tiny suitcases and saying goodbye to summer in the Finger Lakes. Bird lovers, with binoculars in hand and hearts full of excitement, watch eagerly, hoping these little travelers have a safe and successful trip. Snowbirds from Central New York will also be heading to warmer climates for the winter. Am I a little jealous, you bet your Rough-legged hawk boots I am.

Are you wondering how you can help with the fall bird migration? You are in luck because I’ve found five ways to make for a safer journey.

  1. High-Energy Food (This is a Biggy)
  • Black oil sunflower seeds, kernels, and hearts: These are a rich and concentrated source of energy and protein for migratory birds, much like natural energy drinks like we like to order at Blue Dog Drink Co in Victor. 
  • Suet: It’s not just for woodpeckers anymore, it’s now a tasty local delicacy! During fall migration in New York, suet becomes the bird equivalent of a gourmet energy bar, keeping our feathered friends energized for those long journeys and winter prep. Honestly, suet is to birds what a trail cookie at Emmie’s Organics in Ithaca is to us—an irresistible, nourishing treat. 
  • Mulch piles: Central New Yorkers often compete in a neighborly rivalry like who’s going to rake up leaves first and clear out end-of-summer mulch. It’s only natural when the season to come is winter. But try to hold off during fall migration. Let leaf piles gather in your yard. These tiny mountain ranges are nature’s playground, providing a cozy mansion for insects and tiny creatures that birds love to snack on. By supporting our local critters, you can keep your yard lively and fun even though it’s killing you to finish yard work.

    2. Keep Cats Indoors:

Ever catch yourself thinking, “Could Fluffy be a bird assassin?” or whispering, “My Thomasina’s way too adorable to be a murderer”? Well, believe it or not, around 2.6 billion birds in the U.S. and Canada fall prey to cats every day.
Yes, it’s surprising to think your little mouser is also a bird killer. But it’s all instinct! Just like how we desperately try to snag a last-minute reservation at Lasca’s Restaurant on a Friday night, craving that irresistible prime rib and budging ahead in line to get it. Outdoor cats risk contracting tapeworms, fleas, and other diseases, and also being preyed upon by predators and becoming a hood ornament on a speeding car. Bird lovers aren’t anti-cat; they just want to keep birds as well as our feline friends safe and sound.

3. Windows:

Windows are deadly to birds, with an estimated 599 million dying per year from collisions in the U.S. alone. Homeowners can make a significant difference by doing their part with window safety.

At night, lighted windows attract and kill migrating birds. During the day, windows reflect foliage, the sky, and other birds, which makes birds think they can fly through them. I know what you’re thinking. If I cover my windows, how will I see my birds at the feeder? Okay, maybe you’re not thinking that, but I am.

So, I did some research and here’s what I found on Amazon:

52 Pcs Circle Window Decals for Bird Strikes

WindowAlert Classic Square Anti-Collision Decal

VViViD White Perforated Vinyl Window Film

I’ve rarely have bird collisions into my windows, but some people have certain birds that will constantly run into a window because it sees its reflection. That is frustrating for both the window owner and the poor bird.

4. Turn Off Lights at Night: 

Did you know that most birds prefer to migrate under the cover of darkness? Bright lights can blind feathered travelers into accidental casualties, causing them to bump into buildings or becoming lost. How can we lend a wing and help them find their way south? In New York State, the ‘Fall Lights Out initiative’ runs from August 15 to November 15, between 11:00 pm and 6:00 am. Check out DEC and OGS Remind New Yorkers to Keep ‘Lights out’ to Protect Migrating Birds to find out more.

5. Pesticides:

Exposure to pesticides can affect birds in lots of ways, whether they come into contact with them directly or indirectly. Sometimes, birds can swallow pesticides, mistaking them for seeds, especially pellets or granules. Imagine a bird thinking it’s grabbing a snack only to get a mouthful of chemicals. They might also get exposed indirectly by eating contaminated prey, drinking polluted water, or grooming pesticide residues off their feathers. Birds can even absorb pesticides through their skin when they bathe or breathe in chemicals during pesticide spraying. Because there’s no Erin Brockovich in the birding world, we have to do our parts to save them.

Now that you’ve got these steps in place, you can feel confident that with your help fall migration will go off without a hitch.

Are you looking to the skies for your favorite birds flying south? Let me know what you see.

Sources and further reading:

 The Impact of Pesticides on Bird Populations

Fall migration ushers in birding hikes, habitat restoration in the Finger Lakes

How to help birding during fall migration

 

Why Finger Lakes Birds Go Silent in Summer: Understanding Molting

Photo borrowed from PetMojo

Dear sweaty and bored birdwatchers,

The Finger Lakes seasons are often like a roller coaster at the New York State Fair, winter gloom, wet spring to a humid summer. Yet, often Fall can be colorful and temperate. In spite of the crazy weather, bird watchers gotta bird no matter what.

As the heat wave continues in upstate New York, wild birds often go into hiding much like snow skiers at Song Mountain in Tully.

Where have all the birds gone?

The woods become eerily silent, perhaps because even birds are too exhausted to sing or gossip about complaining humans. The birds look tired and lose their flashy breeding feathers.

Birdwatchers tend pack away binoculars until fall to avoid the sweat and frustration. In July and August, fewer submit sightings to eBird, likely because we’re busy slurping ice at Footie’s Freez in Cortland.

Birds sing mainly to amaze their secret crushes and keep other birds from stealing their eats. By July, most young birds have flown the coop. Even the Carolina Wrens go radio-silent by early August.

Some birds might keep singing a little longer just to help their little ones master the local dialect. But many throw in the towel on territorial bragging rights and start mingling in flocks. Showing off territory in the summer is about as exciting as a flat beer at Summerhill Brewing. Which never happens by the way.

Piece by piece, each species drops out of the glorious morning chorus, leaving only the most persistent singers to perform solo like Virgil Cain, a Finger Lakes favorite.

Sitting on my patio with my coffee, I’ve come to realize that the mornings are quieter and, frankly, a lot less enjoyable without my birds.

Let’s go molt at the spa

Molt is like a bird’s version of a spa day at Mirabeau Inns and Spa Skaneateles. From hummingbirds to penguins, every bird has to go through this annual feather-fest to survive, since their feathers take a beating from sunburns and physical wear. Think of it as their natural sunscreen and wardrobe overhaul. Usually, in late summer for temperate species, birds embark on a full molt to sport a fresh set of feathers for the seasons ahead.
After breeding, birds enter the molting season, which is like The Rockettes after the Christmas season, taking some R&R sipping wine, without makeup in their Rockette cozy nests.

As birds sprout new flight feathers, they might feel as awkward as trying to fit into oversized hiking boots from Davidson Shoes in Canandaigua which are crucial for a perfect fit but definitely a step out of their comfort zone. This awkward phase can leave them more vulnerable to predators, who might think it’s open season.

Ironically, the silence and secretive behavior of birds make them harder to find just when they are most abundant, because all the new young birds increase adult populations.

Instead of thinking about the ‘dog days’ of summer, consider calling them the ‘bird days.” Your bird feeders might be quiet, but it’s also a period so busy with winged activity that even the most dedicated birdwatcher might need a nap. They’re just a little harder to find, that’s all.

Keep on birding

A closeup shot of a European robin bird in a winter park covered with snow

Go where birds go once they’ve finished nesting and are no longer defending territories. Look in the trees the bushes, behind Wegmans, go to one of the Finger Lakes, and keep your binoculars with you. And keep in mind, you might be the only person counting birds in your yard or town, making your checklists as valuable as a birdbath at a Little York Plantations.

When you understand molting, you’ll realize that a bird’s ragged, patchy look in late summer is just its way of showing off its fashionable new feathers. Plus, you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for how birds enthusiastically prepare for their epic fall migration, almost like nature’s own travel agents. Who knew this phase could be so interesting?

A molting cardinal on my fence. Photo taken by my iPhone 15

This cardinal did not want me to see him, but alas, “have iPhone will travel,” even it it’s only to my patio window.

Have you seen a Northern Cardinal lately that looks like he was in an ax throwing contest? No, he wasn’t at Bad Ax Throwing in Syracuse, he was just molting. But anyway, take pictures and send your entries to eBird. They will be thrilled to hear from you. Send some pics to me too!!

Until next time, GO FINGER LAKES BIRDS!

Sources and further reading:

Audubon Magazine: Why (and How) to Look for Molting Birds This Summer

Birds&Blooms: Bird Molting: Why Birds Molt and How to Spot It