Category: Blog

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.

Why Do Robins Snub Your Feeders?

A American robin perched on a bird feeder, holding a worm in its beak.

Hi Robin Watchers,

In Central New York, spotting a Robin in March is like texting your pals, “Spring is here!” Their orange chests and cheery chirps like Syracuse Orange fans. But don’t expect them at your feeder. Robins aren’t built for cracking seeds like cardinals. Their beaks prefer softer, squirmier meals; think earthworms, beetles, and caterpillars.

During breeding season (spring–summer), robins go wild for protein-packed bugs to feed their chicks. Picture them trailing you across your lawn, eyeing that nightcrawler under your flip-flop. If robins could talk, they’d yell, “Step aside, lady, you’re standing on my lunch!” If that were me, I would have fled to my porch, scraping worm goo off my shoe all the way. Gross! But robins love it.

Robin’s Favorite Snacks

Close-up of a cluster of silvery larvae with segmented bodies, some displaying small antennae, against a dark background.

Here’s what robins love

•  Insects: Caterpillars, beetles, true bugs, flies, sowbugs, snails, spiders, termites, millipedes, centipedes.

•  Worms: Earthworms and nightcrawlers are to Robins like The Owl house in Rochester is to vegans. In summer, robins hunt these in your yard or at Lime Hollow’s trails. No feeder needed—they’re nature’s bug repellent (Because even robins appreciate a good snack and a well-manicured yard).

Where do Robins go in the winter?

Some robins migrate to Texas or Florida for better grub, but many stay in Central New York, hiding in wooded areas like the Finger Lakes National Forest for insulation. I used to think they were snowbirds, like Central New York retirees fleeing to their favorite beach spots, but nope, robins grow extra downy feathers to brave the cold and stay right here in Central New York. In the immortal words of the Late, Great Johnny Carson, “I did not know that.”

Keep Birding, Beginners!

A small bird with a reddish-orange chest standing on snow, surrounded by twigs and branches.
A closeup shot of a European robin bird in a winterpark covered with snow

Got a robin tale? Drop a comment below—I’m begging you! Share your winter sightings or worm-chasing stories. Check mybirdingjournal.com for Central New York birding tips.

Sources:

What Do Robins Eat and How to Feed Them

Surprise: Pigs do fly! They’re just disguised as Mourning Doves

A group of four doves gathered around a bird feeder filled with various seeds, showcasing their soft feathers and vibrant markings.

Dear backyard feeder watchers,

Living in Central New York has its bird-watcher perks. It also has its shortcomings. This is especially true when it comes to our year-round natives, the Mourning Doves. It’s like having uninvited guests that hog all the snacks. Year after year, these feathered friends make themselves right at home. It’s like a Friday night at Homer Hops. I dread the clean-up. Chewed up sunflower seeds everywhere!

A woman and two children running in fear as birds swarm above them, with a church visible in the background.

I’m convinced they’re just here to audition for a role in the sequel to “The Birds.” Who knew bird watching could become a horror flick with no off button?

Many people adore Mourning Doves, often claiming they’re their favorite bird. In that case, set up a bird feeder on your patio for a few days. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to enjoy one or two of them visiting your bird feeder. They might also raid your black oil sunflower seeds like stoners at the nearest Taco Bell.

While I appreciate their gentle cooing, it fills the air like a never-ending love ballad. It’s sweet, but let’s not get carried away. It’s as if they’ve implemented a “cue” system for cooing at my patio—get it? Coo and cue! But in the infamous words of Shania Twain, “That Don’t Impress Me Much.”

Doves are quite relaxed about their food. They happily eat seeds from various plants, including grains, weeds, and herbs. If it’s small and edible, they consider it fair game! You can imagine them at Wegmans Market Cafe, casually nibbling away. They are already planning to stop at the nut shop on their way out.

Below is a list of seeds that Mourning Doves don’t like. (Short list, unfortunately)

  • Safflower: Doves can eat it, but find the slightly bitter taste and hard shell unappealing compared to other seeds, making it great for deterring them while attracting cardinals and finches.
  • Nyjer (Thistle): Tiny nyjer seeds are too small for doves to manage at feeders easily.
  • Sunflower hearts/Chips: While they might eat spilled ones, shelled sunflower hearts are less messy and less favored by doves. 

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t mind doves swooping in to clean up discarded seed on the patio floor. I welcome these doves with open wings when they don’t crowd out smaller birds. It’s not fair to my songbirds or my pocketbook! I mean, if these doves keep hogging the feeder, I might as well start charging them rent.

A pink-breasted bird with outstretched wings approaches a yellow and brown bird perched on a bird feeder filled with seeds.



If you’ve discovered any birdseed that Mourning Doves reject, please share it in the comments. I’m on a quest to find something, anything they don’t like. I’d appreciate your feedback. Thank you!

Until next time…

Sources:

Dreamy: How to get rid of doves

Quora: How do you get rid of doves

Vonnie

Vonnie

Dear backyard feeder watchers, Living in Central New York has its bird-watcher perks. It also has its shortcomings. This is especially true when it comes to our year-round natives, the Mourning Doves. It’s like having uninvited guests that hog all the snacks. Year after year, these feathered friends make themselves right at home. It’s like…

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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

Top Birdwatching Spots in Onondaga County

Dear ambitious bird watchers,

I find keeping up with the weather in New York state quite challenging. It often feels like Mother Nature is testing us with all the rain, snow, and heatwaves she can muster, just to see how we handle it.

Well, this bird-watcher plans to ignore the weather report this summer and check out some parks in the area where I can find birds that don’t want to come and feast at the all-day buffet hanging from my patio roof.

The birds in Onondaga County seem to pose for photos in the spring. The forests here look like they belong in fairy tales. In fact, you might want to swing by Syracuse Orchestra where they are performing a show called Fairy Tales. 

But first, enjoy your own show of clear lakes and stunning waterfalls, making this a perfect area for bird lovers and nature fans. Onondaga County has many places to enjoy, whether you’re a skilled birder or just trying to make your friends laugh with your amazing bird calls.

Onondaga Lake Parks

Winter and early spring are the best times to see Bald Eagles at Onondaga Lake, near Syracuse. These are real bald eagles, not the popular Eagles band that might be losing their hair these days. This seasonal display in Onondaga County is worth seeing.

It’s not far from Destiny Mall where you can buy binoculars and cameras at Dick’s Sporting goods.

Green Lakes State Park

Green Lakes Birding Conservation Area (BCA) in Green Lakes State Park features mature forests and large grasslands, the biggest in New York State, great for birdwatching. Visitors might see breeding Eastern Meadowlark, Bobolink, and Grasshopper Sparrow, as well as Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks, Eastern Wood-Pewees, and Redstarts. Pick up a checklist at the park office to record sightings and memories. 

Baltimore Woods

West of Syracuse, Baltimore Woods is a bird lover’s paradise that could make even the most serious ornithologist crack a smile. Keep an eye out for the lively Common Yellowthroat and the quirky Blue-winged Warbler. In spring, you might spot the elusive American Woodcock at dawn or dusk, doing their cool aerial dance for the ladies, complete with loud calls make their message loud and clear. The center keeps the fun going year-round with activities like Project FeederWatch and guided tours.

.Clark Reservation State Park

Known for its glacial lake and unique landscape, Jamesville Park is a haven for birds. You might see great blue herons, swallows flying around, and occasionally a red-headed woodpecker showing off its bright red head. During migration seasons, look out for American pipits or white-winged crossbills. Clark Reservation is a great spot for lovely scenery and interesting bird sightings. It’s like a Broadway show, but with birds. I’d love to see humans dressed as birds, singing and dancing, wouldn’t you?

Beaver Lake Nature Center

Just 15 minutes northwest of Syracuse, Beaver Lake is so amazing, even the birds are shocked. Home to nine miles of trails, this Baldwinsville sanctuary is the ideal spot to catch a glimpse of Ospreys, Belted Kingfishers, and thousands of Canada Geese. Take a kayak or canoe out on the lake or join a guided birding tour to make the most of your experience.

All these parks are not even an hour away from me, yet I have not seen over half of these birds in real life. I need to leave my recliner, ignore the ugly weather and get out there. No matter what season we’re in Central New York, nature is always waiting to be enjoyed by all.

Next time you’re in Onondaga County, hopefully you’ll stop at one of these beautiful parks.

Let me know if you do!

Hummingbirds: Finger Lakes Brainiacs Who Never Forget a Feeder

Dear Hummingbird Fans,

On May 1, 2025, I’m buzzing like a Tom Thumb’s Ice Cream on opening day, my first Ruby-Throated Hummingbird hit my feeder before I could sip my morning coffee. This green-glitzed diva hovers with the grace of an acrobat. Happiness evolves watching these marvels flit just feet from my window. Their brilliance lifts my spirits. But her best trick? A memory so sharp it makes my ADHD brain look like a hyperactive squirrel, that thinks their sunflower seeds are in the hummingbird feeder. Say what??

Nectar GPS Masters
Hummingbirds plot nectar stops like an Amazon driver’s route from Syracuse to Ithaca. My backyard Ruby-Throat visits every salvia patch as though it’s on her Yelp list. Meanwhile, I forget whether I ate breakfast. They know a flower refills in 15 minutes, much like the patron at Foxy’s in Homer. Last spring, one little visitor seemed to ignore my shiny new feeder. Instead, she chose to swoop down near the Tioughnioga River. Here’s a tip for future success: keep your feeder in the same spot every May. Those feathered friends have your ZIP code locked in like bikers heading to Dinosaurs BBQ.

Do they remember us?

This incredible bird remembers every feeder and nectar source across the Finger Lakes region. It’s like she has this amazing mental map. A natural brainwave that astounds me every time she returns, reminding me how mind-blowing these hummingbirds are. Each flutter of her wings creates a mesmerizing display. I find myself absorbed in the mini-ballet dancer of nature outside my window. Every sighting feels like a springtime gift. It transforms an ordinary day into something truly special.

Here’s why these tiny geniuses rule my patio

Experts suggest hummingbirds remember when it was last there and whether it was worth the trip. That means the birds we watch might see us as Bru 64, serving up Guava Passion Fruit. There’s one adorable hummingbird that often buzzes around me. She zips so close that I can’t help but feel she might have a little mental list of ‘Weird Humans that feed me,’ with my face proudly stamped on it.          

Brainier than most birds
Did you know that their brains pack a punch, accounting for a whopping 4.2% of their body weight? It’s like having a mini Einstein in charge of my feeder. That fancy little part of the brain, the hippocampus, is an absolute genius at mapping out flowers. Far superior to my own attempts at navigating through Walmart on a busy Sunday morning. Scientists say their extraordinary memory is crucial for mating. It is essential for survival, too. For me, in my yard, it means they never forget the spectacular salvia patch from Valley View Gardens. It’s a favorite hotspot for bird-watchers. Gardening enthusiasts love it, too!

“Got a brainy hummer?” Share your best feeder story or a photo of your feeder setup in the comments. I’d love to hear from you.

Bonus: Keep your feeder steady for a week. Let me know if she returns with all the wisdom of a PhD graduate from Cornell University. Until next time, keep your nectar flowing and your memory growing.

PS: My favorite nectar recipe: 4 cups of water for every 1 cup of sugar. Heat the water until it reaches a boil, then add the sugar. Cool it in the fridge, and voila, you’ll have fresh nectar. 

When Goldfinches Aren’t Gold: Fascinating Facts You Need to Know

Dear Goldfinch Lovers,


This morning, I poured my coffee. Then, I made a beeline for my desk. It wasn’t because I was itching to dive into work. I wanted to indulge in my bird-watching obsession. As I’ve mentioned in earlier ramblings, my desk is in the prime viewing spot. It overlooks the bird feeders hanging on my patio. And what did I see? Brown Goldfinches. Yeah, that’s right.

I thought I was a knowledgeable birdwatcher for most of my adult life. Yet, when I discovered that goldfinches don’t migrate in winter, I was shocked. I honestly believed they were sparrows with just a bit of yellow on them.

Now that I’m retired, I have much more time to study the beautiful birds of nature. There’s so much more for me to learn.

As it turns out, goldfinches exchange their bright body feathers for duller ones as they prepare for winter. The new feathers gradually, creating a distinctive patchwork look on the birds.

Photo credit to Mia McPherson

Unlike most songbirds, goldfinches molt twice a year. At the end of winter, they grow a full set of new golden-yellow feathers. For a few days, each one will have a strange, patchy appearance. Soon, they’ll be vividly beautiful once more.

“So, for you beginners, no, it’s not a flurry of sparrows crowding your feeders; it’s the beautiful Goldfinch.” “When Goldfinches Aren’t Gold.” It holds fascinating facts you need to know. As for the rest of you, I humbly admit that there’s always new stuff to learn.

Until next time, enjoy nature in your world, even if it’s only from your window.

Sources:

The goldfinches at my feeder are starting to look dull and patchy. What’s happening to them?

Updated Winter Finch Forecast for 2024-25

On the Wing Photography by Mia McPherson