Tag: All about Birds

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 European Starlings Are Taking Over (And How to Stop Them)

Dear Bird Watchers,

A close-up of a European starling perched on a wooden post, showcasing its iridescent black feathers with speckles, set against a blurred green background.

Every April and May, we look forward to the return of our favorite migratory birds. It’s one of the best parts of spring.

As we eagerly await the bluebirds and warblers, there’s one feathered foe who always RSVPs early: the European Starling, the uninvited guest who eats all the snacks and heckles the host.

Why Starlings Are Such a Problem

If you’ve ever wondered why starlings seem to be everywhere, from your feeders and birdbaths to even your mailbox, you’re not imagining things.

They don’t just visit. They take over.

A bluebird approaching a nesting box with a starling flying away from it.

Starlings aggressively push out native birds like:

       •       Eastern Bluebirds

       •       Purple Martins

       •       Red-headed Woodpeckers

They compete for nesting spaces and often win. The result? Empty nesters with devastating results. In fact, bluebird numbers dropped dramatically in the mid-20th century, largely due to competition from invasive species like starlings.

So how did starlings become so widespread?

Back in 1890, Eugene Schieffelin released about 100 European Starlings into Central Park in New York. His goal was to introduce European bird species to North America.

Unfortunately, Mr. Schiellelin did not think about the long-term consequences. At least we’re smarter in the 21st century

Fast forward to today, and there are millions of starlings across the U.S. They’ve changed the birding landscape for the worse.

If You’re Dealing with Starlings, Start Here

If starlings are already taking over your yard, don’t wait. These simple steps can make an immediate difference.

1. Block Nesting Access

You don’t need to be a professional to make your home less inviting. Just channel your inner home improvement show host and outsmart a bird with a brain the size of a peanut.

       •       Seal openings with hardware cloth or metal flashing

       •       Install vent covers (especially over dryer vents)

       •       Avoid plastic netting—it won’t stop them

Check regularly so you prevent buildup and keep airflow safe.

2. Know If You Have an Active Nest

Watch and listen:

       •       Hearing chicks or scratching sounds?

       •       Seeing adults coming and going frequently?

Three baby birds with open yellow mouths inside a cozy woven nest.

That’s likely an active nest. If you’re unsure what to do next, consider contacting a local wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.

3. Use Proven Deterrents

Starlings are persistent, but these tools from Lowe’s can help:

       •       Bird spikes: Prevent roosting on ledges and gutters

       •       Repellent gel: Makes surfaces uncomfortable to land on

       •       Reflective deterrents: Flash tape or discs that scare birds away

       •       Decoys: Owl figures may help temporarily

👉 No single method is perfect. Try combining a few for better results.

4. Protect Your Feeders

This is one of the fastest ways to regain control. Think of it as putting a velvet rope around the VIP section of your bird feeder.

Try:

       •       Caged feeders

       •       Weight-sensitive feeders

       •       Upside-down feeders

Switch your seed to:

       •       Safflower

       •       Nyjer

Beyond being a nuisance, do starlings carry risks to our health?

Yes, they can be.

Their droppings may carry:

       •       Bacteria

       •       Fungi

       •       Parasites

These can pose risks to both humans and animals, especially in large concentrations. Learn more.

The Bottom Line

European Starlings aren’t just a nuisance. They’re a serious threat to native bird populations.

But here’s the good news:

You’re not powerless. With a little effort, you can turn your yard from a Starling Stadium back into JMA Wireless Dome.

You can make a real difference right in your own yard. Who knew saving birds could make you feel like a superhero? Cape optional.

Let’s Work Together to Protect Native Birds

There are millions of bird lovers across the country. If more of us take small, consistent steps, we can start to tip the balance back in favor of native species.

👉 Act now: choose one strategy to implement this week and see the impact yourself.

Afterward, share your results and experiences below to inspire others and build our bird-loving community.

Your Turn

Have you dealt with starlings in your yard?

       •       What worked?

       •       What didn’t?

       •       Do you have a tip specific to your area?

Drop your advice in the comments. Your insight could help another bird lover protect their feeders.

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

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

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.

FAQs about Canada Geese in the Finger Lakes

Dear Canadian geese lovers,

Most of us in Central New York love hearing Canadian geese pass over in the spring, but in mid-October, their honks are not music to our ears. Why? Because we know “Winter is Coming,” and that menacing theme from Game of Thrones plays in our heads. Still, instead of dragons and bloody battles, we’re just facing the inevitable struggle with our snow shovels and digging out our winter clothes.

This Q&A will help you understand why Canada Geese do what they do—and let’s be honest, why they drive us just a little bit crazy.

Q: Why do most geese fly south for the winter?

A: Canada geese fly south in the winter to find food and unfrozen water, kind of like us enduring the heartbreak of Cream at the Top closing after Labor Day. Geese lounge around in their favorite Finger Lakes, waiting for the temperature to dip below freezing. When they finally decide to leave, it’s just a hop, skip, and a honk southward to their beachside havens. You might as well think of them as the original snowbirds.

When the time change rolls around, geese get a hormonal wake-up call that’s less “rise and shine” and more “time to hit the road!” It’s their body’s way of saying, “Pack your bags; we’re leaving!”

Geese also love a good tailwind. Haven’t all of our fathers followed a tractor-trailer down Rt. 81, claiming “drafting” will save on fuel? If not, don’t try it. Just know that geese do it correctly, courtesy of Mother Nature. They often wait for a friendly northward breeze to give them that extra push—like the buffet line on Thanksgiving.

Q: Why do some geese stay put in Central New York?

A: The assumption that all Canada geese fly south for the winter is invalid. An increasing number of “resident” geese, particularly in urban areas, have adapted to staying year-round. They’re like those friends who never seem to leave the lake house.

The Finger Lakes region’s open waters, like Canandaigua, Seneca, and Cayuga, don’t freeze over, making it a go-to spot for geese that prefer not to deal with a polar vortex. Milder winters help, too, more opportunity on other lakes like Skaneateles and Owasco, where the only “chill” they feel is from a glass of Riesling from Anyelas Vineyards. Plus, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is the ultimate winter vacation spot for both snow geese and Canada geese.

Q: How do geese use science to navigate?

A: Migrating geese are nature’s navigators, using skills passed down like family recipes for Thanksgiving stuffing. They can sense the Earth’s magnetic field, acting as their internal GPS.

Young geese learn the ropes by following their parents and other experienced birds in the flock, sort of like the way our fathers taught us to parallel park without hitting the curb.

Q: Why the famous V-formation

A: During migration, geese fly in a V-formation to maximize aerodynamics. Think of it as carpooling; each bird helps lift the others and reduces air resistance for the one behind. Even geese know that sharing the workload (and conserving energy) beats flying solo while trying to remember where they left their sunglasses. Imagine their conversations: “Stay behind your father, Herbie!” or “Frances is always showing off.” If one gets tired, they gladly swap places, unlike your cousin at Thanksgiving, who won’t sit next to Aunt Doris.

Q: How do they choose a leader?

A: Geese take turns being the leader. The bird in front is usually the one that tires first, kind of like the first one on a road trip who has to pee. When they get tired, they rotate back, and another goose takes the lead. It’s teamwork at its finest, like the Buffalo Bills when one player is injured. So, if you see a goose take charge, you know they’ve earned that front-row seat!

Q: Where do they go for the winter?

A: Geese from northern regions fly south and head for southern U.S. states, including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, the Carolinas, and Georgia. It’s their ultimate getaway! Imagine them checking into the luxurious Fontainebleau, sipping on grass smoothies, and debating whether to take a dip in the fountain or waddle over to the nearest Miami Food Truck.

Some adventurous geese even wing it all the way to Mexico. Why not? If you’re flying south, might as well stop for some guacamole and sunshine; it beats a Finger Lakes Taco Bell in February, right?

So, if you spot a gaggle of geese huddled together making plans, know they’re not only discussing the weather but also plotting their next tropical escape to warmth, good food, and easy access to the geese-type cocktails of their choice.

Are you a snowbird itching to go to your next winter escape? If so, what kind of birds do you see? And if you’re spending the cold months in Central New York, don’t worry, you can still discover the birds that stick around! Stay warm and keep your snow shovel handy; the geese aren’t the only ones looking for a way out!