Tag: photography

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

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…

,
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Meet Your Local Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers

Hairy Woodpecker perched on a tree trunk, showcasing its distinctive black and white plumage with a red spot on the head.
Downy Woodpecker
Photographer © Evan Lipton/Macaulay Library
A Hairy Woodpecker and a Downy Woodpecker perched on a feeder, illustrating the differences between the two species.

Dear Curious Woodpecker Followers, 

Here in Central New York, our feeders are the hot spots for Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers. Think of them as distant cousins showing up to a family reunion in matching flannel shirts, but with very different vibes. These two may look like twins at a glance, but one’s the petite party animal, and the other’s the burly introvert. Let’s break it down.

Downy Woodpecker: The Tiny Dancer

Meet the Downy Woodpecker, North America’s smallest woodpecker at a dainty 6.5 inches, like a house sparrow on steroids. This little dynamo zips onto your feeder like it’s headlining a concert at the Empower Amphitheater at Lakeview. Dressed in a sharp black-and-white suit with a confetti-spotted tail (think Wedding Crashers at The Springside Inn), the Downy’s all about the buffet: suet, black oil sunflower seeds, millet, peanuts, and even a sip of oriole or hummingbird feeders. This bird’s basically the friend who shows up to Seed Stock, invites the whole flock, and dances like it’s auditioning for “Birds Got Talent.”

Hairy Woodpecker: Like a Rock

A Downy Woodpecker perched on a branch, showcasing its distinctive black-and-white plumage and small size.

Now, meet the Hairy Woodpecker, the gym bro of the woodpecker world. At a solid 9 inches, think robin-sized, but with a protein shake obsession at Blazing Nutrition. This bird could bench-press a pinecone. Its pristine white tail feathers are as dapper as tuxedos at Men’s Wearhouse. Its bill is like a railroad spike, like one you could find anywhere in Central New York. Unlike the social birderfly Downy, the Harry’s a bit of a hermit, preferring to hunt insects in old trees over mingling at your feeder, even though they will come to those with rural settings. It’s like that cousin who prefers to hunt on Thanksgiving day rather than endure Aunt Judy’s small talk.

How to Tell Them Apart

Size is your biggest clue. The Downy’s a lightweight, like the friend who orders extra toppings at Angelo’s Pizza but leaves half the slice uneaten. The Hairy? It’s been hitting the weights at Edge. 

•  Bill Size: Downy’s got a dainty, third-of-its-head bill; Hairy’s is a pointed, head-length beast.

•  Tail Feathers: Downy’s tail is speckled like Mini-Mouse’s polka-dotted closet; Hairy’s is crisp white, ready for a celebrity wedding.

•  Vibes: Downy’s doing the jitterbug at Muranda Cheese Company; Hairy’s sipping herbal tea from Finger Lakes Tea Company, contemplating the birdiverse.

But, Are They Related?

They may look like siblings who shop at the same Country Max, but Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers are more like distant cousins with similar fashion sense. Hairy has ties to the White-headed and Red-cockaded Woodpeckers, while Downy’s drama involves Ladder-backed and Nuttall’s Woodpeckers. Their similar looks? Just evolution’s version of matching pajama pants, snicker-worthy yet fabulous.

Do They Hang Out Together?

A Downy Woodpecker and a Hairy Woodpecker perched on a tree trunk, highlighting their distinct black-and-white plumage.
Borrowed from WildBirdScoop

You’d think these two would be besties in the forests at Baltimore Woods. Nope, they’re more like squabbling siblings at the feeder. The bigger, badder Hairy often bullies the Downy, chasing it off like a bouncer at Ugly Disco. Talk about bird drama? If I catch any bullying at my feeder, I’m waving Hairy back to Lime Hollow with a stern “Not on my suet, Mister”!

Quick Recap

Downy Woodpecker

  • Length: ~6.5 inches, sparrow-sized with big dreams.
  • Bill: Short and sweet, like a cocktail straw.
  • Vibe: Life of the party, rocking the suet.

Hairy Woodpecker

  • Length: ~9 inches, robin-sized with a gym membership.
  • Bill: Long and in charge, ready to knock on an old tree.
  • Vibe: Lone wolf, probably singing “He’s So Shy” in the forest.
  • Who’s the Star of Your Feeder?

In Central New York and the Finger Lakes, Downy Woodpeckers are the social like a retired women’s happy hour at Foxy’s. Hairy Woodpeckers? They’re more likely hanging at Macaulay Library at Sapsucker Woods. 

After studying these two guys, I stopped using my brain’s measuring tape . Downys are the most likely heroes at my patio party. You birders with open air backyards, you could see both.

Four woodpeckers perched on a branch, displaying distinctive black and white markings with orange accents.

So, who’s stealing the show at your feeder? Can you tell between the Downy or the bulked-up Hairy? Drop a comment and let me know. I’m dying to hear about your backyard bird drama!

Sources:

How to Tell a Hairy Woodpecker from a Downy Woodpecker?

Woodpeckers in New York

Cornell’s All About Birds