White-crowned Sparrow: The bird of many songs

White-crowned Sparrow: The bird of many songs

Despite their difficult-to-describe song, White-crowned Sparrows are one of easier sparrows to identify by sight. As their name suggests, these sparrows sport crisp white stripes on the crowns of their heads.

Photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren

American Goldfinch

American Goldfinch

We’re in full-swing of fall seed collection, and goldfinches are in full-swing of fall seed eating. We frequently find ourselves crossing paths with them in our search for native seed, and the goldfinch often wins out.

Photo by Mick Thompson

Nighthawk Meadow

Nighthawk Meadow

Above the swallows and dragonflies, about 100 to 200 feet above the prairie, I observed about 60 birds flapping, gliding, then changing directions suddenly. Their wings were longer and pointed, with white patches—Common Nighthawks!

Photo by Gary Shackelford

Fulvous & Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks

Fulvous & Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks

Black-bellied and Fulvous Whistling-ducks are found in the southern United States. Both species were formerly known as “tree ducks” since they often roost in trees.

Photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren

Chimney Swifts: the experts of movement

Chimney Swifts: the experts of movement

What draws most people’s attention to Chimney Swifts in the fall is their incredible roosting behavior. Chimney Swifts spend 90% of their lives flying—only pausing their lives on-the-wing to roost and to nest. They eat, sleep, mate, and bathe while flying. In migration, flocks of Chimney Swifts roost in—you guessed it—chimneys, clinging with their feet to the walls while they sleep.

Photo by Steve Benoit FCC