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The Great Blue Heron of Crissy Field
I had lost track of time when the fog just began to lift in that classic San Francisco way. And there it stood, set against a muddy backdrop near the tidal marshes: The Great Blue Heron of Crissy Field. Crissy Field isn’t exactly the Everglades, so spotting a Great Blue Heron here felt like catching…
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How Birds Use Stars to Navigate Spring Migration
Every spring, the return of birds captivates those who appreciate routine. Birds like indigo buntings and garden warblers navigate using stars, memorizing celestial cues to guide their migrations. Young birds learn these patterns early. With quality binoculars like the Nikon Monarch 5 or Celestron Nature DX, you can observe this fascinating behavior.
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Los Angeles Ablaze: Birds Scatter as Record Fire Rages
Los Angeles, 2025 — Smoke now hangs over much of the basin, an unmistakable sign that the worst wildfire crisis in modern Los Angeles history continues to unfold. Preliminary estimates suggest the Palisades and Eaton fires have consumed more than 25,000 acres, an area bigger than many entire cities, and destroyed upward of 10,000 structures…
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Birds of Central Park and Why They Still Haunt My San Francisco Mornings
A few years ago, before I left New York City’s honking symphony for San Francisco’s foggy hills, I was neck-deep in my Central Park birding obsession. Central Park wasn’t just my sanctuary. It was a living, chirping museum of feathered drama. I didn’t just watch birds, I mean, I practically lived with them, cataloging their…
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The Ultimate 2024 Holiday Gift Guide for Birdwatchers
Written by someone who knows the struggle of finding a gift for the person who already owns five pairs of binoculars 🫠. Ah, the holiday season. A time for eggnog, twinkly lights, your grandmother’s menorah, and the annual quest to find the perfect gift for the bird lover in your life. You know the one.…
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Best Birdhouses for Every Backyard: A Birdwatcher’s Guide
To attract birds to your backyard, selecting the appropriate birdhouse is crucial. This guide highlights top picks, including functional designs for specific species like bluebirds and wrens. Key features to consider include material, entry hole size, and ventilation. By choosing the right birdhouse, you can support local bird populations and enhance your outdoor space.
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Book Review: The Sibley Guide to Birds by David Allen Sibley
The Sibley Guide to Birds by David Allen Sibley is an authoritative birdwatching resource, featuring nearly 900 species native to North America. The second edition offers enhanced illustrations, updated range maps, and detailed behavioral notes. While comprehensive, it may be cumbersome for beginners, though it significantly enriches birding experiences for all enthusiasts.
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Living Near Central Park: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Nestled among the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets of New York City, Central Park serves as a lush oasis — not just for people, but for birds. As someone lucky enough to live nearby, I’ve discovered the park is more than a green retreat; it’s a haven for birdwatching, offering surprises for both seasoned birders…
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Seasonal Birdwatching on the East Coast: A Year in Flight
One of the best things about birdwatching on the East Coast is how much it changes with the seasons. Whether you’re catching warblers in the spring or scanning the skies for hawks in the fall, every season has something special to offer. Here’s a guide to what you can expect throughout the year and how…
Rena Birds
A writer goes birding
Rena Birds 