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  2. Bird Behavior & Ecology

Bird Behavior & Ecology: How Birds Live, Feed & Migrate

Winter Survival Adaptations for North American Birds

Learn how birds survive winter in North America: torpor, feather insulation, food caching, communal roosting, and winter finch irruptions explained.

Two Snow Buntings in white winter plumage standing on a snow-covered field

When Do Ruby-throated Hummingbirds Arrive? A State-by-State Guide for Spring 2026

When do Ruby-throated Hummingbirds arrive in your state? Use our 2026 state-by-state arrival table, peak timing guide, and live migration trackers.

Male Ruby-throated Hummingbird perched

When Do Baltimore Orioles Return North in Spring?

Baltimore Orioles return north from April through May. Here's the state-by-state arrival guide.

Vivid orange male Baltimore Oriole perched on a blooming spring branch

Weather Impact on Bird Activity: A Birder's Guide to Reading Conditions

Learn how weather impacts bird activity and migration. Use wind, cold fronts, fog, and pressure patterns to plan better birding outings in North America.

Flock of birds flying under a changing, overcast sky with shifting weather

Texas Gulf Coast Spring Birding: High Island and Bolivar Flats

High Island and Bolivar Flats spring birding: sanctuaries, fallout timing, and shorebird spectacles.

Migrating warblers in coastal oaks along the Texas Gulf Coast during spring

Spring Hawk Watching 101: Ridge Sites, Flight Counting, and the Great Lakes Barrier

Spring hawk watching guide: ridge sites, Great Lakes barriers, and species timing.

Migrating hawks riding thermal updrafts along a ridgeline in spring

Southeastern Arizona Spring Birding Calendar: April, May, and June in the Sky Islands

SE Arizona spring birding in April, May, and June: Elegant Trogon, hummingbirds, and specialties.

Colorful southwestern songbird perched in a Southeastern Arizona sky island canyon

Sandhill Crane Migration Dance: Flyways, Courtship, and Where to Watch

Learn about sandhill crane migration, the courtship dance, how to tell them from whooping cranes, and the best places to watch the Platte River staging.

Pair of Sandhill Cranes performing a leaping courtship dance in a spring field

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Spring Migration: Timing, Song, and Feeder Tips

Rose-breasted Grosbeaks return north from mid-April through May. Here's the state-by-state guide.

Male Rose-breasted Grosbeak perched on a blooming branch in spring

Point Pelee Birding in May 2026: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Point Pelee birding in May 2026: Festival of Birds, tram tips, Carolinian species.

Warblers and migratory songbirds along the wooded trails of Point Pelee in May

Pishing Technique to Attract Birds: How It Works and When to Use It

Learn the pishing technique to attract birds: how it works, step-by-step instructions, best target species like warblers, and ABA ethical guidelines for birders.

Curious songbird emerging from dense brush in response to pishing

Peregrine Falcon Speed and Nests: The World's Fastest Bird in Your City

Learn about peregrine falcon dive speed, urban nesting, DDT recovery, and prey. A guide to the world's fastest bird and its conservation comeback.

Peregrine Falcon perched on a tall urban ledge overlooking a city skyline

Nocturnal Migration: How to Hear Birds Flying Over at Night

Hear spring nocturnal bird migration overhead: from naked ears to recorders and spectrograms.

Silhouettes of migrating birds flying against a moonlit night sky

Magee Marsh Spring Migration Guide 2026: Biggest Week and Beyond

Magee Marsh is the best warbler watching site in North America. Here's the 2026 guide.

Brightly colored warblers at eye level on the boardwalks of Magee Marsh in spring

Indigo Bunting in Spring: When It Arrives, Where to Find It, and What It Really Is

Indigo Buntings arrive late April through May. Here's when and where to find them.

Vivid blue male Indigo Bunting singing from a tall bare branch in spring