News

Various birds and feeders including Red-breasted Nuthatch, House Finches, Northern Cardinal, and a Blue Jay.
Who Likes What: The Favorite Birdseed of Feeder Regulars and Rarities
March 06, 2023 — Here are the top three seed choices for a variety of species, per a scientific observational study of 1.2 million bird feeder visits.
Five piles of assorted bird seed on a white background.
Mixology: Breaking Down 5 Common Birdseed Blends
March 06, 2023 — With all the products available these days, sometimes the jargon and claims can get confusing. Here’s a quick primer.
A portrait of JP Brammer standing in front of a leafy green tree at a park.
Picking Up the Pen Again: JP Brammer Reignited His Passion Sketching Birds
March 02, 2023 — We spoke with the illustrator and writer who reimagined the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher for APP’s The Aviary series about inspiration, process, and generating understanding through art.
Three people in white suits and masks collect the body of a large white bird in a nesting area next to water while flocks of other seabirds fly overhead.
The Bird Flu Blazes On, Amping Up Concerns for Wildlife and Human Health
March 01, 2023 — Facing an outbreak that’s unusually deadly for wild birds and spreading to more mammals, scientists worry about when, or if, it will end.
Field Notes
A white crowned sparrow sings in front of a rainbow background.
APP to Celebrate “The Birdsong Project” at Benefit Event
February 28, 2023 — Save the date: Wednesday, March 29 at 7 p.m.
A Cactus Wren perches atop a broken branch, holding a large, messy mass of downy feathers in its beak, with the feathers covering up the front of its face. The wren is a medium-sized songbird, mostly brown with darker stripes and spots and with a big white eyebrow.
Our Favorite Fascinating Bird Behaviors from the 2022 APP Photo Awards
February 23, 2023 — Every year the contest attracts entries capturing rare and unusual moments in the avian world. Check out these 11 highlights.
APP Photography Awards
51,567 tiny bird icons in a clump representing every individual bird counted.
Every Bird Counts in This Incredibly Detailed Visual Checklist
February 22, 2023 — Data artist Jer Thorp’s stunning visualization shows every individual counted on a single Brooklyn day.
The Aviary
At sunrise, Sharp-tailed Grouse spread their wings and dance low to the ground in a snowy field.
Fall In Love With the Ancient Dance of the Sharp-tailed Grouse
February 22, 2023 — Beguiled by the birds’ courtship ritual, wildlife photographer Noppadol Paothong makes a difficult journey to document their glory so that others can appreciate it.
Photography
A man wearing camouflage pants and holding a camera and large backpack stands in a field and looks through binoculars.
Birding In a War Zone: How Ukraine’s Top eBirder Pursues His Passion Amid Tragedy
February 21, 2023 — A writer’s budding friendship with Oleksandr Nastachenko offers a window into the besieged country’s small but resourceful community of birders and what they have lost since the Russian invasion.
View of mountains at night with sprawling lights in the distance, the stars becoming less visible where the lights begin.
Night Skies Are Even Brighter Than We Thought — and Getting Brighter
February 17, 2023 — A new study using community data shows how light pollution is drowning out the stars. Scientists are still learning the consequences for birds and other animals, including humans.