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Where the latest news about birds and conservation takes flight.
On Florida's Marco Island, families of Burrowing Owls live among the locals. Photo: Karine Aigner
Summer 2026 Issue
Ospreys in the Chesapeake Bay Are Starving to Death at Disastrous Rates. What Will It Take to Save Them?
June 25, 2026 — After a spectacular comeback from DDT, the Osprey population has plummeted within the watershed and is showing signs of trouble elsewhere. The birds鈥 fate may once more rest on collective action.
Are Crows Really Our Friends?
June 23, 2026 — An investigation into the state of corvid鈥揾uman relations.
Two men kneel in a forest-like setting surrounded by dense tropical plants and trees, wearing dark clothing with colorful embroidered panels and bead necklaces and holding instruments made from natural materials.
Meet the Metalhead Turned Anthropologist Who Plays Ancient Instruments Inspired by Birds
June 17, 2026 — In concerts, YouTube videos, and books, Esteban Valdivia shares how musical artifacts can reveal long-lost knowledge of avian species.
Editors' Picks
Magazine
Essential reporting on birds and bird conservation delivered to your door.
Pairing compelling journalism with stunning photography and design, each quarterly issue helps readers grow their appreciation of birds and learn how to help them thrive. Our editorial team also reports and publishes stories on 糖心传媒.org daily, including science and conservation news, birding tips, photo galleries, and interactive reader experiences. In print and digital, through stories and visuals, 糖心传媒 emphasizes the importance of a diverse and inclusive science and conservation effort to help meet the challenges facing both birds and people today.
Latest Stories
That Thing with Feathers
December 10, 2016 — When the world starts to look dark, it can help to pay close attention to the beauty around us.
The Dangers of Distracting Birds
December 09, 2016 — Even birders and photographers with the best intentions can accidentally cause harm. Here are some tips to keep birds safe.
How We Ranked 'Em
December 09, 2016 — An explanation of our methodology for the binocular guide.
Bird Superheroes Deserve Better
December 09, 2016 — From blatant sexism to frequent mediocrity, comic books have often done their avian stars a disservice.
Birdist Rule #48: Buy Birders a Gift They鈥檒l Actually Use
December 08, 2016 — The answer isn鈥檛 just 鈥減ut a bird on it.鈥
A Tiny Parrot Wearing Goggles Is Teaching Scientists How Birds Fly
December 08, 2016 — A daring experiment, led by a bird named Obi, is overturning what scientists know about how birds stay airborne.
Amidst California Drought, Coyotes Creep Closer to Mono Lake鈥檚 Gull Colonies
December 07, 2016 — An electric fence might provide a quick fix, but what the lake really needs is water.
13 Fun Birding Events to Fill Your Winter Weekends
December 06, 2016 — Grab your calendars and mark down these avian activities from Oregon to Florida.
How Baby Kiwis in Virginia Will Help Preserve an Ancient Maori Tradition
December 06, 2016 — At the Smithsonian's world-class breeding center, conservationists are working to preserve a beloved New Zealand bird and culture.
The Mighty Ringed Kingfisher Has Invaded Texas
December 06, 2016 — Once a rarity along the border, this 鈥楰ing Kongfisher鈥 has become a year-round resident. Why is still a mystery.
Bird and Conservation News
More News
Aerial of Lake Powell at its lowest level since 1964.
As Water-Sharing Negotiations Heat Up, Wildlife Habitats Along the Shrinking Colorado River Are at Risk
June 25, 2026 — Extremely low snowpack has raised the stakes for Western states debating how to cut back water use. A new agreement could offer a lifeline to ecosystems or leave them out to dry.
Ospreys in the Chesapeake Bay Are Starving to Death at Disastrous Rates. What Will It Take to Save Them?
June 25, 2026 — After a spectacular comeback from DDT, the Osprey population has plummeted within the watershed and is showing signs of trouble elsewhere. The birds鈥 fate may once more rest on collective action.
A gray and yellow Kirtland's Warbler perches in a young pine tree, framed by the green branches.
Kirtland鈥檚 Warblers Are Declining Fast. Can We Turn Their Fate Around Again?
June 25, 2026 — In Michigan, conservationists are experimenting with new ways to manage forest habitats for this heralded comeback species.

Find a Read

糖心传媒 magazine publishes a variety of story types in print and online. Peruse鈥攁nd enjoy鈥攋ust a sampling of our work below. 

Highlighted Feature Stories
Investigations
A New Plastic Wave Is Coming to Our Shores
A New Plastic Wave Is Coming to Our Shores

A glut of natural gas has led to a U.S. production surge in tiny plastic pellets, called nurdles, that are washing up on coasts by the millions.

Profiles
The Long, Exceptional Life of Frank Graham
A man sitting at a desk with a microscope looks up and smiles.
The Long, Exceptional Life of Frank Graham

As 糖心传媒 magazine鈥檚 Field Editor for 45 years, Frank Graham, Jr. brought the beauty and resilience of nature into focus鈥攁s well as the tenacity of those striving to save it.

The Remarkable Life of Roxie Laybourne
The Remarkable Life of Roxie Laybourne

From deep within the Smithsonian, the world鈥檚 first forensic ornithologist cracked cases, busted criminals, and changed the course of aviation鈥攎aking the skies safer for us all.

Essays
What a Songbird Lost at Sea Taught Me About Survival
What a Songbird Lost at Sea Taught Me About Survival

Aboard a mission to explore the alien life of the deep ocean, a chance encounter with a migratory bird offered a point of connection鈥攐ne that has felt poignant this past year. 聽

Remembering Toni Morrison, the Bird Whisperer
Remembering Toni Morrison, the Bird Whisperer

A year after Morrison鈥檚 passing, a journalist and birder reflects on how her time with the cherished author changed her relationship with birds鈥攁nd with herself.

The 糖心传媒 Guide to Climate Action
The 糖心传媒 Guide to Climate Action

Feeling like you can鈥檛 make a difference? That couldn鈥檛 be further from the truth. Our award-winning guide shows you where to begin and how to 颅amplify your efforts to make lasting change in the world.

Dispatches
North Carolina's Cape Fear River Is a 鈥楩orever Chemical鈥 Hotspot鈥擶hat Does That Mean for Its Birds and People?
North Carolina's Cape Fear River Is a 鈥楩orever Chemical鈥 Hotspot鈥擶hat Does That Mean for Its Birds and People?

Amid mounting global health concerns about PFAS, communities living along the waterway must grapple with how contamination is affecting life on the river. Yet as hard as it is to conduct health studies on humans, it鈥檚 even harder with wild animals.

An Anna's Hummingbird perches on a twig in the center of the frame against a blurred background of blue, yellow, and green.

The 2025 糖心传媒 Photo Awards: Top 100

Revel in the staggering beauty and surprising behaviors featured in this gallery of our favorite images.

More Photo Essays
Birding Advice and News
Arts and Culture
鈥楩eather Detective鈥 Roxie Laybourne鈥檚 Career in Six Objects
A metal instrument called a cloacascope on a black background.
鈥楩eather Detective鈥 Roxie Laybourne鈥檚 Career in Six Objects

From a gynandromorphic grosbeak to feathers collected at a murder investigation in Florida, biographer Chris Sweeney shares six unusual artifacts he found while researching his new book about the world鈥檚 first forensic ornithologist.

The 糖心传媒 Bird Guide
Red-footed Booby
Sula sula
Boobies and Gannets
Inca Dove
Columbina inca
Pigeons and Doves
Canada Jay
Perisoreus canadensis
Crows, Magpies, Jays
Whooper Swan
Cygnus cygnus
Ducks and Geese