August 2009

Barbara and Richard Mearns, co-authors of the sumptuous 2007 biography "John Kirk Townsend: Collector of Audubon's Western Birds and Mammals," describe the wildlife refuges, grasslands, national monuments, and other great birding spots along the path Townsend followed during his famous voyage of discovery in 1834.

Longtime Birder's World contributor Jeffrey Rich explains how he got eight of his best bird photographs and passes along situational and behavioral tips sure to improve the photos you take.

Associate Editor Matt Mendenhall examines two years of BirdersWorld.com Photo of the Week winners and tells which cameras and lenses were used, how much the outfits cost, and why bird photographers use them.

Profiles of four excellent, easy-to-get-to birding destinations: Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, New York; Lake Los Carneros Ecological Preserve, Goleta, California; Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Naperville, Illinois; and Susquehanna State Park, Havre De Grace, Maryland.

Contributing Editor Pete Dunne describes a widening e-gap between young birdwatchers and bird clubs, and explains how it threatens both to cut off young birders from the hobby's institutional heritage and to deprive clubs of the energy and enthusiasm they need to survive.

Contributing Editor Kenn Kaufman tells how to distinguish Forster's, Common, and Arctic Terns in breeding plumage.

Founding Editor Eldon Greij describes the incredible biology that enables birds to maintain proper temperature, metabolic rate, and water content.

Contributing Editor Paul Kerlinger discusses whether shorebirds are coming or going.

Bird experts and sisters Anne Schmauss, Mary Schmauss, and Geni Krolick explain why you shouldn't stop feeding birds when the weather turns warm and why two foods that might not be part of your summer routine -- suet and fruit -- should be.

Clever and effective window-mounted bird feeders, plus other great new products for birdwatchers.

A close look at a bird photograph posted on our website by a reader like you.

Using hand-painted artwork and in his own words, Contributing Editor David Allen Sibley explains why the best way to learn how to identify shorebirds at a distance is to study them up close.