Our December 2015 issue went on sale at Barnes & Noble today. Here’s what you’ll find inside:

Long-time contributor Sheryl DeVore, chief editor of the Illinois Ornithological Society’s quarterly magazine, writes about the Northern Hawk Owls, Pine Grosbeaks, and other birds she saw — and how she stayed warm — while doing three Christmas Bird Counts in northern Minnesota in January. See a list of all the birds tallied during the counts.

Mark Hedden, executive director of the Florida Keys Audubon Society, describes the only nesting colony of Sooty Terns in North America — on Bush Key in Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida — and tells how researchers are finally learning where the birds go after their young fledge.

And new contributor Iva Pocock tells the amazing story of Ireland’s newest breeding species — Great Spotted Woodpecker. Until it was discovered nesting in County Wicklow a few years ago, there were no woodpeckers on the Emerald Isle. See photos of Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Also in the December issue:

• Our year-end roundup of recommended books. We review an identification guide to hummingbirds, a reference guide to owls, a book filled with extraordinary photos of baby birds, a cartoon collection of endangered birds, and a how-to guide for raising children who value and enjoy nature — and we review even more books online! See all the new books and guides we reviewed.

• Hotspots Near You. Four experienced local birders give driving directions, tell the best times to visit, and list the great birds you can see at hotspots in Arizona, Minnesota, Texas, and California. See every hotspot we’ve written about in “Hotspots Near You.”

From our contributors:

• Pete Dunne tells how you can find more species during this year’s Christmas Bird Count.

• Julie Craves answers reader questions about feathered cloaks for Hawaiian kings, the pros and cons of dyed bird seed, and offering quinoa to birds. Plus, she warns that the shepherd’s hook in your backyard may pose a hazard to birds.

• Kenn Kaufman describes the subtle plumage variations that make Bushtits so interesting, and he tells the fascinating story of “Black-eared Bushtit.” View a gallery of Bushtit photos.

• Eldon Greij reveals what birds can smell. (It’s more than you might think!)

• Laura Erickson writes about birds attracted to her neighborhood today by spruce trees planted almost a century ago.

• And David Sibley explains how you can recognize groups of birds by the way they move.

Take a look, then don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions or comments. I’d be happy to hear from you. — Chuck Hagner, Editor

See the contents of the December 2015 issue.

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Originally Published November 3, 2015