From the Editor
Inspirations
Gifts that can spark a love of birding.
Features
Gear up!
A basic primer on dressing for whatever Mother Nature serves up.
Holiday gift guide
Binoculars, spotting scopes, cameras, and other gear we like.
The wild parrots of America
Thousands of free-flying parrots of more than 20 species are challenging the way we think about invasive and native birds — and even ornithological history.
When nature throws curve balls
Improve your bird-ID skills with these strategies for dealing with weather, poor light, and other obstacles to clear views of birds.
Columns
Since You Asked
Answers to your questions
How to determine where a banded bird comes from, and why Mourning Doves are able to nest nearly year-round.
Attracting Birds
Next-level feeding
Why birdwatchers should take part in Project FeederWatch. Plus, how to attract winter finches.
Amazing Birds
The eyes have it
How avian vision works.
ID Tips
Williamson’s Sapsucker
How to differentiate this western woodpecker from Yellow-bellied and Gila Sapsuckers.
ID Toolkit
Winter flocks
To identify distant waterbirds, learn their flocking behavior.
Hotspots Near You
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283. Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center, Denton, Texas
Bottomland hardwood forest, upland prairie, and other birdy habitats northwest of Dallas
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284. W. Kerr Scott Reservoir, Wilkes County, North Carolina
This enormous lake is a great place to see a variety of ducks in winter.
Also in Every Issue
Birding Briefs
Important news about birds, birdwatching, and conservation.