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Bathing birds shed ectoparasites, eye and nostril secretions, and droppings in the water even as they and other birds take a drink. We were asked to report sick and dead birds, but without testing, there was no way of knowing whether a bird had avian flu or one of the more regular diseases of early spring. Many birders who use eBird for birding excursions don't bother keeping daily checklists of their backyard birds except to add new species. [Extracted from the article]

With detailed portraits of individual bird species, enlightening information on the scientists who have discovered them, and engaging activities for new and veteran birders alike, her book is the perfect guide to appreciating the beauty of the birds in our own backyards. ON THE WIRE BOOKS • PODCASTS • APPS • INTERVIEWS • FILMS • GEAR • AND MORE BOOK Slow Birding: The Art and Science of Enjoying the Birds in Your Own Backyard By Joan E. Strassmann, TarcherPerigee, 2022, hardcover, 350 pages, $27. [Extracted from the article]

In this trail-cam image, a Great Horned Owl perches on a tray feeder in the author's yard in Duluth, Minnesota. FROM THE EXPERTS ATTRACTING BIRDS IN OCTOBER 2020, I set a trail-cam on a tray feeder in hopes of documenting a flying squirrel, but instead, I recorded a Great Horned Owl using the feeder as a hunting perch. The silent crows gathering ominously on the school playground equipment in Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds may seem like "a murder of crows", but the expression seems more apt when crows are screaming bloody murder at a large owl. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers information on bird-friendly yards in the U.S. including a yard owned by Julie O'Donald and her family in Brier, Washington, a garden for hummingbirds by Margy Terpstra in Kirkwood, Missouri, and homeowner Kathy McDonald's suburban yard in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Backyard Bird Sanctuary by Alan Baczkiewicz ($19.99) is a beginner's guide to creating a wild bird habitat at home. Zambello, an author, birder, and occasional BirdWatching contributor, provides her young readers with an understanding of bird anatomy, life cycles, habitat, and 60 species of backyard birds. BOOKS Books for beginners, kids, & backyard birders Here are four books we like that may interest you or that you might want to give as gifts. [Extracted from the article]

IN EVERY ISSUE The instant image feedback from digital cameras and the lighter weight of many of today's telephoto lenses have spurred many birdwatchers these days to carry photo equipment into the field. PLEASING PERCHES Find a few branches from trees or bushes in your yard to use as perches for birds. Angling the perches down toward the feeder will increase your photo productivity, as the birds creep down the perch to the food. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers information on Golden-cheeked Warbler found in a yard in Austin, Texas, of Lynne and Jim Weber that contain more than 100 types of plants, most of which are native to Texas.

The article offers information on a backyard of Ernie Mclaney at his suburban Charlotte, North Carolina, that has hummingbirds, bird baths and brush piles and Barred owl.

The article offers information on five very different properties turned their yards into rich habitats for birds including one in Austin, Texas and San Diego, California.

The article offers information on a yard located in dry Alpine, California, that features nesting habitat for birds, oak trees and ceanothus shrubs.

The article offers information on a yard in urban Shoreline, Washington that features bird-friendly shrubs, nest boxes and shallow catch-basins.

The article offers information on a yard of retired teachers Terry and Darlene Paulson near Vergas, Minnesota that features five tree species, nesting boxes and bird baths.