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Writing and Photography by Joyce Nadler, Anna Reichenbach, and Charles Law Choosing the right gear for your birding trip can be a daunting task. Whether you're aiming to capture stunning photos, create nature journals, or simply observe your backyard birds, choosing the right equipment can really improve your overall experience. But fear not! In this segment, our Fledglink team will reveal their must-haves for birding, spanning binocular preferences to favored field guides. Joyce Nadler "When I go for birding, I enjoy identifying other plants and animals I see along the way. For this reason, I like Audubon's guide to the mid-Atlantic as a portable field guide. In addition to having significant information on the birds in my region, it includes data on many other plants and the ecology of some of my favorite natural spaces. As for my pencils, I use primarily regular utensils. Bringing tons of colored pencils can be taxing in weight, so I prefer only to get the colors I use most often (mainly earthy tones to serve as markers for when I go back home to edit my sketches). When it comes to clothing choices, one particular piece of advice I can give to people going shorebird or waterfowl spotting during the winter is to layer clothing. Beaches in the eastern US during the wintertime can switch between being frigidly cold and wind-beaten in the morning and uncomfortably warm and sunny in the early afternoon. Packing combinations of warm clothing and sun-protective gear has always made for a more enjoyable trip" Anna Reichenbach "I’ve perfected my birding bag down to my personal essentials: two notebooks, sketching tools, watercolor supplies, a water bottle, and pepper spray. I keep all of this in a crossbody bag from Hobby Lobby. I love this bag as it allows me easy access to my supplies. I recently got the Vortex Diamondback 8x42 binoculars which are fantastic! As for field guides, I use an app called iBird Pro. I love this app because of the features it has which physical field guides lack and it spares me the extra weight. I keep two notebooks- one for quick sketching and lists, the other for detailed notes on vocalization, behaviors, plumage, etc. For note-taking, I use mechanical pencils and Micron pens. On trips where I know I’ll have time to add color in the field, I bring my Winsor & Newton watercolor palette, Pentel water brushes, and half of an old sock which I wear on my wrist to clean my brush. Crafting your birding bag requires experimentation; maybe you're someone who likes to bring snacks, extra layers, and use a backpack, or maybe you can get by with a lighter load. It’s all about figuring out what works for you" Charles Law "What's in my birding bag- the brown thing is a poncho, and my scope is being shipped out for repairs. Luckily, its not hurricane season yet" "I’ll start this out with what you should not bring. You will need to leave any fear of hurricanes you may have behind. Forget your weather-related prejudices and meteorological biases. Break up with your cyclone phobic girlfriend, boyfriend, or whoever your equivalent person is. The fact of the matter is that hurricanes aren’t as bad as you think they are. Hell, they’re kind of fun when you get to know them. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s discuss what you should bring. Right now, I am focusing mainly on birding inland (10+ miles from the coast), away from flood zones and other dangerous situations. Furthermore, I am focusing on birding after hurricane conditions have passed. To find storm-blown birds, you’ll need to head to a lake, reservoir, bay, or other large water body within 24 hours of the storm — or its remnants’ passage. Since we are dealing with large bodies of water and low visibility, bring a scope to increase your chances of being able to identify an odd bird. Since you will be birding so soon after the passage of the storm, bring a poncho. Avoid an umbrella, as high winds will render it useless. A towel will also work wonders, as you can dry off and stay warm, even in hot climates like Florida. It is often best to simply bird from your car, if possible. That way, you will stay warm, dry, and unfettered by debris. You should also bring a guide that has entries on shearwaters, gulls, terns, and other local oceanic species. Familiarize yourself with these species’ markings and behaviors to better prepare yourself. A camera is a great storm birding tool, as you might find something very rare and need to document it. Be careful, though, as wet conditions may damage it. Legally, I am probably supposed to tell you not to go messing around in conditions worse than a Category 1 storm (sustained winds of over 90 mph or 145 kph). In these cases, it is best to stay inside and go birding after things calm down a bit. I’ve even tried birding in Category 3 conditions, and didn’t see a single bird. After the storm, though, get outside and find some birds! Beware of blocked roads, debris, and especially fallen power lines. And of course, report your sightings of eBird. The more people who bird in hurricanes, the better"

Written by Freddie Emms Artwork by Anagha Ramesh What is Conservation? Conservation is an incredibly diverse word. Whilst the word immediately conjures up, for many, ideas of exotic and extravagant wildlife protection programs in the Amazon rainforest or the African savannahs, conservation is, in reality, something that is so much more accessible to people on an everyday basis than it may initially seem. Though it can be easy to disassociate from the idea of conservation due to this stereotypical view, in fact, each and every one of us has the power, and the ability, to contribute to conservation from our gardens or local green spaces, and to make a tangible difference to the welfare of our bird life. Sadly, over the decades we have driven nature and birds further and further away from our lives, in many respects. Our gardens have become increasingly beautified and manicured, increasingly smothered in concrete, to further our deluded idea that we are somehow able to control the natural world by keeping it cut back to within an inch of its life. And this steadily increasing lack of wild plant biodiversity has knock-on effects throughout the entire ecosystem. If we cannot make way for unkempt patches of nature, for wildflowers and trees and shrubs, we remove the vital foodplants of insects, including bees and butterflies, which in turn reduces the amount of food available for our beautiful bird life. One of the simplest, and most rewarding ways, that you can make a difference not just for birds, but for the entirety of your local wildlife, is to initiate small changes in your garden or local green space to invite nature to finally reclaim these spaces that it once was such an integral part of, and to live in closer harmony with us humans once again. The three pinnacles that form the basis of all species’ needs in nature, allowing them to survive and thrive in their habitats, are plentiful food, water, and shelter. If we can provide our birds with these three necessities in our gardens, the effects will be bountiful and the birds will come flocking back in droves to these places that they once knew so well. Let’s take a closer look at each of these in turn, and focus on ways in which you can provide your local wildlife with these essentials. Food Arguably the most obvious way you can support the dietary needs of your avian friends is by providing them with supplementary food sources such as bird feeders. These can be filled with seeds, nuts and fat balls to provide the birds with the essential energy needed to power them through the year. These kinds of supplementary foods are particularly vital during the winter months, when food may be scarce, and during the breeding season (generally between March and August). But although birds will certainly thank you for the extra meals, bird seed can be expensive to buy on an ongoing basis, and with the recommendation to clean your bird feeders at least once a week to avoid the spread of diseases, this may not be a feasible choice for anyone short of money, or time. Instead, you can also support birds by turning to nature for a long-term, self-replenishing solution. Being considerate of what you plant in your garden, and introducing shrubs that produce nutritious seeds and berries naturally, without you even having to intervene, can be a fantastic way of feeding the birds and yet also saving money in the long term. You no longer have to feel bad about neglecting the birds because of a lack of time or money. Any berry or seed-producing shrub can benefit a bird-friendly garden, but having a range of species is especially helpful. Excellent choices include Holly, Pyracantha, Mountain Ash, Crab Apple, Yew, Ivy and Mahonia. Water Like most life on Earth, birds need access to a supply of water all year round. They make use of the multifaceted life-sustaining liquid by using it to bathe, keep their feathers in good condition, and of course to drink. It has been said that arguably the very best thing you can do for any wildlife in your garden is to introduce a pond, however small, and this goes for birds too. They provide a plentiful source of drinking water, while also attracting amphibians and other water-dwelling creatures as a life-sustaining habitat. However, maintaining a pond involves a certain willingness to battle the ever-changing seasons. In summer, during particularly hot and dry periods (which are becoming all too common), there is the possibility of smaller ponds drying out, while winter brings with it frost and ponds frequently freeze over. Providing additional sources of water throughout your garden that are easier to regularly clean and replenish can, therefore, be vital for birds during difficult times, and may often mean the difference between survival and death if other water sources are scarce. Shelter While food and water are undoubtedly vital for attracting birds to your garden, the third essential pillar is the way to encourage them to stay. Birds need shelter at night to roost and stay protected from predators, as well as places to build their nests when the breeding season comes around. Larger birds such as starlings and woodpigeons prefer to roost in trees, of which dense conifers provide the most protection from the elements, while smaller birds favor shrubs and hedges, with evergreen specimens being the ideal year-round roost. If your particular green space is lacking in large shrubs, or in space, artificial nesting sites such as nest boxes are a great way of encouraging birds to combat a lack of natural greenery. These generally become inhabited by birds such as robins, sparrows and tits, and need to be positioned in a sheltered area somewhere they won’t be disturbed by humans and animals, though with a clear flight path to the box’s entrance. It is best to clean any nest boxes once a year, in winter, in order to prevent any pests or diseases from spreading to the occupants of next year’s season. There is nothing quite like the discovery that a breeding pair of birds has decided, out of all potential spots in the country, to choose the very nest box that you put up for them, against all odds. The faint hint of young chicks chirping in the box in late summer, a sign that your endeavors have served the birds well and allowed them breeding success, cannot fail to make a person proud, serving as a clear reminder of the reasons for which it is essential to preserve our precious bird life in any ways we can. If you are able to support our feathered friends by implementing just a few of the practices described above, you will undoubtedly receive immeasurable thanks in the form of the knowledge that you, and you alone, have helped a particular flock of birds to make it through the most trying times of the year, and just maybe, if the season was right and the winds fair, they will produce the delight and majesty of new life right before your very eyes. You will have aided not only the current generation through their hardships, but also furnished for the birth of a brand new one. And that, through everything that is happening to our natural world all across the planet, has got to be worth something.

Writing and Photography by Nick Teague How do I Start? One of the first questions you should ask yourself before you leap into bird photography is whether you intend to use it to document the birds you find, or to use them in an expression of art. This will define your approach to photography, and determine your level of dedication in taking certain images! What do I Need? The biggest myth you will hear when starting in bird photography is that you need expensive gear to take great photos. However, fantastic images can be created with almost any gear. Instead, the most important part is being creative with your images, and learning about your subject! How Can I Improve my Photography? As you embark on the journey into bird photography, you will discover an immense amount of resources, both online and off. Whether they are YouTube videos, forums, books, or advice from so-called ‘professionals’, you may be tempted to follow every piece of advice you receive. However, to stand out from every other photographer interested in wildlife, you have to be able to come up with your own ideas. While learning the basics of bird photography is valuable, the most effective way to evolve your photos is often to experiment with new processes in the field! How Can I Learn More About my Subject? One of the best ways to get up close and personal with your subject is to learn about its behavior. This can be done by using websites such as eBird, Audubon Society, or National Wildlife Federation websites. This can also be done in person by observing birds through binoculars or scopes. Learning about your subject’s behavior and habitat can allow you to know where to find it, as well as how to get close to it.

Writing by Ishaq Saiyed | Photography by Hannes Burlin What are hotspots? We often see birds occasionally outside, but if we really want to go out specifically looking for birds, we go to birding hotspots. Birding hotspots are geographic areas which have a high concentration of many species of birds which leads to many regular bird watching activities.These birding hotspots provide a chance to look at a wide variety of birds in a not-so-big area. Many birding hotspots include parks, reserves, wetlands, forests, coastal areas, and many other natural environments where people can gather for a chance to look at the beautiful birds in action. Many birding hotspots face significant challenges due to various human activities. One of the most critical issues is habitat loss and fragmentation. Natural areas are often used for construction for houses and urban development. This loss of habitat often displaces bird species and makes it more difficult for avid fans of birdwatching to do their most beloved recreational activity. Another problem for birding hotspots is the introduction of invasive species. An introduced invasive species can cause a lot of problems for the habitat in which they were introduced. Invasive predators may threaten birds, or the foods they eat, and since they have no natural predator, they will exponentially grow and ruin the habitat. With this in mind, it’s important for us to make sure our birding hotspots stay a survivable and prosperous environment for our avian friends! Tips for Visiting Hotspots To begin, it's important to know some information on the place you are visiting. For example, when birds are most active in the region so you can get the best experience. Also, the appropriate dress wear for the location. If you’re going somewhere freezing it’d be best not to wear summer-time clothing. Another thing is to pack the most important things on your trip to the hotspot. Make sure to have plenty of water and some food for the adventure. It’s important to not dehydrate while you are there—it wouldn’t be a very happy ending! Of course, don’t forget any birding equipment like binoculars, a camera, notebook, field guide, or whatever else you need for helping you have your best birding experience. Another thing is to be aware of the rules of the place you are visiting. Some have regulations on certain items you may bring, and others close after certain hours, so be sure you know when you have to leave by. While you’re there, be mindful of any other wildlife that is there as well such as if you are on trails embracing the environment, please be respectful to it. It is also best to be as quiet as possible when observing birds as some may be easily startled. Lastly, do some research about what species you can find there. If you’re going somewhere where you have already seen all the possible birds available there, it may not be as exciting as traveling to a new location with a new variety. Of course, it is also fun re-visiting your avian friends, but just make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into!

Writing by: Arjun Rajan Photography by: Hannes Burlin Have you you wondered what it’s like making friends with wild birds? You probably see them everywhere, flying and making sounds, but you want to know if it is possible to develop a strong bond with them. The answer is yes! The best way is by giving them tasty treats that they really like and putting out baths, but that does not make them suddenly good friends with you. It takes a while before they trust you, so you just have to wait for some time. Many birds are quite intelligent and can remember human kindness. Food is one of the most important parts of their lives, so this is a good way to start a friendship with birds! How Can I Start Off? Go to a local grocery store like Walmart and buy mixed seeds with mostly sunflower ones since most birds eat those. Remember that not all birds will eat the same seed. Check allaboutbirds for more information regarding what seeds different birds eat. Putting bird feeders is a way for the birds to find food without constantly searching. Keep a bird bath nearby since they may drink water after eating, or need to keep themselves clean. How can I Gain the Bird's Trust? Birds are very intelligent as mentioned, so they can remember people very well. If you are outside and see them flying to some nearby trees to watch and chirp to get your attention, then this is mainly a sign that the bird is showing his/her trust towards you. Their trust can make them live in your area for a longer time. If your bird migrates, they may remember the location and come back to you. Birds that trust you may build nests nearby, or bring their friends to introduce you to them. How can I Hand-Feed Birds? Hand-feeding birds is something you can do with birds that constantly come close to you for food, but it usually takes a while for a bird to eat from your hand. To start things off, first keep the food a little away from you and see if the bird is comfortable eating. Then slowly start keeping the food closer and closer to you, and by then the bird should get used to it! But here is some safety when you are doing this. DO NOT pet them since they may bite or get scared. Some birds may mistake your fingers as food and accidentally bite you, so here’s what you should do. Start keeping the food on your fingertips first, before slowly starting to put it on your palm. Keep your hand like a cup when you put food on your palm. Where can I Feed Birds? Be very cautious with wild birds in cities since they may carry diseases. Still, feeding them is no problem. Your apartment may have a balcony where you can keep seeds out for them. If you regularly keep them out, you should see birds such as rock pigeons and house sparrows eating. Many birds in cities like NYC or D.C., and even suburbs can be independent when they are looking for food, but some actually rely on people for food. Locals and tourists feeding birds is common along the Hawaiian islands, which is why you may see many birds coming close to you in areas with food or restaurants. Some may eat on your hand. If you want to make friends with wild birds and try to hand-feed them, good luck!

Written by Diego Segura Photography by Hannes Burlin Finding Your Next Adventure Birdwatching is a pastime celebrated for its accessibility, where just about any patch of habitat has the potential to host birdlife. You could see vultures or hawks overhead, find small passerines in hedges and trees, or spot waterfowl feeding in lakes and rivers. We share a lot of spaces with wildlife (not just birds!), where oftentimes unique and interesting species are overlooked because their presence isn’t commonly known. As long as you’re respecting park boundaries and others’ property, there really is no place you can’t look for birds! Have fun discovering new and unique spots around you to find different species—these can be local parks, national forests, your backyard, and anything in between! How Can I Find New Places to Look for Birds? Whether you’re just starting out or have been listing for over a decade, finding your next birding hotspot can be a fun way to learn about your local habitats! One great tool for finding nearby parks or hotspots known by birders is eBird's hotspot finder, which uses maps and citizen science to display locations and their eBird webpages. By using citizen science data (i.e., bird lists reported by people logging their birds on the website or accompanying app), eBird is able to display recent bird sightings and species lists from the park level to the national level. Interested in traveling for birds? If you’re in the U.S., check out Audubon’s page for travel, which lets you explore state-specific profiles and park information. Visiting National Wildlife Refuges and state-run areas can help you learn more about local wildlife while supporting conservation and management! Refuges often charge admission fees to pay for the care, management, and monitoring of protected lands open to the public. By visiting refuges you can help contribute to their mission of preserving wildlife while educating birders and residents alike about protected spaces. When do I Look for Birds? As seasons shift and climactic conditions change throughout the year, many bird species might go through patterns of migration from one region to another. Across the world species rosters can change between winter residents and summer breeders, adding a unique mix of diversity with the changing seasons. In northern and southern latitudinal extremes, migrants will fly from equatorial regions to their breeding grounds during their respective summer months; during the winters, these migrants will be replaced with hardier wintering birds. Migrant birds can include anything from small insect-eating warblers to sparrows and even hawks! What is Migration? If you’ve ever been on a road trip, you could imagine migrating birds just like road-trippers. Packing themselves with calories before their flights, birds might “stage” in one area whilst gorging themselves on anything and everything to prepare for their journey. A good portion of birds are nocturnal migrants, meaning they will depart in the evening and land somewhere along their path in the morning—in such magnitudes that they can be recorded with weather imaging devices! And, just like taking a break at a rest stop to have a snack and stretch, birds stop in a variety of areas along their journey where they can refuel and prepare for the next leg of their flight. What Does this Mean for Birders? The active travel of species during migration months (whether northbound or southbound) allows us to see birds normally found within a narrow migration window, or who only appear in certain areas as brief visitors along their larger journeys. While many species do seasonally migrate, others might just disperse amongst their local area without any true long-distance migration. What’s more, there are species that deviate from the traditional “north-south” migration pattern: seasonal elevation migrants, local dispersers, nomads, and more illustrate the ways in which birds can adapt to changing environmental conditions. Discovering how diversity can shift with the time of year is a fun and insightful aspect of birdwatching! Using field guides, you can learn more about the expected species in your area and where their different ranges—year-round, winter, migratory, breeding, or accidental—fall in relation to your locality. You might be surprised to find the diverse cast of birds that call your area home!