A Day in the Life of A Bird Bander at Mad Island Marsh

A day in the life of a bird bander at the Conservancy’s Mad Island Marsh Preserve.

Justine E. Hausheer

The Octopus’ Birthday: Understanding an Intelligent & Elusive Marine Creature

Science sheds new light on octopus intelligence, as the animals open jars and pick Super Bowl winners. But despite all that attention, remarkably little is known about their life history in the wild.

Matthew L. Miller

Zero to Hero: Birding Edition

Can someone who can't tell a house finch from a song sparrow become an expert birder in four months? Our blogger is about to find out.

Cara Cannon Byington

Binge ‘Til You Burst: Feast & Famine on Alaskan Salmon Rivers

It's a glorious all-you-can-eat buffet -- followed by months of starvation. The inner workings of a salmon stream are even wilder and more complex than you imagined. New research sheds light on life in a feast and famine world.

Matthew L. Miller

Ready, Set, Bird: 6 Spring Migration Hotspots

Spring migration is underway, so dust off your binoculars and check out our picks for great spring birding hotspots.

Justine E. Hausheer

Top 10 Night Safaris: When the (Wildlife) Freaks Come Out

Join us for a naturalist's guide to the best night life on the planet. Grab a flashlight and join the party, with a guest list that includes aardvarks, rare wild cats, tree kangaroos and more.

Matthew L. Miller

Splish, Splash: Why Do Birds Take Baths?

Like people, birds love a good bath. But why? Ornithologist Joe Smith dips into the research on bird bathing, and reveals the science -- and the mystery -- of this backyard phenomenon.

Joe Smith

A Sucker (Myth) Is Born Every Minute

Everything you've heard about suckers is probably wrong. But could a new generation of anglers and self-described "fish nerds" not only rescue the sucker's image, but point a new way for freshwater conservation?

Matthew L. Miller

The American Woodcock: Tribute to a Wonderful Wetland Bird

It has 360-degree vision. It binges on worms. And its spring mating ritual includes some of the funkiest dance moves in the bird world. Meet the American woodcock, a.k.a. timberdoodle.

Bryan Piazza

Antler Tips: Finding “Sheds” in a Forest Near You

Want to find antlers without bothering wildlife? Here's our guide to finding "sheds" in a forest or field near you. Learn a bit about deer, and it's easier than you think.

Matthew L. Miller

Antler Obsession: Can the Search for “Sheds” Threaten Wildlife?

Finding "shed" antlers can be a fun spring pastime. For some, it has become an obsession. And that obsession at times can pose a serious threat to wildlife. An antler enthusiast explores the strange world of "shed hunting."

Matthew L. Miller

10 Field Guides for the Serious Naturalist

Looking to expand your wildlife ID skills beyond the usual bird guide? How about learning to identify dragonflies? Or warblers? Or squirrels and chipmunks? Our blog has you covered with some of the most innovative – and unusual – recent field guides.

Matthew L. Miller