Binoculars and field guides are useful tools for visually identifying birds. Birding-by-ear skills are just as important, as birds are often heard before being seen. Thankfully, modern technology makes this easy with apps that feature multiple bird sounds, such as songs, contact calls … read more

For many, a West Sound winter is a dreary time of year. Trees are devoid of leaves and flowers aren’t blooming. It’s cold, cloudy and often rainy. There is no perceived reason to venture outdoors. Just get cozy with a hot beverage and … read more

Birders love a good chase. Not in the literal sense, but in going to a selected spot with the optics and waiting patiently for a particular bird to appear. Birds that have wandered out of their typical range are known as rare birds … read more

Imagine peering out your window and spotting an array of colorful birds nesting and bathing in your yard. Not only do birds provide natural insect control, but they also bring joy and melody to your space. Observing them can turn into a fun … read more

Like people, birds are sometimes unappreciated and misunderstood. While every species has its place in the ecosystem, some are bigger stars than others. Beach lovers would gladly trade a flock of “seagulls” for hummingbirds. Yet gulls, not hummingbirds, scavenge smelly carcasses from the … read more

There is no shortage of variety in the world of birds. There are remarkable differences between a heron and a hummingbird or a swan and a swallow. Also, there are places where humans would never dwell, but birds consider appealing. Freshwater marsh habitat … read more

Springtime means birdsong. As frosty mornings give way to budding leaves, singing songbirds are a harbinger of winter’s departure and the arrival of spring. Year-round species such as American robins, Pacific wrens and song sparrows are among the first to belt out their … read more

Birds are amazing creatures with a variety of adaptations. A hummingbird is quite different from an ostrich and a kiwi has little in common with a swan. While some species may seem drab and uninteresting, others are a collection of unique features that … read more

West Sound in winter is paradise for those who enjoy watching ducks. About two dozen species come to the region’s lakes, ponds, streams, bays and open saltwater from late winter to early spring. While there are many similarities among the ducks, differences also … read more