Black vultures are not known for their beauty, poise, manners, or hygiene. They should, however, be world famous for their brains. Columnist Julie Zickefoose regales readers with two stories of bird watchers who have had remarkable encounters with black vulture "families." Featured in the July/August issue of Bird Watcher's Digest.

Bird ID guru Alvaro Jaramillo reveals a secret about this nondescript bird commonly found across the North American continent: The species will soon split into an eastern and western variety, differentiated by song! Featured in the July/August issue of Bird Watcher's Digest.

Birding funnyman Al Batt loves taking photos. While reviewing snapshots on his digital camera one day, he took a closer look at a bird he first dismissed as a simple house sparrow and realizes it was a Eurasian tree sparrow--an incredible sighting for his yard! Featured in the July/August issue of Bird Watcher's Digest.