He established the first federal bird sanctuary, originated the Christmas Bird Count, and was a pioneer in writing field guides, but many birders are unfamiliar with Frank M. Chapman. Columnist Julie Zickefoose takes a look at how birds and habitats have changed since publication of Chapman's Bird Life: A Guide to the Study of Our Common Birds.

From novices to experts, all birders muff an ID now and then, and such mistakes can be a useful learning tool. Bird ID guru Alvaro Jaramillo explains how getting it wrong can sharpen your birding skills.

To the superstitious, a bird that flies into the house through a door or window portends death. Comedienne Lucille Ball was said to suffer "ornithophobia." But to funnyman Al Batt and his cat Purl, a bird in the house is like winning the lottery.