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- Bird Watcher's Digest
January/February 2021

North America’s smallest and most widespread raptor—and arguably one of the most beautifully colored, the American kestrel is often found near areas of human activity, but the species faces severe population decline due to decreasing habitat in some areas. Learn more about our cover species in a story by contributor Melissa Moore. The long-eared is an owl many only dream of seeing, despite occurring across the continent. Bird ID expert Alvaro Jaramillo shares this secretive owl’s habits and how to distinguish it from other large owls. Also, in their annual festival roundup, Phil and Leigh Creighton ponder a fantasy Big Year, recalling six festivals they attended over several years and the cumulative species tally. Will the final number rival their successful 2014 Big Year total? Find out in the January/February 2021 issue of BWD!
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Read This Issue Online »Issue Features
A Private Investigator’s Theories by Mark Danowsky
Lagniappe by Bob Karel
The Geese of Gem Lake by Joeseph Cantey Elliott

In the Backyard
Blue Jay Alert! Birding with Preschoolers by Margaret Schmidt

Columns & Departments
Letters from Readers
Quick Takes by Paul J. Baicich
Migrations: Dances with Snakes by Scott Weidensaul
Cover Species: An Appreciation of Kestrels by Melissa Moore
Identify Yourself: Long-eared Owl by Alvaro Jaramillo
My Little Chickadee by Al Batt
Pete's Tips: Scope-purchasing Advice by Pete Dunne
Birders Question Mark by Mark S. Garland
Birding Festival Roundup: A Fantasy Festival Big Year by Leigh and Phil Creighton
True Nature: Access Is Everything by Julie Zickefoose
Wingbeats: Backyard Hawks by Katie Fallon
Watching Bird Behavior: A Tale of Two Towhees by David M. Bird
Far Afield: Port Aransas, Texas by Jessica Melfi
Spotlight on Maine
BirdTography: Bird-Photography Travel by Bruce Wunderlich
The Well-Equipped Birder: Lowa Innox Pro GTX Mid Hiking Boots by Sarah Clark
Book Notes
Redstart Birding
