January/February 2021

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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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Issue Features

A Private Investigator’s Theories by Mark Danowsky

Lagniappe by Bob Karel

The Geese of Gem Lake by Joeseph Cantey Elliott

Lagniappe, pronounced LAN yap, is defined as a small gift or bonus—and contributor Bob Karel shares his most memorable birding lagniappe experience, on the trail of a red-cockaded woodpecker one spring in northern Florida. Photo by D. Sherony / Wikimedia.

In the Backyard

Blue Jay Alert! Birding with Preschoolers by Margaret Schmidt

Contributor Margaret Schmidt describes how her grandchildren developed a connection to the natural world. It all started with a ritual of eating breakfast while sitting on the kitchen counter and watching the birds. Photo by M. Schmidt.