The sprightly white-throated sparrow graces the cover of our February 2021 issue. Regardless of whether whitethroats are of the white-striped or tan-striped variety, their song—one of the few heard this time of year—is a reminder that the return of spring is inevitable. Columnist Julie Zickefoose reminds us that the variability in different foods and feeders helps make bird feeding interesting. When exposed to a new food long enough, birds will try most anything, sometimes with surprising results. Also, as joyful as it can be to satisfy the taste buds of “the regulars” at our feeders, attracting unusual species can result in a feeling of triumph. Try our tips for luring these “wish” birds to your yard. Find all this and more!

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