February 2021

Publications
Watching Backyard Birds

Current Issue: February 2021

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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Issue Features

Species Profile: White-throated Sparrow: Two Distinct Flavors by Eirik A.T. Blom

Top 10 Hard-to-Get Feeder Birds (and How to Get Them!) by Bill Thompson, III

Plan Now for Next Year's Bird Garden by Jackie Berkebile

Watcher at the Window: Mixing it Up at the Feeders by Julie Zickefoose

Is There a Screech-owl in Your Neighborhood? by Bill Thompson, III

Short Stories from Al by Al Batt

Ask Birdsquatch

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 winter is a passing season, and the return of spring is inevitable.

Departments

Editor's Note

Bird Bites: Listen for Early Birds

Redstart Birding

Across much of the United States, some birds always seem to rush nesting season; they can be heard singing even as February snow flies. The northern cardinal leads the pack of early singers.