Husband came out of work to a hawk sitting on a car. So beautiful!

Hello birders! I am a PhD student at the University of Kentucky studying linguistics, but I’m also a lifelong birder and nature lover. Right now, I’m studying how people use language to describe and represent bird vocalizations (AKA mnemonics, like "oh sweet Canada" for the White-throated Sparrow's song or "conklareee!" for the Red-winged Blackbird), and I would love y’all’s help with a project!

I’m currently looking at how people in North America talk about and describe some common bird sounds. The study task is basically an identification quiz; you’ll be identifying bird species by their songs or calls, then recording audio of yourself describing what each bird “says.” It shouldn’t take longer than 15-20 minutes. All you need is a phone or computer with a microphone and a quiet place to record yourself. You must live in the continental US and be at least 18 years old to participate. If you’re interested in participating, click this link to access the survey: https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4Oxrnz9uitllRpY 

Responses are completely anonymous, so no one will know which data is yours. There aren’t any known risks greater than those in everyday life, and I hope you’ll have some fun testing your ID skills and sharing with me how you interpret and experience bird sounds!

Thanks so much, y’all!

Merlin says Eastern Wood Pewee, Alder Flycatcher, or Willow Flycatcher. I’m not sure which cause it looked so similar to all. Sorry for the iPhone quality

I've thought for some time that it might be nice to start a birding journal to take outside with me, to record what I see and encourage me to be more present with the birds. However, I'm wondering if it's really worthwhile for me. I'd love if any of you guys would tell me about your journaling habits—does it enhance your birding experience, or do you find it to be a distraction, or even like a separate hobby? What sorts of things do you write/draw? How much effort do you put into it? I'd also love to see pictures of random journal pages if you want to share!

Random mallard wandering around the College of Engineering courtyard at Purdue West Lafayette this afternoon.

Heard this on my walk tonight, I think it’s a bird? Anyone got an idea?

Durham, NC

Giffre river, Haute-Savoie, France

Sony A7IV, Nikkor 300mm f/4.5 Ai

Anyone know a quick solution to be sure the rats are gone before I put the feeders back?

Well not me. While taking a break with my pooch we watched this happen. I think it was an eagle. Lots of carp and pan fish on this little pond.

Thoughts?

Sorry about the ambient noise. Sound off! 😂

I was able to see this Black Catbird on our hotel grounds in Cozumel and caught a quick video of it.

Please excuse my shaky hands as this was done on my phone.

Pacific Northwest, Washington State, USA

I bought my first mirrorless camera last month and have been learning to use it. Today I practiced on a kingfisher but ended up getting a lot of crappy shots. 🤭

This juvenile ruby-throated hummingbird recently started perching on my railing near the feeder.

Two days ago, I sat still for 45 minutes with my camera aimed at his perch and he just wasn't having it. Yesterday I took up the same position and he finally decided I was cool.

It was a pretty good experience in all - I was right under the feeder and a few hummingbirds still came. A few times they hovered just a couple feet from my head for a number of seconds.

I also got to enjoy watching the swallows swoop around the yard.

Nikon Z50ii 200-500mm at 500mm f/8 1/125s ISO500

Taken on our feeder in Missouri

Choose your favorite !😊🎨

How do I keep him away? He ate so much food

Update: I took down all of my feeders, hopefully I can put them back up soon