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In this issue: The GBBC turns 25; an ethereal Great Horned Owl duet caught on camera; D.C. bird walks connect pols to passerines; are cardinals redder in winter?; a quiz bird; and more!   
Cornell Lab logo. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Exploring and Conserving Nature
 

Cornell Lab eNews

February 2022
A Carolina Wren perches on a perch with GBBC on it. Photo by Gary Mueller/ML.
Carolina Wren by Gary Mueller/Macaulay Library.

The Great Backyard Bird Count Starts Next Friday, Feb. 18

Take part in an annual tradition that's strictly for the birds. The Great Backyard Bird Count is a wonderful way to dip your toes into the world of birds, feel the warmth of the birding community, and discover wonders in your own neighborhood. Check out results from last year and see how to participate in the 2022 count.

Tips for the Great Backyard Bird Count: Join bird experts on Wednesday, Feb. 16, at 2 p.m. ET for a free webinar to help you make your GBBC easier and more fun. Brush up on bird ID, unlock the mystery of bird songs, and practice counting birds no matter how large the flock or how busy the feeder.
Great Horned Owls on Bird Cams
 

These Duetting Owls Really Do Give a Hoot!

In January, a Great Horned Owl pair took over a nest that had been occupied by Osprey for the past two years. In this clip from our bird cam in Savannah, Georgia, the pair duets for several minutes. As the owls alternate deep, rhythmic hoots, listen to how the incubating female's voice is noticeably higher in pitch than the male's. Watch the clip or see what the owl pair is up to right now by watching the live feed.
Two men hold binoculars while watching birds.
Audubon's Tykee James with Congressman Alan Lowenthal. Photo by Chris Linder.

Capitol Hill Bird Walks Help Politicians Find Common Ground

Since 2019, a series of monthly Audubon bird walks on Capitol Hill has offered a low-key way to put birds on the minds of Congress. The meetups for birding have provided Beltway insiders a way to connect with the natural world while finding common ground (not to mention Common Yellowthroats) in a place that's more partisan than it's ever been. We tagged along on a recent trip.
What does this sparrow say? You can find recordings of its songs and calls at the Macaulay Library. Photo by Shailesh Pinto/Macaulay Library.

What Species Is This?

This dark, splotchy sparrow breeds in dense, remote thickets but often moves into backyards in winter where it sometimes scratches around under feeders. The bird's common name alludes to the rich red hues donned by many individuals, but there's a lot of variation throughout the continent—four main subspecies that can range from rusty red to gray to dark brown. Can you name this striking seed eater?

New Regional Field Guides Are All About Birds

Seven new regional bird guides are your perfect companion no matter where in the U.S. you live and bird. These new books from Princeton University Press bring together all the best information from the Cornell Lab's All About Birds website into a dynamic, pocket-sized format. Get 20% off with promo code BIRDS.

Bird Science News:

Call for Small-Grant Proposals: The Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative will award $230,000 to as many as 14 projects throughout the country. Deadline is March 1.

Register for Upcoming Free Webinars:

Challenge Yourself, eBird Style:

Meet the Checklist Champions: The three winners of eBird's 2021 Checklist-a-Day Challenge share their stories. You can compete in this year’s challenge even if you are just starting now!

Attend a Bird Festival: It's a great way to learn about birds and meet like-minded people. Many festivals are planning virtual and in-person events—check out our full listings.

Work at the Cornell Lab: Visit our jobs page for current openings.

Share the Love With a Gift of Membership

Fischer's Lovebirds by Nik Borrow/Macaulay Library.

This Valentine’s Day, share your love of birds with a friend, family member, or loved one by giving the gift of membership to the Cornell Lab. They’ll enjoy our award-winning quarterly magazine, Living Bird, exclusive discounts, and the satisfaction of knowing that membership makes our science and conservation work for birds possible.

Show your loved one—and the birds—that you care this Valentine’s Day. Give the gift of membership today!
Northern Cardinal by Brad Imhoff/Macaulay Library..
Northern Cardinal by Brad Imhoff/Macaulay Library.

Are Cardinals Redder in Winter?

A Northern Cardinal glowing candy-apple red in the snow is a welcome sight for winter-weary eyes. Does the contrast of colorful bird and monochromatic landscape trick us into thinking this bird is brighter than usual? Or is there something in the cardinal's biology helps them dazzle during the depths of winter? Find out what's really going on.
Sparrow ID Guides to download and print

Try These Sparrow "Cheat Sheets"

Sparrows can sometimes blend into the background, and many of the most widespread species look similar. Whether you're at home or out in the field, these helpful reference guides have full-color photos of eastern, central, western, and widespread sparrows. You can download, print out, and bring these free guides with you.

Share Your Love of Birds in February

We’ll help, with 20% off when you spend $50 or more on everything sitewide, including puzzles, field guides, children’s books, playing cards, and more! Visit the Cornell Lab Publishing Group store and use promo code LOVE (valid through March 5, 2022).
Japanese Robin, an orange brown and gray songbird perched on a bough on a green background with head encircled by a white bokeh effect
Japanese Robin by Lars Petersson/Macaulay Library.

Get to Know the Japanese Robin

The scientific species name for this fiery-throated flycatcher is akahige, Japanese for "redbeard." Explore this sublime songbird's life history with detailed text, maps, photos, videos and more in its Birds of the World species account—one of 10 free sample accounts currently available.

For $15 off a one-year subscription to Birds of the World, use code IHeartBirds.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a membership institution dedicated to interpreting and conserving the earth’s biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. Visit the Cornell Lab’s website at http://www.birds.cornell.edu.

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