Connor 
A varied array of birds and birding locations exist in Illinois. Indeed, birds come in all shapes and sizes here, and one of the most eye-catching colors of Illinois birds is yellow. There is a surprising variety of yellow birds in Illinois, making identification somewhat of a challenge. Fortunately, I’ve created this guide to help … Read more
Differentiating a starling vs grackle can be challenging. Both a grackle or starling look similar to the untrained eye. What’s more, both starlings and grackles are considered to be nuisances by some. Therefore, it can be difficult to separate these two birds when they visit your backyard. Not to worry – this guide will describe … Read more
Seagulls are perhaps the most despised group of birds, but they’ve done little to warrant such hate. Yes, there are many people who would love to harm seagulls, but before they consider doing so, they should figure out what sort of protections seagulls have. Are seagulls protected? Well, know that seagulls will have different levels … Read more
Everyone knows that adult flamingos are a vibrant shade of pink, but what color are flamingos when they are born? Are flamingos born pink? Contrary to what many believe, flamingos are not inherently pink. These birds are mostly gray when they are born. Flamingo plumage turns to a mix of white, brown, and gray as … Read more
Egret or heron – what bird am I looking at? This thought commonly goes through the minds of beginning birders, as discerning the difference between egret and heron birds can be challenging. Indeed, both herons and egrets are among the most recognizable birds in the world thanks to their large size and bold plumage. Despite … Read more
Ah, the timeless debate of crane vs. heron. Cranes and herons are similar-looking birds that have many of the same mannerisms. These birds are often found in comparable habitats, and it can certainly be difficult to distinguish them if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Complicating matters further is the fact that many people … Read more
Magpies are resourceful corvids who seem to thrive anywhere thanks to their remarkable abilities to find food. Some dislike magpies due to their behaviors and tendencies, but many are nonetheless curious about what a magpie diet entails. So, what do magpies eat? Before discussing this question, it’s important to know that there are many different … Read more
Many are familiar with magpies thanks to their bold personalities, but what are magpies? These birds are well-known throughout much of their range, but most people who observe them do not know much about these creatures. So, what are magpies? By now all of you have surely figured out that magpies are birds – that … Read more
Seeing a Northern Mockingbird is common across much of the United States, and these charismatic creatures often capture the attention of backyard birders with their bold personalities and incessant songs. Indeed, some may grow accustomed to seeing a pair of mockingbirds in their hedges each year, and this may prompt them to wonder about mockingbird … Read more
Both Lesser Goldfinches and American Goldfinches are finches native to North America. These birds are common visitors to backyard bird feeders, so knowing how to distinguish a Lesser Goldfinch vs American Goldfinch is an important skill for backyard birders. This article will go in-depth as we explore the differences between an American Goldfinch vs Lesser … Read more