Rookeries of large wading birds are bustling this time of year. Large birds nesting in very close quarters, with a background of odd noises of wading birds, and often punctuated by mating birds, fights, begging chicks and weird growling noises. In the southern US, there is likely to be an alligator or two in the water below them just to add to the excitement. For super large colonial nesters to be nesting this close to one another is an exercise in patience and tolerance. At least from a human viewpoint. The birds dont seem to mind though, and they get along relatively well considering. If you haven't experienced these crazy rookeries, it's worth a visit. You can often sit in hides where you can observe the action up close and get to know the birds. individually. Like the two Wood Storks in this photo who seemed so compatible and chill in the midst of spring madness, everyone who saw them commented on it. That lasted until a neighbor mistakenly poked one of them with a stick intended for their own nest...

In this month's newsletter:

• Return of the Atlantic Forest
• Wave Theory of Migration
• Notre-Dame Gets Its Life Back
• Global Big Day is May 10!
• Birdwatching in NYC and on Long Island update
• BirdNote: The Cool Rugged Life of a Snow Bunting
• Birdcams Now  

Visit us at WildTones for bird and wildlife ringtones, alerts and alarms for iPhones and Android, and our loopable streaming nature sounds by Wildtones Nature Sounds for relaxation, sleep, meditation, and lifestyle. And check out our expanding list of ways to help birds.

Nesting Wood Storks and Great Egrets, Little Saint Simons Island, GA; Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel

Return of the Atlantic Forest

The Atlantic Forest of northern South America is one of the world’s most endangered habitats. The forest at what is now RPPN Pedra D’Antas had once been heavily degraded—cleared almost entirely for agriculture. But in northeast Brazil, over 350 hectares have been successfully rewilded thanks to the efforts of BirdLife International’s partner, SAVE Brasil. When the restoration began eight years ago, only a handful of common bird species remained. Today, over 150 species thrive here—including some critically endangered birds native to the Atlantic Forest. I recently had the chance to visit this remarkable site.

Sound interesting? Find out more here.

Seven-colored Tanager at Feeder; Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel

Wave Theory of Migration

Ever notice that not all songbirds migrate north in spring at exactly the same time?  Different species move north in waves, from early to late in the migratory season. There’s a reason behind this timing, and it’s interesting to see which birds arrive in each wave. Want to learn more?

Graphic provided by Julie Rossman/Audubon

Notre-Dame Gets Its Life Back

Everybody benefits from the reconstruction of Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris! The stunning restoration from extensive fire damage to this iconic building has brought back to life a loved historic treasure, a home for protected species and a haven for biodiversity. If you're wondering what role cathedrals and ancient buildings can play in bird conservation, read the rest of this piece.

Common Kestrels nesting in Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris; Photo Credit: JB Alemanni

Where are the birds? That's what Global Big Day on May 10 is designed to find out! Join a team or go birding yourself and report your findings to ebird for that day only. The data is a snapshot of where birds are every year, and which species are declining or increasing. Last year 65,000 people around the world submitted 165,000 lists to ebird on Global Bird Day. Want to be part of this enormous team this year? Here’s how.

Birdwatching; Photo Credit:Freepik

Your NYC Spring Birding Book

Just in time for spring migration, Birdwatching in New York City and on Long Island has just released an update! Nine years after its first publication, authors Deborah Rivel and Kellye Rosenheim revisited the original 170+ birding hotspots in the book, adding 24 new ones and updating the status of all sites to make your birding experience in the New York City and on Long Island even better. Change is a common denominator, and there have been lots of changes to habitats birds rely upon - both positive with some incredible new sites you won't want to miss (the birds certainly are taking advantage of them), and also some formerly reliable places to see birds that have not been maintained and are no longer recommended. The entire area is under the Atlantic Flyway so birding here is first-rate during spring migration. If you’re in the area, you won't want to miss the birds, and you will want to have this book that gives detailed information about where and when to see birds and how to make your birding outing more productive and fun with friends. 

Click here to order on Amazon and be ready with the latest hotspot and birding info when migration is in full swing!

BirdNote: The Cool, Rugged Life of a Snow Bunting

The Arctic is still wintry when male Snow Buntings return to nesting areas in April. There's a big benefit to arriving early enough to claim a prime nest cavity in a rock face or under boulders, where it will be safer from predators. Nesting in chilly rock cavities means extra care must be taken to keep eggs and nestlings warm. That’s why, unlike many other bird species, female Snow Buntings never come off the nest. The males bring them food, giving them more continuous time on the eggs. Listen to this podcast on Birdnote.org.

Snow Bunting; Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel

Nesting season's in full swing and its an amazing time of year!

• Northern Royal Albatross - New Zealand - 12 year old RLK and his 14 year old mate, GLG have a month old little girl who is already nearly 7 pounds!

• Barred Owls - Indianapolis, IN - Two adorable, fuzzy owlets born in early April share this nest.

• Great Horned Owls - TX - Athena and her chicks have a safe and beautiful spot at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

• Bald Eagles - Santa Cruz Island, CA - One rapidly growing chick is doted upon by his parents.

• Red-tailed Hawks - Ithaca, NY - Big Red laid three eggs....which started pipping in early May. Check out whats happening at Cornell!

There are seven more NestCams - don't miss any of them!

Great Gray Owl on nest; Photo Credit: Owl Research Institute, explore.org