August has a feeling that’s hard to name. The days are still warm, but something is shifting. The light looks a little different in the evening. The farm stand starts displaying butternut squash next to the last of the summer tomatoes. School supplies fill the store shelves. Routines are changing.
For many home cooks, this is the moment when the kitchen starts calling for something a little toastier: a loaf of bread, a hot breakfast, the first hint of cinnamon on the stove.
That is where pumpkin comes in. The Classic Pumpkin Cookbook: Heritage Recipes, from Perfect Pies to Savory Soups, will satisfy your cravings for fall flavor.
Three Ways to Welcome Pumpkin in August
August is the bridge between late summer and early fall. It still calls for fresh, easy food—bright salads, cool treats, and meals that don’t feel too heavy. At the same time, the first hints of fall invite warm spices, roasted vegetables, and something baked and golden on the counter. Pumpkin fits both moods.
1. Serve Pumpkin Cool in Late Summer
Chilled pumpkin treats are an easy way to enjoy early fall flavors while summer is winding down. Try Pumpkin-Cookie Ice Cream, Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream, Pumpkin-Cream Cheese Parfaits, No-Cook Pumpkin Pudding, or Pumpkin Ice-cream Pie. These recipes pair canned pumpkin with cream, warm spices, and familiar favorites such as gingersnaps and pecans.
2. Start the Morning with Warmth
When mornings begin to feel busier, pumpkin scones, waffles, and muffins make easy seasonal breakfasts. They work for a slow weekend meal or a make-ahead batch for weekday mornings. The Classic Pumpkin Cookbook includes maple-frosted muffins, buttermilk waffles with warm spices, and drop scones finished with a bright-orange glaze. A pumpkin breakfast does not have to feel like a holiday recipe. It can simply make an ordinary morning feel special.
3. Keep the Harvest Table Fresh and Colorful
Early fall cooking doesn’t have to be heavy. Winter Squash-and-Quinoa Salad pairs roasted squash with dried cranberries, toasted pepitas, and a honey-thyme vinaigrette. It’s bright, satisfying, and at home on an August lunch table or at a September gathering of friends.
100 Recipes. Every Stage of the Season.
The Classic Pumpkin Cookbook is built for cooks who want more than one use for pumpkin. The book moves through breads and rolls, breakfast dishes, appetizers and snacks, savory sides and main dishes, and a full range of desserts—from pies and cheesecakes to cookies, bars, and frozen treats.
Whether you need a recipe for the first cool evening in August or the last slice of pie in November, this cookbook comes through.
Preorder The Classic Pumpkin Cookbook today. It arrives August 18.
There is nothing quite like settling into a comfortable chair by the water or relaxing in a cozy hotel room with a book that is simply impossible to put down. Taking a trip provides the perfect opportunity to dive into a high-stakes thriller that makes the heart race, and Grizzly Narrows is exactly that kind of story. For those who love suspense novels that combine beautiful outdoor settings with intense, edge-of-your-seat action, this is the book travelers need to pack in their suitcases right away.
A Picture-Perfect Getaway
The story drops readers right into the middle of a picture-perfect getaway that is about to take a very dark turn. Following dedicated wildlife officer Sam Rivers on what is supposed to be a relaxing family retreat at a luxurious lakeside resort, the narrative artfully captures the breathtaking scenery of the Northwoods. Rich, detailed descriptions of deep woods, shimmering waters, and local wildlife transport readers directly into nature, providing a thrilling escape that feels perfectly suited for a vacation read. However, while Sam tries to clear his mind and enjoy the idyllic surroundings with his loved ones, the novel masterfully balances the beauty of the outdoors with the unsettling reminder that the wild can hide deadly secrets.
A Deadly Predator on the Loose
Unbeknownst to the vacationers, a terrifying danger has just broken free in the remote wilderness. A cunning, ruthless prisoner has escaped a secure facility, fueled by a chilling, singular goal: to track down Sam Rivers and exact his revenge. The story brilliantly jumps back and forth between these two contrasting worlds, shifting from the peaceful resort to the gritty perspective of a predator leaving a hidden, dangerous trail as he relentlessly closes in on his target. Readers know these two paths are destined to collide, and that building, heart-pounding anticipation creates a gripping, fast-paced thriller that is impossible to put down.
Why This Thriller Belongs in Every Suitcase
The narrative moves incredibly fast, keeping the suspense high with every chapter. It explores the deep bond of family and the lengths a person will go to in order to protect their loved ones. Sam Rivers is a fantastic hero—he is tough and highly trained, but he also has real fears, a deep devotion to his family, and a haunted past that makes him truly relatable.
If travelers want a book that combines family drama, clever mysteries, and heart-stopping action, Grizzly Narrows will absolutely deliver. Those looking for the perfect getaway book should grab a cold drink, find a comfortable spot, and enjoy this incredible adventure. Just be warned: Once the cover is opened, sleep might have to wait until the final page is turned!
Explore the Rest of the Series
For readers new to Sam Rivers, Grizzly Narrows is just the beginning. This heart-pounding novel is part of an incredible series of outdoors thrillers that follow the dedicated wildlife officer and his loyal wolf-dog, Gray. From tracking apex predators in Wolf Kill and unraveling wilderness mysteries in Cougar Claw and Dead Catch, to facing down dangerous conspiracies in Rattlesnake Bluff and Killing Monarchs, the entire collection brilliantly blends high-stakes criminal investigations with the breathtaking beauty of the natural world. Each book can easily be enjoyed on its own, making the complete series a must-read for anyone who loves action-packed suspense set in the great outdoors.
Many home cooks are tired of sweating over a hot stove during the warmest months of the year. When summer temperatures rise, the last thing anyone wants to do is turn on the oven or stand over a boiling pot. That is why Some Assembly Required: Fresh, Easy No-Cook Recipes by Julia Rutland has quickly become a highly necessary summer cookbook for busy families and food lovers alike.
A Brilliant Approach to Summer Cooking
Some Assembly Required is a brilliant summer cookbook that completely changes how people think about mealtime. The author focuses on a simple but powerful idea: delicious, healthy meals that require absolutely zero cooking. By skipping the stove, oven, and grill, Julia’s recipes help readers create amazing dishes with minimal effort, zero sweat, and fast cleanup.
The Benefits of Easy Summer Meals
For anyone looking for easy summer meals, this book offers incredible, practical benefits for daily life. A heat-free kitchen means families can keep their homes cool and comfortable. Cooks will never need to preheat an oven on a hot day again. Furthermore, these time-saving dinners allow people to go from raw ingredients to a beautiful, plated meal in just minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Because these dishes are served cold or at room temperature, many are appropriate to pack for picnics, beach days, and outdoor potlucks. Finally, without hot surfaces or dangerous flames, beginners and children can safely help prepare food and build their kitchen confidence.
Delicious No-Cook Recipes for Every Meal
This collection of more than 165 recipes covers every part of the day. It goes far beyond basic side salads. Readers will find gourmet, globally inspired dishes that feel fancy but are incredibly easy to put together. Diners can cool down with refreshing beverages like homemade Watermelon Agua Fresca or a beautiful Tropical Sangría. For lunch, home chefs can upgrade their routine with gourmet sandwiches and wraps, such as Lemony Lobster Rolls or a Vietnamese-inspired Banh Mi made with deli roast beef. For a unique starter, readers can try a chilled soup like the Golden Tomato-and-Peach Gazpacho, which combines savory tomatoes with sweet summer peaches using just a blender. When it is time for dinner, cooks can feed the whole family with hearty, protein-packed main dishes like the Mexican Chicken Cobb Salad or Chicken-and-Black Bean Tostadas. Families can end the day by satisfying their sweet tooth with a creamy, no-bake Raspberry-and-Lemon Icebox Cake.
Master the Art of Assembly and Meal Prep
Some Assembly Required also teaches readers how to be smarter, more efficient chefs. Julia shares expert tips on stocking the pantry, using fresh seasonal produce, and storing food safely. Readers will learn the best ways to keep leafy greens crisp and how to store fresh herbs so they last longer. Julia shows exactly how combining smart pantry staples with fresh farmer’s market produce can create culinary magic.
Keep the Kitchen Cool All Season Long
Home cooks do not need to let the summer heat ruin their dinner plans. For those who want to enjoy fresh, vibrant, and stress-free meals, Some Assembly Required: Fresh, Easy No-Cook Recipes is the perfect guide. Readers can grab a copy today, keep the kitchen cool, and start assembling their new favorite summer dishes! Julia Rutland is a writer and cookbook author with more than 25 years of experience in food, publishing, travel, and marketing. This title is part of the Homestyle Kitchen Cookbooks series that also includes Homestyle Kitchen and the award-winning Cast-Iron Cooking.
Grizzly Narrows is the sixth book in a mystery series that blends wilderness suspense, personal stakes, and a relentless manhunt. For readers searching for a new mystery release with atmospheric writing and outdoors danger, this upcoming novel stands out as a strong contender.
Set in the remote Northwoods, Grizzly Narrows begins with a violent prison escape that puts a deadly plan in motion. A vengeful fugitive is headed toward Sam Rivers, an experienced outdoors lawman whose past has left behind enemies determined to settle old scores. As the threat draws closer, the novel expands beyond a straightforward pursuit story. It becomes a high-stakes mystery about family, justice, revenge, and survival in a landscape where isolation can be as dangerous as the people moving through it.
Why It Will Appeal to Fans of William Kent Krueger and C.J. Box
Readers who enjoy books by William Kent Krueger and C.J. Box may find a lot to admire in Grizzly Narrows. The novel combines a vivid sense of place, emotional weight, and character-driven suspense with nature, law-enforcement tension, and a gripping survival element. Like the strongest wilderness mysteries, it treats the natural setting as more than scenery—the forests, lakes, and remote terrain influence every decision, heighten the danger, and deepen the atmosphere. At the same time, the story carries a rugged realism, pairing a credible investigative thread with a villain whose presence drives the plot from the opening pages. The result is a mystery thriller that should appeal to those who enjoy dangerous terrain, determined protagonists, and escalating stakes.
A Strong Entry Point for New Readers
Although Grizzly Narrows is the sixth book in the mystery series, it also works well as an entry point for readers who have not yet encountered the character of Sam Rivers. Longtime series readers may appreciate the returning relationships and deeper backstory, but newcomers can still step in without difficulty. The central conflict is immediate, the stakes are clear, and the suspense begins early. That makes Grizzly Narrows an appealing option for anyone.
The novel offers:
a compelling Northwoods setting
a revenge-driven central conflict
an outdoors lawman at the center of the action
standalone readability within an ongoing series
suspense rooted in both landscape and character
Grizzly Narrows arrives as a mystery thriller built for readers who want atmosphere, danger, and a story with both momentum and heart.Find it wherever books are sold on June 9, 2026.
When many people imagine an ideal summer, they picture distant destinations: national parks, long road trips, and dramatic landscapes far from home. Yet some of the most meaningful encounters with nature can take place much closer—along a neighborhood trail, beside a modest wetland, or in the fragment of prairie at the edge of town. With a guidebook in hand and a shift in perspective, everyday surroundings can become the setting for rich, meaningful adventures.
Nature Smart: Midwest by Stan Tekiela fits naturally into this way of traveling. Although it contains identification tips and natural-history facts, it functions less like a traditional field guide and more like a companion for seeing the familiar with new eyes. Its focus on prairies, wetlands, forests, birds, mammals, insects, amphibians, reptiles, and fungi encourages readers to look again at ordinary places and recognize them as living ecosystems.
The Power of Nearby Nature
Rather than centering on distance or spectacle, micro-travel emphasizes short, local excursions that fit into daily life. A half-hour walk in a nearby park, an hour at a marsh after work, or a slow exploration of a wooded ravine can become satisfying experiences when framed as encounters with real, functioning habitats.
Nature Smart: Midwest provides the ecological and behavioral context that makes these small outings feel substantial. Its sections on prairies, for example, reveal that what might appear to be an empty field is often a complex community of grasses, forbs, insects, and ground-nesting birds. Wetland chapters describe how shallow, “messy” water regulates floods; filters pollutants; and supports frogs, dragonflies, and marsh birds. Forest chapters illuminate the layered structure of canopy, understory, and forest floor, as well as the roles played by fungi, insects, and mammals in cycling nutrients.
Nature and Mental Health
For readers concerned with mental health and the pace of modern life, this style of engagement with nearby nature offers distinct advantages. Research has repeatedly shown that even small doses of time outdoors can reduce stress, improve mood, and restore attention. Micro-adventures grounded in books like Nature Smart: Midwest add an additional layer: They create cognitive and emotional connection.
Knowing that the birds heard at dawn are establishing territory, that the mushrooms after rain are fruiting bodies of a vast underground network, or that a weedy ditch is functioning as a miniature wetland changes a brief walk from “time outside” into participation in a larger story.
This narrative quality can be particularly helpful for those who struggle to slow down. Many people find it difficult to simply “relax” in nature without feeling idle or restless. Stan’s explanations—how fire renews prairies, why certain plants flower at specific times, how animals adapt to winter or darkness—offer the mind gentle focus. Attention is drawn away from internal worries and directed toward external patterns and relationships. The result is not passive distraction but a quiet form of curiosity that tends to calm the nervous system.
Lowering the Barriers to Nature
Focusing locally also reduces the barriers often associated with outdoor experiences. Extensive planning, travel costs, and the pressure to “make it worth it” can turn vacations into sources of stress. By contrast, a local outing requires minimal logistics yet still feels purposeful.
Over the course of a summer, repeated visits to the same prairie edge, pond, or woodland path allow readers to notice seasonal changes and animal behaviors over time. This familiarity often leads to a sense of belonging: the recognition that one’s own neighborhood is part of a living landscape rather than a backdrop.
The book’s broad coverage of organisms—from birds and mammals to insects, amphibians, reptiles, and fungi—also supports a more inclusive view of nature. Instead of reserving wonder for rare species or spectacular vistas, Nature Smart: Midwest highlights the importance of common animals and overlooked habitats.
Backyard birds become case studies in migration, nesting, and song. Ant hills and spider webs illustrate complex social structures and hunting strategies. Mushrooms and soil organisms reveal the hidden processes that keep forests and grasslands functioning. This emphasis can quietly shift attitudes from indifference or fear toward respect and stewardship.
Seeing these connections often replaces a sense of helplessness with a more balanced mix of concern, appreciation, and agency. Readers can better understand how small actions—supporting habitat-friendly practices, reducing chemical use, protecting local green spaces—fit into a larger picture.
A Summer That Lasts All Year
In this way, a summer spent with Nature Smart: Midwest is not only about recreation. It is about cultivating a sustained relationship with the nearby natural world—one that supports mental well-being, encourages slower and more attentive living, and deepens understanding of how even small patches of habitat contribute to the health of larger ecosystems.
This book supports the idea that meaningful adventure does not depend on distance. It can be found in the next park over, at the edge of a retention pond, or along a familiar trail walked with a new awareness that the land, and its countless inhabitants, are telling stories all summer long—and well beyond.
Stan Tekiela is an author, naturalist, and photographer who travels extensively to study and capture images of wildlife. He can be followed on www.instagram.com and www.facebook.com. He can be contacted via his webpage at www.naturesmart.com.
When the weather heats up, many kitchens become the last place anyone wants to be. Turning on the oven or standing over a hot stove can make you feel even warmer and more uncomfortable. Still, most people want more than takeout or a plain salad at the end of the day. They want food that feels fresh, homemade, and satisfying—without adding extra heat.
Some Assembly Required shows how no‑cook meals can deliver all of that, with less effort and no time at the stove.
Simple Assembly, No Cooking
The heart of no‑cook meals is simple: Focus on assembly instead of traditional cooking. This approach relies on tossing, layering, and mixing, rather than frying or baking.
Many of the recipes in Some Assembly Required start with ingredients people already buy:
Rotisserie chicken
Canned beans and lentils
Prewashed salad greens
Smoked fish and deli meats
Jarred roasted peppers, olives, and artichokes
These staples are turned into colorful and healthy salads, wraps, grain bowls, tostadas, and more. Short ingredient lists and clear steps mean dinner can be ready in minutes instead of hours.
Cool Meals for Hot Days and Gatherings
On hot days, even thinking about heating up the oven can feel exhausting. No‑cook meals solve this problem by leaning on the fridge, pantry, and fresh produce instead of the stove.
Bright salsas and creamy dips made in a blender or food processor
Shrimp cocktails and chilled seafood salads built from precooked proteins
Fresh, crunchy salads and lettuce wraps that stay crisp
Make‑ahead chilled soups and desserts
These dishes are perfect for potlucks, picnics, and backyard parties because they travel well and can often be prepared hours before guests arrive. Big‑batch drinks like agua frescas, iced punches, and light cocktails add a cool, festive touch without extra heat or stress.
Using Pantry Staples and Leftovers Wisely
A key part of no‑cook meals is learning to use what’s already on hand. This cookbook offers tips for building a smart pantry with items such as:
Canned beans, tuna, and salmon
Whole grains like quinoa, farro, and rice
Nuts, seeds, and nut butters
Jarred vegetables and pickles
These ingredients become the base for fast meals that do not require turning on the stove. Leftover meats, herbs, and random vegetables from the crisper drawer are turned into salads, wraps, bowls, and dips, helping cut down on food waste.
Instructions are flexible, with lots of options like “use any cooked grain you have” or “swap in your favorite beans.” This relaxed style lowers the pressure and makes it easier to experiment and learn.
Cooler Kitchens, Lower Bills, Better Meals
Because these recipes skip cooking, they keep kitchens cooler and can help lower energy bills. Chilled soups, hearty salads, grain bowls, and no‑bake snacks rely on the fridge more than the oven.
In the end, Some Assembly Required proves that amazing no‑cook meals are possible, even on the hottest days. With smart shortcuts, fresh ingredients, and simple directions, anyone can enjoy homemade food without heating up the whole house.
A cavity in a tree, excavated by a woodpecker, seems normal enough. But when you stop to think about it, this simple space is absolutely remarkable. Today, let’s take a closer look at the humble woodpecker cavity.
Eastern screech-owl, taken in southern Minnesota
According to the International Ornithological Committee (IOC), there are 241 species of woodpeckers in the world. Here in America, we have 22 species of woodpeckers, ranging from the small downy woodpecker to the giant pileated woodpecker. All these woodpeckers have one thing in common: They all excavate cavities to use for nesting. Because of this, woodpeckers are considered primary cavity-nesting birds. In other words, woodpeckers are the primary users of the cavities that they excavate; however, there are an estimated 75–80 species of non-woodpeckers that also rely on these cavities to nest. These birds are called secondary cavity nesters, and their very existence depends upon woodpeckers. A study published in 2017 found that nearly 20% of all bird species in the world rely on cavities in trees, for roosting or nesting.
Most woodpeckers only use the cavities that they excavate for one brood of young birds. Woodpeckers excavate in dead or dying trees with just a few exceptions. Live trees/wood are too dense and hard for the woodpeckers to excavate. Over the life span of the cavity, it may host dozens of families of baby birds from a wide variety of secondary cavity nesters.
Depending upon the woodpecker species, or the softness of the wood, it takes anywhere from 4 to 20 days for a pair of woodpeckers to excavate a cavity. I say “a pair” because both the male and female do the work. It all depends upon the level of decay in the wood. Obviously, the softer the wood, the faster the process goes. Only a small handful of woodpecker species excavate cavities in live trees. The overwhelming majority are excavated in dead trees or dead limbs of live trees.
In the world of woodpeckers, parenting duties are shared by both adults. Cavities are excavated by both male and female, but the male does slightly more work. When it comes to incubation, the female does most of the incubating during the day, and the male takes the night shift. After the young hatch, both parents bring food to the begging babies.
So many of our most beloved birds—eastern bluebirds and mountain bluebirds—as well as raptors—American kestrels and screech-owls—are dependent upon large woodpecker cavities. In one recent study, it was found that, of all the cavities found in a forest, only 10% of the natural cavities were being used, but 80% of old woodpecker cavities were being utilized by secondary cavity-nesting birds. I think many people do not realize that several waterfowl species, such as hooded mergansers, wood ducks, and buffleheads, also depend upon cavities in trees to nest.
So far, I have been concentrating on nesting and haven’t considered the value of woodpecker cavities for roosting at night. Many species of birds who don’t use cavities for nesting will use a nest cavity for a place to be safe and warm when roosting, especially on long, cold winter nights. Many studies show the benefits of roosting inside cavities compared to being out on a tree branch, which leaves birds vulnerable to nocturnal predators like owls.
And speaking of owls, all the species of screech-owls use woodpecker cavities to nest and also roost, except they roost during the day. All of this was running through my head the other day while I was capturing some images and video of a wonderful eastern screech-owl that I found enjoying a little sunshine on a cold winter day in the northland. Until next time…
Stan Tekiela is an author, naturalist, and photographer who travels extensively to study and capture images of wildlife. He can be followed on www.instagram.com and www.facebook.com. He can be contacted via his webpage at www.naturesmart.com.
Exciting New Nature Books from Stan Tekiela: Birds, Nature Smart, and Field Guides to Reptiles and Mammals!
Renowned naturalist and author Stan Tekiela is launching several new books—perfect for exploring the Midwest and beyond. Get the scoop on these upcoming releases, including the latest addition to the Kids’ Guide to Birds series, Nature Smart, Reptiles & Amphibians of the Midwest Field Guide, and two from the Mammals series.
Kids’ Guide to Birds Series: Now Featuring Virginia!
Stan’s popular Kids’ Guide to Birds series expands this season with the Kids’ Guide to Birds of Virginia, releasing in October 2025. This series is beloved for making bird-watching fun and accessible for young explorers and their families.
What’s New in the Virginia Edition:
86 of the most common and important Virginia birds
Organized by color for quick-and-easy identification
Full-color photographs and a full page of information for each species
Field marks, range maps, and Stan’s cool facts
Fun activities like building birdhouses and making bird food
With the addition of Virginia, even more families can enjoy bird-watching adventures and learn about their state’s feathered friends.
Introducing Nature Smart
Nature Smart: Midwest: Discovering the Natural World Around You will captivate readers with its immersive exploration of the Midwest’s prairies, wetlands, and woodlands. Stan’s engaging, science-based storytelling and practical advice make this book a must-have for families, educators, and anyone eager to become a more mindful naturalist.
Key Features:
Multisensory approach to nature exploration
Activities and tips for all ages
Focus on Midwest ecosystems and conservation
Inspires curiosity and environmental stewardship
Nature Smart: Midwest is the perfect starting point for anyone wanting to see nature through new eyes and become an active participant in environmental preservation.
Reptiles & Amphibians of the Midwest Field Guide
Releasing in June 2026, the Reptiles & Amphibians of the Midwest Field Guide is your essential companion for identifying turtles, snakes, lizards, frogs, toads, and other reptiles and amphibians across the Midwest.
Highlights:
Over 130 species found in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin
Organized by group and size for quick, accurate identification
Full-color photographs, including variations, bellies, and juveniles
Detailed range maps and croaking charts
Stan’s Notes with fascinating facts and natural history
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fan of herpetology, this new series will help you confidently identify and appreciate the Midwest’s diverse reptile and amphibian life.
Who is Stan Tekiela? Stan Tekiela is a leading naturalist, wildlife photographer, and author of over 190 field guides and nature books, specializing in North American wildlife.
What makes Stan Tekiela’s field guides unique? Each guide features user-friendly organization, full-color photographs, detailed range maps, and practical tips for accurate identification—making them ideal for beginners and experts alike.
Are these guides suitable for families and children? Absolutely! Each series is designed for accessibility, with clear language, engaging photos, and practical tips for all ages.
Why Choose Stan Tekiela’s New Nature Books?
Expertise: Decades of experience as a naturalist and wildlife photographer
Region-Specific: Focused on the Midwest and Virginia, plus many more
Visual Learning: Stunning, accurate photography and easy-to-read maps
Family-Friendly: Activities, fun facts, and clear organization for all ages
Get Ready to Explore with Stan Tekiela
Don’t miss out! Whether you’re planning a family hike, a solo adventure, or a classroom project, Stan’s new guides will help you discover and identify the amazing wildlife of your region. Pre-order today, share this post with fellow nature lovers, and subscribe for more updates on the best new field guides and nature books!
Ruby-throated hummingbird male, taken in central Minnesota
Bird migration is still one of nature’s most interesting-yet-mysterious events. On the surface, migration seems rather simple and straightforward, but if you stop and take a detailed look, you will see it offers every shade of complexity possible.
There are over 11,000 species of birds, and about 40% partake in some form of migration. Migrations range from simple elevational changes for species that live in the mountains, to short-distance movements to avoid unfavorable weather, to long-distance trips to warm climates to escape winter, to the granddaddy of them all—migration from one end of the Earth to the other. Right away, you can see there is more to migration than perhaps you thought.
In the 1800s, we didn’t understand much about migration. We thought it was impossible for a tiny bird to navigate over great distances and endure huge physical demands, so we said it was impossible and we came up with our own ideas to explain the unexplainable. It was thought that hummingbirds had to migrate on the backs of geese, in order for them to escape winter. We also said that some birds dove down to the bottom of ponds and overwintered in the mud. These kinds of theories now seem preposterous and outlandish. Yet at the time, they were accepted as fact.
In the 1900s, we started to develop new ways to study birds. Some of the earliest attempts to track migration involved catching a bird and tying a brightly colored ribbon on its wing, in hopes of being able to find the bird again during winter. This wasn’t very efficient, and one had to have an idea of where the bird stayed for the winter already to make this work.
When transistors were invented in the 1940s, the breakthrough made small electronics possible. By the end of the 1900s, small devices were used to track the migration of free-flying birds. This was the beginning of our better understanding of bird migration, but it was just the tip of the migration iceberg.
In just the past few decades, so much new—and almost unbelievable—information about bird migration has completely turned our understanding of migration upside down. Today, there are many ways to track migrating birds. One of these migration tracking tools is a website called Bird Cast from Cornell Lab. It can be found at www.birdcast.org. All you need to do is put in your county and state; then, each day during the migration season, you can see how many birds passed over your county on the previous night.
There is a ton of information available to anyone who is curious about what is going on with migration. In addition to the tally of birds migrating through your county, there is also information about what time they migrated, the timing of each nightly flight, along with flight direction and altitude. The site also has a list of the expected species that should be migrating.
For example, as I write this, 97,400 birds passed over my county last night, and at one given moment last night, 36,400 birds were in flight, traveling SSW at 14 mph, at an altitude of 600 feet, all at one time. In order to gather all this data, Bird Cast uses data from the national network of weather surveillance radars (NEXRAD). Sophisticated algorithms and machine-learning models are applied to the radar data to separate weather, such as precipitation, from biological signals (the birds). It then analyzes the strength of the radar signals to estimate the number of birds that are flying. Just like with weather, the data is used to give migration forecasts to predict nocturnal bird migration for the next few nights.
We sure have come a long way in our understanding of bird migration, unlocking some of the most mysterious natural events of nature. However, no doubt, there is so much more we don’t understand about bird migration, and we will surely learn more in the years to come. Until next time…
Stan Tekiela is an author / naturalist and wildlife photographer who travels extensively to study and capture images of wildlife. He can be followed on www.instagram.com and www.facebook.com. He can be contacted via his website www.naturesmart.com.
