Head outdoors and observe nature with these essential tools, like field guides, binoculars, and bird feeders.

BIRDS
If you're looking for something to do online, watch a peregrine falcon incubate her eggs on top of a New York City skyscraper.
Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium is closed to visitors due to the coronavirus outbreak, and the penguins there got to take advantage of the empty halls.
Scientists discovered the skull of a bird-like dinosaur. More than 100 tiny teeth line the jaws of the skull, suggesting that this dinosaur was small but deadly (to insects).
This Costa Rica animal rescue center houses every kind of animal, from spider monkeys to sea turtles.
The discovery of 10 bird species and subspecies on three remote islands in Indonesia marks the first time in over a century that so many new birds have been found in such a small area.
A population boom of snowy owls has catalyzed unexpected bird migration (and given Michiganders a fantastic bird-watching opportunity, too).
On January 4, 1900, a child was born in Philadelphia. His name was Bond. James Bond. He would grow up to become an ornithologist, and lived a fairly quiet, normal life—until someone borrowed his name.
Pink flamingos mingle with guests during yoga sessions at the Baha Mar Resort, lending a helping beak when necessary.
Steppe eagles have 7-foot wingspans, mainly eat carrion, and never read the fine print on their cell phone plans.
Even though there are no people living on Mullion Island off Cornwall in England, rubber bands turn up there by the thousands. Now researchers think they know why.
The bird was criticized for crowing too early in the morning, leading to a dispute that reached a French court.
A stork is proving that long-distance relationships can work. Klepetan, a South African male stork, flies over 8000 miles each year to see his avian lady love.
The new species, dubbed 'Crossvallia waiparensi,' waddled the Earth some time between 66 and 56 million years ago.
The adoptive parents are teaching their duck how to be a loon, and the results are a little (dare we say it?) loony.
Roadrunners—the iconic birds of the American Southwest—are brave enough to feast on rattlesnakes and outsmart coyotes (really, we're not kidding).
With its massive beak and penetrating stare, a shoebill stork is not a bird you'd want to meet in a dark alley. Read on for some little-known facts about this African icon.
Feral chicken flocks are crowing at dawn, chasing joggers, and trampling local gardens on Jersey, a UK Channel Island.
The durable little killifish egg can travel along the swan's digestive tract and later hatch, which might explain how some fish wind up in isolated freshwater locations.
Vultures are natures clean-up crew, swiftly flying in to rid our nations highways of roadkill—among other acts that help the environment.
John James Audubon didn't establish the Audubon Society, but he did create of America's most iconic works of natural history, 'The Birds of America.' He also had controversial views about vultures.
With their comical expressions and orange beaks full of fish, Atlantic puffins and their kin are some of the most recognizable birds on the planet. Read on for more puffin facts.