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A Birder’s Guide to U.S. Federal Public Lands

10,000 Birds

Birders know that some of the finest birding locations in the country are on federal land , which include national parks , wildlife refuges , forests , monuments , and seashores , among others. These lands support countless birds, either year-round, as migratory stopovers, or as breeding grounds. But what else should birders know?

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What is a “Nonessential Experimental” California Condor?

10,000 Birds

Although sometimes thought of a bird of the Southwest, the condor’s historical range reaches as far north as British Columbia. In 1806, Lewis and Clark saw condors near the Columbia River, which makes up much of the Washington-Oregon border. appeared first on 10,000 Birds. The longer answer requires some background.

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The Best Birding Locations in the United States (according to ChatGPT)

10,000 Birds

But does ChatGPT have even a rudimentary understanding of a niche topic like birding? I asked it a few questions about birding locations and the (unedited) results are below, along with some brief analysis. Please note that the availability of specific bird species may vary depending on the season.

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Bird Litigation: Spotted Owl v. Barred Owl

10,000 Birds

The Northern Spotted Owl is a “ threatened ” species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and it was famously the subject of extensive and protracted litigation in the late 1980s and early 1990s, mostly relating to forestry management plans in the Pacific Northwest. Most relevant to this case is 50 C.F.R.

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eBird Economics: How Much Would You Pay to See Birds?

10,000 Birds

Birders derive “value” from birding. But does the value of a particular trip come from the number of birds seen, viewing a particular species, seeing an endangered species, catching a glimpse of a rarity, adding a lifer, or something else? How much do birders value a birding experience?

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Should Puerto Rico be Part of the ABA Area?

10,000 Birds

Virgin Islands not part of the American Birding Association’s ABA Area ? The addition of Hawaii eliminated any notion that the ABA Area is defined by geography or ecology and the inclusion of the territories of Washington D.C. This makes sense: why should political subdivisions within a nation apply to a national birding organization?

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Inside a Bald Eagle’s Nest: A Photographic Journey through the American Bald Eagle Nesting Season

10,000 Birds

Nearly wiped out by human heedlessness, development, and pesticide use, under the protection of the Endangered Species Act this handsome fish eagle has made a stunning comeback, rebounding in numbers and recolonizing areas where many thought they were gone forever. As an experiment, I also ran this book by a non-birding friend.