The Bird Days of Summer Are Here
From safely observing nesting birds to celebrating and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ birding community, June is the perfect time to slow down and appreciate the richness of the season.
Welcome to the birdy side of the internet! As daylight stretches toward the summer solstice and warmth settles across northern latitudes, the air hums with nature’s rhythms—and a thrilling, if quieter, chapter of the birding year begins. This week, we look beyond the frantic pulse of migration to uncover the subtle, powerful magic that summer brings to our feathered friends across the Northern Hemisphere. From tender moments of new life to opportunities to uplift our birding community, June is a truly magical month. Let’s explore what makes these Bird Days of Summer so unforgettable.
This Week in Birding History: A Phalanx of Phalaropes
May 26, 2025 — Just days ago, birders on a New Hampshire Audubon pelagic trip in the western Gulf of Maine, off Jeffrey’s Ledge, witnessed a jaw-dropping spectacle: an estimated 11,760 Red Phalaropes (Phalaropus fulicarius) in New Hampshire waters, with another 3,020 just across the border in Massachusetts. You can find the eBird checklist here.
Red Phalaropes are a circumpolar shorebird species that breed throughout the coastal marshes of the Arctic tundra. Outside of the breeding season, they migrate to spend the winter far out at sea, mainly in the mid-Atlantic, southern Atlantic, and eastern Pacific Oceans.
Despite being the most pelagic or ocean-faring of the three phalarope species, lucky birders in all 48 contiguous United States have seen Red Phalaropes at inland or near-shore locations. And while they are neither rare nor unexpected at Jeffrey’s Ledge, the sheer number reported from New Hampshire is extraordinary. For context, the previous high count of Red Phalaropes in coastal New Hampshire stood at 268.
Even regionally, counts of Red Phalaropes of this magnitude are exceptionally rare. Here’s a short list of high counts that this event now joins:
November 30, 2023: offshore waters, New Jersey – 1,622 birds
May 28, 1977: George’s Bank, Massachusetts – 2,416 birds
September 14, 2008: offshore waters, Maine – 5,196 birds
December 13, 1992: Cape Cod, Massachusetts – 10,000 birds
November 15, 1954: Rockport, Massachusetts – 25,000 birds
September 6, 2024: Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia – 40,000 birds (at a known migration staging area)
However, all of these pale in comparison to the astonishing event on October 28, 1980, when Steve Laymon estimated 100,000 Red Phalaropes from Point Pinos, Monterey, California. A powerful storm had pushed an enormous number of birds close to shore, creating what Laymon described as a once-in-a-lifetime sighting. Nearly 45 years later, that global record still stands—proving him right.
Birding Tip: The Start of Breeding Season — How to Navigate Nesting Birds Ethically
In much of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly across northern North America and Eurasia, June marks the beginning of the breeding season for many bird species. This is one of the most intricate, critical, and demanding times in a bird’s life. Successful nesting is essential for bird populations to thrive, and for birders, it’s one of the most rewarding seasons of the year. From viewing dazzling courtship displays and nest-building to watching adults feed their young and defend territories, this time offers plenty of drama and delight. But with that opportunity comes the obligation to be especially careful and respectful. So, before we dive into a few tips on how to enjoy nesting birds, let’s start with a few key guidelines on ethics.
Ethics: Respecting Breeding Birds
Watching breeding birds is a privilege. And it comes with added responsibility. This is one of the most sensitive times in a bird’s life cycle, and human disturbance can have serious consequences, including nest abandonment or reduced breeding success. So, how do we go about being more respectful? Here are a few things we can all do.
No playback—While it may be tempting, especially with a library of bird vocalizations right on our smartphones, avoid using audio playback during the breeding season. Full stop. What seems harmless to us can cause unnecessary stress, provoke unnecessary territorial disputes, or drain vital energy. A close encounter might offer a memorable sighting or photo, but for the bird, it could be a matter of life or death.
Maintain a safe distance—Finding a nest, especially one built by a pair you’ve been watching for weeks, can be incredibly rewarding. However, the best way to celebrate these birds is by prioritizing their well-being. If you discover a nest, always maintain a safe distance from it. For rare or sensitive species, consider concealing the location on platforms like eBird or iNaturalist until the breeding period has ended. Even well-intentioned attention can attract crowds and lead to disruption. Some species, particularly raptors, are still targeted by poachers.
If a nest isn’t “where it belongs,” say above your front door, consult the National Audubon Society’s guidelines on how to manage the situation responsibly.
Editor’s note: Birding University encourages all birders to follow the American Birding Association’s Code of Birding Ethics whenever possible. These easy-to-understand guidelines encourage all birders to practice and promote respectful, enjoyable, and thoughtful birding in every season, including the sensitive breeding season.
Tips for Enjoying Birds During the Breeding Season
Across North America, breeding activity occurs in a wide variety of habitats and circumstances, from massive seabird colonies on the rocky shores of eastern Canada to the eccentric lekking of prairie-chickens on the Great Plains and even in backyards across the country—like a pair of Carolina Wrens nesting in an old watering can by a garage. Wherever you are, the breeding season offers a chance to see birds in a whole new way.
Learn habitats and vocalizations—During the breeding season, many birds rely more heavily on the habitats to which they are specially adapted. For example, a Blackpoll Warbler that you once observed in a city park during migration may now be found only in high-latitude or high-elevation spruce forests. To get the most out of your outings, learn about the breeding habitats of your target species and familiarize yourself with the songs and calls of local breeders. Knowing your local songscape can help you discover rare and unusual species when they occur nearby, just out of sight.
Become a morning person—As spring migration winds down, birds settle into new daily routines. Many species now focus their activity around dawn and dusk when conditions are cooler and most favorable for singing, feeding, and defending territories. Midday often brings a lull as birds escape the heat of the day or sit on nests, so plan your birding trips for early morning or evening to increase your chances of seeing interesting behaviors or high species diversity.
Bonus tip: While bird activity often slows during the heat of midday, it’s a great time to turn your attention to other winged wonders like butterflies and dragonflies. Not only are they fascinating and beautiful, but the same gear you use for birding—binoculars and cameras—works perfectly for observing these incredible insects.
Participate in community science efforts—The summer breeding season is also a great time to get involved in conservation efforts. Programs like the North American Breeding Bird Survey—a cooperative effort between the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and the Mexican National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity—monitor the status and trends of North American landbird populations through surveys conducted along designated routes.
State or county breeding bird atlases, such as the third Pennsylvania Bird Atlas, collect valuable data for regional conservation efforts, and many nest-monitoring initiatives, run by nature centers or nonprofits, rely on volunteers. Submitting breeding behavior observations on eBird or iNaturalist helps support global research and conservation efforts.
Bird’s Eye View: How Bird Feeders Are Impacting A Familiar Species
Hummingbirds have long captivated observers with their dazzling gem-like iridescent colors and breathtaking aerial acrobatics. Native exclusively to the Western Hemisphere, these remarkable birds thrive across a stunning range of habitats—from arid deserts and steamy jungles to coastal scrublands and alpine meadows. Wherever they appear, their vibrant presence enchants all who view them.
Along North America’s Pacific coast, one species has surged into the spotlight. Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) was once confined to a narrow year-round range along the Pacific slope of southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico. But over the past century, this resilient bird has dramatically expanded its range. Fueled by the widespread planting of exotic, year-round blooming trees like eucalyptus—offering a steady nectar supply—and the rising popularity of backyard feeders, Anna’s Hummingbirds now breed as far north as Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Their range also extends east into southern Arizona and even west Texas. Once a localized resident of Baja California and coastal California, this species has become a flourishing presence along much of the Pacific Flyway, with sightings reaching as far north as the Yukon and Alaska.
And now, new research published this week in Global Change Biology reveals that this expansion isn’t just about numbers or geography. It’s evolutionary, and we’ve played a direct role in it.
The study shows that while the widespread planting of eucalyptus trees in the 1800s served as an early stepping stone for some populations to expand their range, the common practice of hanging hummingbird feeders has been the primary driver for their northward expansion.
The researchers also discovered that the proliferation of feeders is causing rapid physical changes to the morphology of Anna’s Hummingbird bills. Using museum specimens and both 2D and 3D analyses, researchers found that bill size and shape have undergone rapid changes. Even birds from the 1950s were drastically different from those of the 1930s, periods when hummingbird feeding was arguably far less prevalent than it is today.
So, what changes did the researchers find? In warmer regions where feeders are often abundant, birds have evolved longer, more tapered bills, perfect for extracting sugar water efficiently. In colder northern areas, shorter bills help retain heat, doubling as tiny thermoregulators.
Even more striking, no pun intended: males are evolving sharper, more pointed bills. Scientists believe this is due to increased competition at feeders (which are more prevalent), where aggressive territorial battles are an everyday occurrence—something many of us have witnessed at our own hummingbird feeders.
Anna’s Hummingbirds are adapting right before our eyes to a world we’ve helped shape. Their story is a powerful reminder that evolution isn’t just ancient history or a distant concept. It’s a dynamic, ongoing process happening in real-time—in our neighborhoods, on our porches, and at the very tips of those tiny, changing bills. Watching these shimmering jewels evolve is a testament to life’s resilience and adaptability, intimately connected to our actions and the environment we shape.
The Dog Days Are Over; the Bird Days Are Here
For many birders across the United States and Canada, the so-called “dog days of summer” are perceived as a lull, a period of quiet when bird activity appears to decline. But in truth, summer is bursting with life, just as we highlighted above in our Birding Tip. These warm weeks offer a front-row seat to some of the most fascinating—and often overlooked—stages of a bird’s annual cycle. It’s time we stop calling them the dog days and recognize them for what they truly are: the Bird Days of Summer.
By midsummer, birdsong begins to fade. Most species sing to claim territories and attract mates, and once nesting is underway, there are fewer reasons to advertise. The resulting hush can feel like absence, but in fact, bird numbers are at their peak. Populations swell with newly fledged young, and by fall migration, there are more birds than at any other point of the year.
Although a few species are still migrating through in late spring, most birds are currently well into their breeding cycles. Some have already raised one brood and are preparing for a second; others, particularly in warmer regions, may be winding down for the year. While migration often grabs the spotlight, breeding is just as vital—and equally rewarding to observe.
From goslings paddling across ponds to bluebirds ferrying food to nest boxes, birders can watch territorial skirmishes, courtship displays, nest building, incubation, hatching, feeding, and fledging—all unfolding in real-time. It’s the perfect season to lean into the rhythms of your local patch, learning more about bird behavior and biology.
Here are some summer birding activities to focus on:
Observe breeding behaviors – From courtship to chick-rearing, summer reveals the whole arc of the breeding cycle.
Spot fledglings and family groups – Young birds learning to forage, fly, and bathe offer some of the most charming scenes of the season.
Witness molt – After nesting, many birds begin replacing worn feathers in preparation for migration or winter. It’s a subtle but vital transformation and an excellent challenge for ID skills.
Contribute to science – Summer checklists are especially valuable. Use breeding codes, submit eBird lists, or support projects like breeding bird atlases and surveys.
Bird your patch – You don’t need to travel far. Courtyards, balconies, and backyards can all attract birds, especially when native plants and clean water are available.
Editor’s note: Molt is a complex and often overwhelming topic, but it’s fundamental to understanding bird biology and identification. Birding University will explore molt in future newsletters and learning resources, from the basics to advanced strategies for field identification.
The best part about summer birding? You don’t have to go far to experience it. Whether you have a backyard, a shared courtyard, a balcony garden, or access to a local park, summer is an ideal time to engage with your immediate surroundings.
Last week, we discussed how to build a bird-friendly space. Now’s the time to put that into action. Add native plants, provide clean water, and maintain a few feeders—especially nectar feeders for hummingbirds. Freshwater is essential during heatwaves and can attract species that typically ignore seeds. Even birds that rarely visit feeders will stop to drink or bathe. Keep an eye out for fluff-headed juveniles awkwardly learning to bathe or feed—charming reminders that your habitat is helping raise the next generation.
With many birders sticking closer to home, it’s also a great time to tackle a few seasonal chores:
Clean and sanitize nest boxes between broods.
Check nectar feeders for mold and refresh them regularly after cleaning.
Avoid trimming dense shrubs where young birds might be sheltering.
Skip pesticides to protect the insects that baby birds rely on.
Summer birding may lack the spectacle of spring migration or the drama of autumn flights, but it rewards patience with a deeper, more intimate perspective. It’s a season of growth, transformation, and promise—the very future of our birds taking wing before our eyes. So grab your binoculars, top off the birdbath, and tune in. The Bird Days of Summer are here—and they’re full of life
Weekly Poll
Let’s Go Birding Together
As June arrives, so does Pride Month—a time to celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community. At Birding University, we believe that birding is for everyone, and we’re proud to stand with initiatives that make nature more welcoming and inclusive. One of our favorites is Let’s Go Birding Together (LGBT), a series of community events that intentionally create space for LGBTQIA+ birders, allies, families, and anyone who loves birds and the outdoors.
Started in 2016 by the National Audubon Society, Let’s Go Birding Together events aren’t just about spotting the next American Robin or Indigo Bunting —they’re about building connections. For too long, outdoor spaces haven’t always felt safe or inclusive for LGBTQIA+ individuals. These events, including bird walks, provide a joyful and affirming environment for experiencing the wonder of birds together. At Birding University, we’re proud to celebrate that vision and encourage all of our readers to support and uplift the beautiful diversity—of both birds and people—that makes this community so vibrant.
So, whether you’re organizing a local walk, joining one nearby, or simply spreading the word, know that you’re helping build a more inclusive birding world. Let’s Go Birding Together!
Thanks for Reading
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* Please visit Phil Stollsteimer Photography for more amazing bird photography.