The Shopwada Journal

Seasons

Species ID guides, backyard how-tos, seasonal birding and gift ideas — written by the Shopwada Field Team.

Audubon plates of a Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee and Snowy Owls — winter birds
Backyard

Winter Bird Feeding Tips: What to Feed & How to Help Birds

Long nights and short days make winter tough for small birds. The best foods, smart feeder setup, and hygiene habits that keep your winter flock healthy.

4 min read
Audubon plates of a Baltimore Oriole, Painted Bunting and Ruby-throated Hummingbird — spring migrants
Seasons

Spring Bird Migration: When It Peaks & How to See It

Billions of birds move north every spring, mostly at night. Here's when migration peaks where you live, how to read the forecasts, and how to catch the show.

4 min read
Audubon plates of a Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal and American Goldfinch — common backyard count birds
Seasons

Great Backyard Bird Count 2027: How to Join (Feb 12–15)

Fifteen minutes, any place, any birds. Everything you need to join the Great Backyard Bird Count, February 12–15, 2027 — and make your count useful to science.

4 min read
Audubon's Great Northern Diver plate beside Shopwada's watercolor Common Loon illustration
Bird Guides

Common Loon Calls: The Wail, Yodel & Tremolo Explained

The haunting sound of a northern lake at night is actually four different calls. A guide to loon voices, plumage, and how to enjoy loons without disturbing them.

4 min read
Audubon plates of an American Robin, Northern Cardinal and Northern Mockingbird on a cream background
Backyard

Bird Bath in Winter: How to Keep Water Open for Birds

In winter, fresh water can be harder for birds to find than food. How to keep a bird bath open safely — and what never to add to the water.

4 min read