Plus: Help with tricky bird IDs, a California Condor feeding session, and more!
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Cornell Lab eNews

October 26, 2025

Click or tap to watch hear the sound of 10 different owls

Barred Owl by Gang Wu / Macaulay Library.

Hoots, Toots, Whinnies, and Barks: Top Ten Owl Sounds to Get You in a Spooky Mood

This week wouldn't be complete without some owls in the mix—so we've rounded up some stellar examples of owl sounds for you to take in. Sit back, relax, and see which ones are familiar and which ones you're hearing for the first time. Watch and listen now. 

CLick or tap to see a guide toe distinguishing between House FInch and Purple Finch

Macaulay Library mystery birds by Martina Nordstrand and Dorrie Holmes.

Which Finch Is Which? 

The only thing scary about the birds above is being unsure of which species is which 👻.  Either of these rosy rascals may show up in your yard or at your feeder this fall and winter—do you know which one is a House Finch and which one is a Purple Finch? Our tricky bird ID guide from FeederWatch makes it a cinch. (Check your answer below.)

Click or tap to watch a California Condor feeding session

Trick-or-Treat, California Condor Style

In this version of the holiday ritual (as seen on the California Condor Cam) the adult knocks on the door, but it's still the youngster that gets the treat. What goodies await the eager young condor? Regurgitated carrion, of course. Watch if you dare!

Walk leader Adé Ben-Salahuddin regards an "early" bird. Photo by Nicholas St. Fleur.

Bird News and Resources

 

Are You FeederWatch-Curious? Join tens of thousands of others in the FeederWatch community and add some science and excitement to your fall and winter routine. Read all about it. 

 

Behind-the-Scenes With Merlin from the American Birding Association Podcast: Listen to Cornell Lab staffers Miyoko Chu and Alli Smith discuss the rise, reach, and international reaction to the Merlin Bird ID app. 

 

Read the Latest Issue of Living Bird magazine: You'll find stories about Whooping Cranes, crossbills, Superb Starlings, and much more. 

 

Attend a Bird Festival: Festivals are a great way to enjoy birds and meet like-minded people. See our bird festival directory.
 
Which Bird is Which? Answer: The bird on the left is a House Finch, the bird on the right is a Purple Finch

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