Cornell Lab eNews

October 12, 2025

American Robin by Matthew D. Medler / Macaulay Library.

A Classic Sign of Fall? Spotlight on the American Robin

Worms are so last season! This time of year, American Robins flock (often in large numbers) to native fruiting trees and shrubs like crabapples, mountain ash, and sumac. Watch this short video and see if you know what you think you know about this ubiquitous bird. 

Mystery bird by Sasha Smith / Macaulay Library.

What Bird Is This? 

Here's a bird friend to keep your eyes peeled for this fall. These sparrows haunt the brushy edges of fields and forests across much of  the Lower 48 during the fall and winter. They often forage on or near the ground, and tend to travel in large, loose flocks. The fresh feathers and muted field marks on the individual above tell us this bird is still in its first year. Look closely! Do you know the species?

Do Bird Decals Prevent Collisions? Researchers Put Them to the Test  

People often put bird silhouettes on windows in an attempt to decrease bird collisions. Unfortunately, birds often avoid the decals and still hit the windows. See how researchers used a special flight tunnel to test which patterns of decals does reduce deadly bird strikes.

Bird News and Resources

Sharpen Your Bird ID With Fun Quizzes: House Finch or Purple Finch? Downy or Hairy Woodpecker? Sort out your tricky bird IDs in time for Project FeederWatch, starting November 1. 

People Banding Together to Keep Birds Safe: The Bird Collision Prevention Alliance was featured on NPR's All Things Considered last week. 

Lost and Found: The Race to Rediscover Lost Birds: Hear about recent rediscoveries, and how you could join in the search. Watch the recorded webinar now.