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Illustrator David Sibley and actor H. Jon Benjamin will face off in the bird illustration battle of the century during BirdNote's Year-end Celebration and Auction!
This month marks twenty years of BirdNote, with well over two thousand episodes. In all that time together, we’ve learned a lot from the many birds featured across our episodes. Birds are more than just fascinating creatures to observe — they have wisdom to share, if we take the time to listen. Here are some of the most valuable lessons we’ve learned from the avian world in the past 20 years of BirdNote.
Flock Together: The Power of Teamwork
Birds remind us that we are stronger together. From geese flying in V formations to Harris's Hawks hunting in groups of two to six and species that communally raise their young, teamwork is key to survival. Just as birds rely on their flocks, we thrive when we support one another.
Little Birds, Big Feats
Some of the tiniest birds accomplish the most incredible journeys. Whether it's a hummingbird crossing the Gulf of Mexico in a single flight or a sandpiper riding the wind on a 9,000-mile migration, birds teach us that with determination, anything is possible.
Take It Slow and Listen
Birds are often best appreciated not in a rush, but in stillness. Slow birding — taking time to observe and listen — enhances our connection to nature. Birdsong, in particular, can reduce stress and improve well-being.
The Miraculous Everyday
Common birds are a marvel. How lucky are we to live in a world where birds are everywhere? House Sparrows, Starlings, and Pigeons may seem ordinary, but their adaptability and resilience are extraordinary. Let’s appreciate them — and work together to keep birds common. Learn how to find birds any time of the day in this "Birding 101" BirdNote Daily episode!
Beauty is Everywhere
Some birds turn the most unexpected materials into something spectacular. Bowerbirds, for example, create intricate displays out of whatever they can find — including bottle caps and plastic scraps. Their creativity reminds us that beauty can be found in the most unlikely places.
Play and Have Fun
Corvids — like crows and ravens — play games, from aerial acrobatics to tug-of-war with feathers. Play isn’t just fun; it’s linked to intelligence. At BirdNote, we embrace creativity too, whether it's our playful BirdNoir mystery series or a song like Clair de Loon.
Improvise When Necessary
Birds are resourceful — they are masters of adaptation. No matter where they live, whether deep in the forest or in the heart of a bustling city, they find creative ways to survive and thrive. Nesting is a perfect example. When natural spaces are scarce, birds don’t give up; they improvise. Like birds, we can find new solutions, adapt to our surroundings, and create opportunities in unlikely places.
Always Have a Backup Plan
While most birds build a single nest, tiny Verdins construct several. Having extra shelters ensures a warm nest is always nearby when temperatures plunge for chilly desert nights. It’s a good reminder to plan ahead and stay flexible.
Dress for the Occasion
Many birds that we think of as vibrant and flashy, like American Goldfinches or the neon bill of a puffin, shed their bright colors after the breeding season for a more subdued, camouflaged look. They know you don’t need to look like a 10 every day of the year! Many birds molt into duller feathers after breeding season, saving their energy for survival rather than aesthetics. They know that looking your best all the time isn’t necessary — sometimes, blending in is the smarter choice.
Find Your Niche
In the desert of the southwestern US, Canyon and Cactus Wrens are able to share space by specializing in different environments. The rough trilled phrases of the Cactus Wren song pulse through the dense cactus, while the clear tones of the Canyon Wren echo off the hard stone, carrying a long distance. Make your own kind of music, and you’ll thrive.
It’s Never Too Late
By 1987, only 27 California Condors remained. Today, thanks to conservation efforts, their numbers have climbed to over 550. Birds teach us that no matter how dire a situation seems, hope is never lost when we work together.
At BirdNote, we’re always learning from birds. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or just discovered the show, we’re grateful to share this journey with you. Here’s to another twenty years of learning, listening, and celebrating birds — one day at a time.
Want to hear more? Explore thousands of BirdNote stories and celebrate two decades of learning from birds. Listen now and search through our archives to find your favorite shows.
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Photo Credit: Eared Grebe © Greg Lavaty