Kenn Kaufman’s Notebook

What's Behind the Mysterious Decline of the Red-headed Woodpecker?
October 13, 2017 — Popular and unmistakable, the bird has seen drastic population drop-offs over the past 50 years. Why?
Being a Good American Kestrel Dad Comes at a Cost
August 08, 2017 — Why do male kestrels lose out to females for the best wintering sites? It goes back to their roles as breadwinners during the breeding season.
The Catbird Has a Simple Trick to Outsmart Brood Parasites
May 24, 2017 — When it comes to protecting its nest from the Brown-headed Cowbird and other nest invaders, the quirky Gray Catbird is especially talented.
The Barn Swallow Is Slowly Conquering the World
April 27, 2017 — By expanding its breeding range in an unprecedented way, the adaptable swallow continues its spread—while baffling bird experts along the way.
The Fascinating and Complicated Sex Lives of White-throated Sparrows
March 29, 2017 — With their quadruple personalities, those little brown birds at your feeder are a lot more interesting than they might appear.
Even John James ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Couldn't Tell the Difference Between Scaup Ducks
February 22, 2017 — ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ and his rival, Alexander Wilson, disagreed about the habits of scaup ducks. But that's because they were describing two different birds.
Unwelcome by Some, the Ring-necked Pheasant Is an American Success Story
January 24, 2017 — It might not be native to the U.S., but like so many other immigrants, the bird has thrived here.
The White-winged Crossbill Is the Bird That Never Goes Home
January 10, 2017 — A continuous search for spruce cones makes this crossbill the ultimate avian nomad.
How the Stealthy Saw-whet Owl Duped Scientists for a Century
December 20, 2016 — Once thought to be rare and non-migratory by researchers, it turns out this little owl is just the opposite.
The Mighty Ringed Kingfisher Has Invaded Texas
December 06, 2016 — Once a rarity along the border, this ‘King Kongfisher’ has become a year-round resident. Why is still a mystery.