Spectacular Birds

Tri-colored herons
Tri-colored herons
Credit: Jim Williams

To the uninitiated, birding may seem just too difficult – all that squinting through binoculars, trying to distinguish subtle marks on tiny creatures. There's an easy solution: Begin with the big birds – hard to miss for their size and often dramatic plumage. National wildlife refuges across the country offer great places to find them.

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During Hawaii's Golden Anniversary, See its Birds of Paradise

Crowd of people surrounding Alan Peck and his sled.
Hawaiian i'iwi bird
Credit: jackjeffreyphoto.com

During 2009, when Hawaii celebrates its 50th year of statehood, see one natural resource that has made the state famous – the Hawaiian i'iwi. You will recognize its bright red plumage and long, curved beak – perfect for extracting nectar from the tubular ‘ōhi ‘a lehua blossoms found in the native rainforest canopy.

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Birding Resources from National Wildlife Refuges


Bird Checklists