Flappy Winged Wizard

07/21/2026

https://flappywingedwizard.substack.com/p/finding-banded-birds?r=8lkxkj

07/21/2026

A state-endangered bird made a rare appearance in downtown Chicago.| DETAILS⬇️

07/14/2026

Within minutes of walking on a San Diego beach, marine ornithologist Tammy Russell found the feathered carcasses — one after another. Some were mixed in

07/13/2026

📣UPDATE FROM THE FIELD!🥇

Last week we were thrilled to recapture our longevity record holder, this female Black Swift has done it again by setting a record for the oldest living Black Swift on record at at least 22 years old. Originally banded in 2005, this female has been recovered 19 times over the years.

This is really an amazing feat for a small aerial insectivore that migrates down to the Amazon and back EVERY YEAR!

📸The oldest female Black Swift that was recaptured last week.

Note: All banding, marking, and sampling is being conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey.

07/12/2026

07/11/2026

And the winner is… Asset Art
Thank you to everyone who submitted their artwork it was beautiful.

We are thrilled to start getting some new Heermann’s Gull merch ordered!

07/10/2026

https://fb.watch/IgQ1tSy8sB/?mibextid=wwXIfr

07/05/2026

Here you see two American coot young, begging for the adult to feed them

07/04/2026

Most people walk past a bird on the beach and assume it’s resting.
But sometimes it’s not resting at all.
It’s injured or sick.

In Santa Barbara County, I’ve encountered three seabirds that needed help: a stranded Red-throated Loon, an oiled Clark’s Grebe, and an injured Heermann’s Gull.

I called wildlife rescue each time. The outcomes were different though every call mattered.

Know when a bird needs help... and report to beach staff if there are any (e.g. a ranger at a state park) or call a wildlife rescue hotline.

This article is for anyone who visits California beaches. It could save a life.

One phone call could save a life—or end needless suffering.