As the chill of winter starts to fade, we're eagerly anticipating the return of warblers this spring. Currently, these tiny travelers are basking in warmer weather far from their breeding grounds up here and further north. Smart birds, indeed! In a few short months, they'll grace us once again, and we'll be out and about, binoculars in hand, searching for beauties like the Northern Parula, Prothonotary Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Kirtland's Warbler, and Nashville Warbler.

To celebrate their upcoming return, we're spotlighting our Warbler Fan design, shown here on a Bella+Canvas Jersey Short Sleeve T-Shirt from Zazzle. The design is also available other apparel styles and gifts on Amazon and Zazzle. This design showcases some of the most cherished warbler species that birdwatchers love to spot. It's a perfect way to show off your enthusiasm for these feathered wonders and keep the spirit of birding alive, even when the trees are still bare, and the air is crisp. Whether you're a seasoned birder or someone who simply enjoys the colorful spectacle these birds provide, this t-shirt is a wonderful nod to the joy and anticipation that comes with warbler season.

1. Black Skimmers are fascinating birds, known for their unique feeding method. They glide over water, using their elongated lower mandibles to skim the surface and catch fish. This specialized technique is a marvel of nature's design.
2. Interestingly, baby Black Skimmers are born with upper and lower mandibles of the same length. It's only during the fledging period that the lower mandible grows longer, preparing them for their distinctive way of foraging.
3. Among the world's bird species, there are only three types of skimmers, and the Black Skimmer is the only one found in the Americas. This makes it a special sight for bird enthusiasts across North and South America.
4. Parental care in Black Skimmers is a joint effort. Both males and females share the duty of incubating the eggs. Impressively, male Black Skimmers are equipped with brood patches, which is quite rare among birds. After the chicks hatch, both parents continue to brood and feed the nestlings, showcasing a remarkable example of cooperation.
5. The Black Skimmer has earned a variety of folk names over the years, including Seadog, Scissor-bill, and Cutwater. These names highlight the bird's unique appearance and feeding habits.
6. While Black Skimmers are active throughout the day, they are mainly crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. This behavior allows them to efficiently feed when fish come closer to the water's surface.
7. One of the most intriguing features of Black Skimmers is their large, vertically-oriented pupils, similar to those of cats. This adaptation is unique among birds and helps them see in low light, aiding their crepuscular feeding habits.
8. Despite their strong association with water, Black Skimmers do not swim. They have adapted to feed and live near water without the need for swimming capabilities.
9. The BP Oil Spill Disaster in 2010 posed a significant threat to the Black Skimmer population along the Gulf Coast. Their feeding method, which involves skimming the water's surface, made them especially vulnerable to oil contamination. The disaster resulted in the death of 192 skimmers, as noted by the FWS, highlighting the environmental risks these birds face.
10. The Black Skimmer has been embraced by bird lovers around the world and was added to the Birdorable collection on December 2nd, 2010. This addition celebrates the bird's unique charm and the affection it inspires among birdwatching communities.

Dive into the vibrant world of the tropics with our Birdorable Colorful Toucan design, a dazzling homage to one of the most iconic birds of the rainforest, the Toco Toucan. This striking design captures the essence of the toucan's playful spirit and its remarkable color palette, bringing a touch of exotic flair to your everyday life.

Toucans are known for their large, colorful bills, which are not just visually stunning but also serve practical purposes. These remarkable beaks help toucans in feeding by reaching fruit on branches too small to support their weight and play a crucial role in their social interactions. 

Whether you're a bird lover, a conservationist, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, this design speaks to the heart. It's perfect for adding a splash of color to your wardrobe, brightening up your home décor, or finding that special, meaningful gift for a friend or family member who shares your passion for birds and the environment.

Dive into the intriguing world of the Pied-billed Grebe, a fascinating bird that might not grab headlines but certainly deserves a moment in the spotlight. Here are 10 captivating facts about this modest avian marvel:

1. Pied-billed Grebes are Excellent Swimmers: These birds are adapted to life in the water, using their lobed feet to propel themselves with ease when diving for fish and insects.

2. Their Bills Change Color: In the breeding season, the bill of the Pied-billed Grebe turns a distinctive white with a black band, earning them their "pied" name.

3. Grebes Sink to Escape Danger: Unlike most birds that take flight, Pied-billed Grebes can sink quietly into the water to avoid predators, disappearing without a trace.

4. They are Poor Flyers: While capable of flight, Pied-billed Grebes are rarely seen doing so. Their strong legs are set far back on their body, making takeoffs awkward and landings splashy.

5. Pied-billed Grebes are Solitary Birds: Outside of breeding season, they prefer to keep to themselves, often seen alone on ponds and lakes.

6. Their Vocalizations are Unique: The calls of Pied-billed Grebes include a series of loud, cuckoo-like calls and a strange, pumping noise.

7. Baby Grebes Can Swim at Birth: Almost immediately after hatching, Pied-billed Grebe chicks are in the water, swimming under the watchful eyes of their parents.

8. They Eat Their Own Feathers: Both adults and chicks consume feathers, which help prevent injury from fish bones and form a plug in the stomach to trap and digest bones more efficiently.

9. Pied-billed Grebes Build Floating Nests: Their nests are anchored to plants in the water, providing safety from predators and rising water levels.

10. They Have a Wide Range: Pied-billed Grebes can be found across the Americas, from Canada to Argentina, adapting to various freshwater habitats.

The Pied-billed Grebe might not be as flashy as some of its avian counterparts, but its unique characteristics and behaviors make it a remarkable species worthy of attention and admiration. Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or new to the avian world, keeping an eye out for these intriguing creatures can add an exciting element to your next outdoor adventure.

Who says fashion can't be a hoot? Certainly not the wise and ever-stylish owls! Our latest Birdorable Owls are cool t-shirt design showcases a Birdorable Barred Owl donning a pair of sleek sunglasses, transforming this nocturnal bird of prey into the epitome of cool. 

Barred Owls are known for their soulful, dark eyes and the distinctive “who-cooks-for-you” hooting, but on this t-shirt, they're bringing a new vibe to the birding community. It's a perfect blend of fun, education, and style, suitable for all ages and destined to spark conversations and smiles.

This t-shirt is perfect for casual outings, birdwatching trips, or as a cozy top for lounging at home, the "Owls are cool" T-shirt is versatile, comfortable, and stylish. It's a wonderful gift for the owl enthusiast in your life or a delightful treat for yourself. So spread your wings, flaunt your feathers, and let the world know just how cool owls—and you—really are.

As the festive season reaches its crescendo, the twelfth day of Birdorable brings the rhythmic beat of 12 Drumming Ruffed Grouse! Our celebration of avian charm wraps up today by welcoming the Ruffed Grouse into the Birdorable family.

Echoing the classic line "Twelve Drummers Drumming" from the beloved carol "The 12 Days of Christmas," the Ruffed Grouse offers its own natural percussion. These birds are known for their unique "drumming" behavior, which is a showy display used to woo potential mates. The male Ruffed Grouse creates this drumming sound not with instruments but with the rapid beating of their wings while standing on a log or the ground. This act is as integral to the courtship of these birds as a dozen drummers in a holiday parade.

The drumming of the Ruffed Grouse is more than just a mating call; it's a signature sound of the American woodlands. As we conclude our 12 Days of Birdorable, we hope these drumming Ruffed Grouse have tapped their way into your hearts, bringing joy and a touch of nature's music to your holiday celebrations. May the beat of their wings inspire you to explore and appreciate the natural wonders around us.

We thank you for joining us on this Birdorable journey, and we look forward to sharing more avian delights with you in the future. Happy holidays, and keep listening for the drumming that calls you back to nature!

This is the twelfth and final day of our 12 Days of Birdorable holiday event. Previously featured were:

• Eleven Piping Plovers
• Ten Lord Howe Woodhens
• Nine Lady Amherst's Pheasants
• Eight Milky Storks
• Seven Swans-a-swimming
• Six Geese-a-laying
• Five Gold-ringed Tanagers
• Four Calling Birds
• Three French Hens
• Two Turtle Doves
• and A Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the eleventh day of Birdorable, the air was filled with the charming tunes of 11 Piping Plovers! As our 12 Days of Birdorable celebration marches on, we spotlight the utterly adorable Piping Plover, a bird that captures the essence of festive joy with its delightful presence.

Drawing inspiration from the "Eleven Pipers Piping" verse of the iconic "The 12 Days of Christmas" song, it's easy to see why the Piping Plover is a fitting feathered equivalent for today's gift. Unlike the traditional musicians playing their pipes, these birds bring their own unique melody to the mix, serenading the air with their distinctive, high-pitched calls that echo the sound of pipe-pipe-pipe-pipe. It's as if nature's own band is playing a tune, perfectly in sync with the holiday spirit.

Piping Plovers are more than just their musical call; they're a marvel of the avian world. With their compact, rounded bodies, sand-colored plumage, and striking black bands across the forehead and neck, they are a sight to behold. These characteristics not only make them adorable but also serve as excellent camouflage against the sandy beaches and shores they call home.

Despite their cute appearance and joyful demeanor, Piping Plovers are a symbol of resilience and vulnerability. Classified as Near Threatened on the global scale, their populations face significant threats from habitat loss, human disturbance, and predation. Efforts to protect their nesting grounds and raise awareness about their conservation needs are crucial for ensuring that the melodic call of the Piping Plover continues to grace our coastlines.

This is the eleventh day of our 12 Days of Birdorable holiday event. Previously featured were:

• Ten Lord Howe Woodhens
• Nine Lady Amherst's Pheasants
• Eight Milky Storks
• Seven Swans-a-swimming
• Six Geese-a-laying
• Five Gold-ringed Tanagers
• Four Calling Birds
• Three French Hens
• Two Turtle Doves
• and A Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the tenth day of Birdorable, a unique surprise awaited me… ten Lord Howe Woodhens! As we continue our festive 12 Days of Birdorable celebration, we're thrilled to introduce a bird that's not only new to our collection but also carries the distinction of being critically important to conservation efforts—the Lord Howe Woodhen.

Diverging from the traditional "Ten Lords-a-Leaping" verse from the beloved "The 12 Days of Christmas" carol, we find a remarkable avian counterpart in the Lord Howe Woodhen. With its regal name, this bird perfectly embodies the essence of nobility and grace. The Lord Howe Woodhen, a precious gem within the rail family, calls Lord Howe Island home. This small, remote island off the coast of Australia is the only place on Earth where these birds can be found, making them endemic to this specific locale. Their story is one of survival and conservation triumph, as efforts have been made to protect their habitat and ensure their future.

Unlike the grandeur suggested by lords leaping, the Lord Howe Woodhen leads a more humble existence. It thrives in the dense undergrowth of the island's forests, foraging for food and living a largely unseen life. However, its significance cannot be overstated; the Lord Howe Woodhen is a symbol of the delicate balance of ecosystems and the importance of conservation work in preserving our planet's biodiversity.

May the story of the Lord Howe Woodhen inspire you to learn more about endangered species and the efforts to protect them. Happy holidays, and here's to finding joy and wonder in the natural world around us.

This is the tenth day of our 12 Days of Birdorable holiday event. Previously featured were:

• Nine Lady Amherst's Pheasants
• Eight Milky Storks
• Seven Swans-a-swimming
• Six Geese-a-laying
• Five Gold-ringed Tanagers
• Four Calling Birds
• Three French Hens
• Two Turtle Doves
• and A Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the ninth day of Birdorable, my true love sent to me … 9 Lady Amherst's Pheasants! As we glide through our festive 12 Days of Birdorable celebration, today shines a spotlight on a breathtaking addition to our avian family—the Lady Amherst's Pheasant.

Embracing the spirit of "Nine Ladies Dancing" from the enchanting "The 12 Days of Christmas" carol, we introduce the Lady Amherst's Pheasant, a bird whose stunning plumage and elegant demeanor perfectly encapsulate the grace and beauty of dancers. Native to the forests and bamboo thickets of China, this exquisite bird, named after Countess Sarah Amherst, who was instrumental in bringing the species to attention in the 19th century, is a true masterpiece of nature.

The Lady Amherst's Pheasant is distinguished by its remarkable coloration and striking patterns. Males boast a dazzling array of colors, with a white, silver, blue, and green body, complemented by a red and yellow tail that is nothing short of spectacular. Females, while more subdued in their color palette, carry a beauty all their own with their elegantly patterned brown and white feathers.

Though originally from China, the allure of the Lady Amherst's Pheasant has led to the establishment of feral populations in various parts of the world, where they continue to captivate bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. 

Let the elegance and splendor of the Lady Amherst's Pheasant be a source of joy and wonder this holiday season. This is the ninth day of our 12 Days of Birdorable holiday event. Previously featured were:

• Eight Milky Storks
• Seven Swans-a-swimming
• Six Geese-a-laying
• Five Gold-ringed Tanagers
• Four Calling Birds
• Three French Hens
• Two Turtle Doves
• and A Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the eighth day of Birdorable, the gift was truly unique... 8 Milky Storks! Our festive 12 Days of Birdorable journey unfolds further with the introduction of a fascinating new member of the bird kingdom, the Milky Stork, from the diverse stork family.

In a creative twist on the traditional "Eight Maids-a-Milking" from the timeless "The 12 Days of Christmas" carol, we celebrate the Milky Stork, a name that playfully nods to the original verse while steering our holiday focus back to the avian world. Historically, the task of milking dairy cows was often seen as "women's work," a role deeply rooted in pastoral life. However, in the spirit of Birdorable, where every day is an opportunity to honor our feathered friends, we've opted for a bird that brings its own brand of "milky" magic to the mix.

The Milky Stork, with its striking white plumage contrasted by black flight feathers and a distinct pinkish bill, is a sight to behold. This bird, primarily found in coastal and wetland areas of Southeast Asia, embodies the elegance and grace that storks are known for. Though it shares its habitat with other stork species, the Milky Stork stands out due to its unique coloration and the serene beauty it adds to its surroundings.

This is the eighth day of our 12 Days of Birdorable holiday event. Previously featured were:

• Seven Swans-a-swimming
• Six Geese-a-laying
• Five Gold-ringed Tanagers
• Four Calling Birds
• Three French Hens
• Two Turtle Doves
• and A Partridge in a Pear Tree