Audubon has a fun competition going on right now, called "Birding the Net." Participants collect birds which are found on various participating sites around the web. On a special Facebook app, contestants can tally their totals and trade for needed birds with their friends. You can even find some right here on Birdorable!

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Here are some hints to get you started. Birdorable birds like to make friends. Roseate Spoonbill is particularly friendly (see above) - but Black-crested Titmouse and Northern Saw-whet Owl also like to meet new birdie pals. We like to meet new friends too, and to hear from our fans! You can learn more about the campaign in the official Audubon press release. The contest ends November 7th. Have fun Birding the Web - we are!

Many countries have an official national bird. For example, the national bird of Belize is the Keel-billed Toucan, and the national bird of New Zealand is the Kiwi. All U.S. states also have official birds. But did you know that there are even some cities that have their own official bird? The official city bird of Seattle, Washington, is the Great Blue Heron. For a bustling oceanside metropolis known for its seafood, a fish-eating bird is a great choice for an official city bird. Of course, herons take other prey, including frogs, turtles, and even small mammals! Seattle is also known for its weather - lots of rain. A big blue-grey bird fits in there just fine! You can read more about the Great Blue Heron at the Seattle Audubon Society.

Birdorable Great Blue Heron with the flag of Seattle

Hey everyone, we've got some more new free Halloween downloads for you! Last week we debuted four free cute bird pumpkin carving patterns. Now we're offering two printable Birdorable owl masks for your creative Halloween fun! The faces of our cute Barred Owl and Barn Owl are here in larger-than-life full color, ready to print out and wear for Halloween or your next bird-themed fancy dress party! The masks can be made to wear, with the simple addition of some string, or made masquerade-style, stuck on a stick. Just click on a mask thumbnail to get your free downloadable mask!

The Barn Owl has several nicknames, including the Halloween-appropriate Demon Owl and Ghost Owl. Barn Owl vocalizations include blood-curdling screams, so be sure to warm up your vocal cords before donning this mask. Pair the mask with an all-white outfit and a tan cape to complete your Barn Owl costume!

Barred Owls are nocturnal birds that like deep, dark forests and swampy habitats. They are known for their distinctive "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?" call. Pairs of Barred Owls perform amazing hooting vocal duets, so grab a friend and go as a pair of Barred Owls this Halloween! Tip: add some black makeup around your eyes to match the large dark eyes of the Barred Owl.

Have you used any of our free printable downloads at home, in your classroom, or at an event? We’d love to hear about it! Send us photos of the pages in action, or the final result – we may showcase them on our blog!