Finding Joy in Birds

I’m writing this in early April from my living room in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. My work-at-home routine includes frequent visits to the window to check my bird feeder. Earlier this week I messaged my team, declaring that every dark-eyed junco in the county was in my yard—or so it seemed. And editor Rachel shared her first goldfinch sighting. Art director Sharon chimed in to say that honking sandhill cranes were her background noise.

In this trying time, sharing bird sightings is bringing us together even though we’re working miles apart. That’s the best thing about birds. No matter what’s going on in the world, they’re still the hungry, entertaining fliers we all love.

Nothing lifts our spirits quite like hummingbirds, so it’s been a treat to work on this annual special issue. Enjoy 12 pages of reader photos and the stories behind their shots in “Hummingbird Tales” on page 22. Then pick up some photography tips from your fellow hummingbird lovers in “Shutterbug Magic” on page 38. And find out how remarkable female hummingbirds are in “Bird Supermoms” on page 52.

I hope that by the time you’re reading this, the world is in a much better and healthier place—and that hummingbirds are buzzing around your yard, sparking joy with every flutter of their wings.