The Best Dressed Bird in Our Yearbook

In this issue: Who’s That Bird?, Native Plants Gallery, and Why Do Birds Fly in a V?

Trouble viewing this e-mail? Try our web version. |  Joy of Birds  May 2026 Photo: Melissa Rogers/Great Backyard Bird Count  Guess the Bird Making That Sound! For woodpeckers, drumming on trees is a form of communication, much like birdsong. Can you guess which woodpecker is drumming by sound? Hear the mystery bird’s drum pattern. ▶ Here’s a bonus hint: This woodpecker is one of the most common, often seen at feeders and in forests everywhere in the United States except for parts of the Southwest. Reveal the answer with our guide on how to identify woodpeckers by their drumming. Scarlet Tanager. Photo: Meryl Lorenzo/Audubon Photography Awards Superlatives for Migratory Birds, Class of 2026 Inspired by spring migration and graduation season, one Audubon magazine editor decided to give classic high school superlatives a birdy twist. Which bird won “Best Dressed” or “Class Clown?” See who took each title in our “yearbook” for 15 beloved migratory birds. Cactus Wren on Cholla. Photo: Michael Madding/Audubon Photography Awards 14 Photos of Birds Thriving with Native Plants Not only do native plants provide more food and better shelter than non-native plants, but as threats like climate change and habitat loss continue to put pressure on birds, the availability of native trees, shrubs, and flowers grows even more important. That’s why our “Plants for Birds” category in the 2025 Audubon Photography Awards aims to highlight this special connection. Enjoy some of our favorite submissions of birds thriving with native plants. Canada Geese. Photo: Sydney Walsh/Audubon Why Do Birds Fly in a V Formation? You might have seen birds fly in V-shaped formation, but why? And how do they decide who leads?  And why do some V formations look so weird? You’ve got questions and we’ve got answers. Read on to learn the science behind how the V works. Mallard. Photo: Mick Thompson Our Feathered Friends Need a Boost Thanks for reading this month’s newsletter! Because of bird lovers like you, we can protect the places birds need. Let’s bring birds back together—donate now. Did you receive this message from a friend? Get regular email updates from us by clicking here. → CONNECT WITH US National Audubon Society 225 Varick Street New York, NY (844) 428-3826 | www.audubon.org © National Audubon Society Update your email preferences or unsubscribe