Feathers with Furr

08/21/2026

Songbirds aspiring to be raptors, Loggerhead Shrikes use their hooked beaks and tomial teeth (pointy projections on the upper edges of the bill), like a falcon, to sever the spinal cord of their prey, including frogs, lizards, small rodents, and birds. Lacking talons, they impale their kills on thorns or barbed wire or wedge them into crevices for easy eating. They may wait up to three days to eat noxious prey like monarch butterflies or narrow-mouth toads, allowing time for the toxins to break down. and I discovered this cached prey during a recent birding adventure. Maybe they like jerky, too?

08/19/2026

Sold out! Stay tuned for a possible second June 2027 tour coming soon. Join the waiting list at the link in the comments and be notified if a second tour is offered.

Registration is now open for my Vermont 2027 tour, and spaces are filling fast. A highlight of the tour is a visit to Moose Bog in the remote Northeast Kingdom, (pictured) where we’ll be seeking boreal specialties like Black-backed Woodpecker and Canada Jay. We’ll also explore lively Burlington and visit the stunning Champlain Isles, including the one of world’s oldest exposed fossil beds. Lots of delights are planned for this carefully crafted tour. Learn more at the link below.

08/17/2026

Vermont is my favorite place in the world, and I’m excited to launch my inaugural Vermont birding tour in June 2027–Bicknell’s Thrush and Boreal Birds in the Green Mountain State. Beyond excellent birding opportunities, breathtaking settings, and a pleasant June climate, we’ll also have a chance to explore some fascinating and unique geological and historical sites and enjoy tasty local cuisine. Registration opens Wednesday, August 19. Enchantment awaits!

Vermont 2027Bicknell’s Thrush and Boreal Birds in the Green Mountain StateTour DetailsDates:  June 6-14, 2027 (arrival on June 6, hotel included)Tour Host/Guide: Melanie Furr, Feathers with Furr LLCMaximum Group Size:  8 peopleTour price:  $3525*Single Supplement:  $500*Pacing and Physical Dif...

08/16/2026

Had the best time guiding this awesome group for a birthday birding celebration. We spent the morning at Panola and were lucky to have the chance to visit with the crew at who are always so welcoming. If you’re looking for a bird guide for a private group or special event, let me help you plan a fun, educational experience!

08/15/2026

Check out these Chimney Swifts in slo-mo! Every summer, as they prepare for their migration to South America, swifts congregate in large flocks to roost, sometimes thousands of birds darting and swirling before plunging into a chimney or hollow tree for the night. During the day, they stay aloft, catching insects on the wing. Sadly, their numbers are in steep decline, so seeing this large flock at Tucker Recreation Center last night was a joy. Fun fact: Chimney Swifts pivot right before they enter a roost, entering tail first. If you zoom in, you can see them slow down and turn around just before they drop into the roost. What extraordinary agility!

08/15/2026

Flash Mob Pop-up Tour Tonight! It’s the wonderful time of year when Chimney Swifts are gathering in large flocks to roost as they prepare to migrate to South America for the winter. I came upon this flock of hundreds of birds last night at Tucker Recreation Center, and I’ll be back tonight around 8:15 to enjoy the show again. Join me to learn more about these incredible birds and see the magic.

08/07/2026

This orphaned hummingbird raised at and preparing for release in my aviary loves taking baths. If you pay attention to your backyard hummingbirds, especially first thing in the morning when leaves are wet with dew, you might get to see their bath time shimmy.

08/06/2026

This orphaned Ruby-throated Hummingbird hand-raised at Wild Nest Bird Rehab learned to lap nectar from this potted native blazing star placed in her aviary in no time at all! Now if only she’d figure out the saucer feeder. 😂

08/04/2026

What a treat to see this juvenile Barred Owl dozing outside my kitchen window. I’m fortunate to hear Barred Owls in the yard almost daily, but only occasionally do I catch a glimpse.

08/02/2026

Hummingbird migration is in full swing, and this orphan, rehabbed at , is getting ready for her first migration. She’ll spend a few days in my aviary, practicing her flight skills, catching flying insects, nectaring from flowers—and getting fat! Ruby-throated Hummingbirds will nearly double their weight before setting out on their longest journeys, some even making a nonstop flight across the Gulf of Mexico. Isn’t it amazing that she’ll know how to migrate without any adults showing her the way?