The serious birder of the 21st century is a bit of an amateur polymath. There’s no doubt a thorough knowledge of bird identification is essential, but there’s a host of ancillary disciplines that make for more rewarding and successful birding.

Padre Island National Seashore in Texas is home to one of the largest nestings of rare Kemp's Ridley sea turtles. And it also sees a number of other turtle species throughout the year, as well. And sometimes, when those turtles show up in the winter months, cold snaps can stun them. You can learn how to deal with a stunned turtle by attending a park lecture later this month.

With hurricane season upon us, what are the odds that your favorite national seashore might be impacted by a Category I storm? How might sea-level rise in the years ahead affect your favorite beach? The U.S. Geological Survey has developed a tool that can give you some insights to those questions.

Spring is an exciting time for both birds and birders across North America. The colorful songbirds are on their way back to their northern nesting grounds after spending a lazy winter in the tropics. Warblers, with a rainbow of plumages and equally diverse collection of songs, are the most sought-after birds during migration.