Birding with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

11/04/2026

Do you have any of those blood relatives who look so different from everyone, you wonder how they’re even related?

In the 1870s, ornithologists described Brewster’s Warbler and Lawrence’s Warblers as two distinct and separate species.
However, scientists eventually discovered both actually had the same parents, and instead were hybrid crosses between Golden-winged and Blue-winged Warblers!

The differences come down to how plumage traits are inherited across generations. It’s a fascinating example of how hybridization can complicate bird identification and our understanding of what even makes a species!

Explore the surprising science of hybrid birds during our November 18–19 online seminar. Two days of live presentations and discussion for just $25!

All proceeds go toward our youth scholarships.

Register through the link in comments!

11/02/2026

Time for a bird ID challenge!

The bird pictured here is a hybrid, the offspring of two different species.

Look closely at its plumage and other field marks. Which features might have come from each parent?

Think you know what you’re looking at? Drop your best guess in the comments!

We’ll reveal the answer in our Stories tomorrow.

Love a good bird identification challenge? Join us November 18–19 for our live, interactive online seminar on hybrid birds! Two days of fascinating presentations for just $25.

Registration link in comments!

11/01/2026

Love hybrids, or are you on the fence? Some people dismiss them just because they don’t “count” as a species for their list. Guess what, we don’t care! We think they’re really cool anyway, and you should come learn about them with us.

Join our November 18–19 live online seminar on hybrid birds!
Just $25 for both days, and it all goes to Rip Diablo Birding Camp. Register through the link in the comments!

10/30/2026

We just really love hybrid birds, ok?! 🐦

From puzzling field marks to surprising genetics, hybrids challenge what we know about bird identification, evolution, and the boundaries between species. And isn’t this Audubon’s x Altamira Oriole just a beauty??

Join us November 18–19 for a two-day LIVE online seminar exploring the fascinating world of hybrid birds!

Enjoy expert presentations, identification challenges, and interactive discussions with opportunities to ask questions.

Just $25 for both days, and all proceeds go to our youth scholarship fund and Rio Diablo Birding Camp.

Register through the link in the comments below!

10/29/2026

Lawrence’s Warbler is maybe one of the prettiest warblers in the US, and it’s a hybrid between a Golden-winged and Blue-winged.

Have you ever seen one?

Join us November 18–19 for two days of live online presentations and interactive discussions about hybrid birds! Details in the comments.

10/28/2026

Ever spotted a bird that looked familiar, but something just wasn’t right?

Hybrid birds can combine field marks in ways that challenge even experienced birders. Some are immediately recognizable as hybrids, while others are nearly impossible to identify with certainty in the field.
Take a look at these three birds… Can you guess which species are involved?

Want to unravel more mysteries like these? Join us November 18–19 for a two-day online seminar exploring the fascinating world of hybrid birds! Live presentations, interactive discussion, and two days of learning for just $25 that all go toward our youth programming.

Register through the link in our profile!

10/26/2026

Our wish has finally come true!

For years, we’ve explored the Devils River region and wondered about the Northern × Tropical Parula hybrids found in the area. We’ve always hoped someone would take a closer look at these fascinating birds - and now, that research is underway!

Join us for our fall Virtual Birding Seminar as we get our first glimpse into the work the research team is doing and learn more about these intriguing hybrids.

Comment Parula for more information on our Fall Virtual Birding Seminar - Birds Between the Lines: Exploring Hybrids.
You won’t want to miss this opportunity to connect our birding adventures with the science helping us better understand the birds we love!

10/21/2026

Join us as we talk about the connection between Wingspan and real-world birding, the fascinating bird facts behind the cards, and how a game can inspire people to learn more about the birds around them.

Whether you’re a seasoned birder, a Wingspan enthusiast, or someone who simply loves a good game night, there’s something for you in this conversation!

10/15/2026

Join Birding with Extension for Birds Between the Lines: Exploring Hybrids on November 18–19, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. each evening. We'll explore the fascinating world of hybrid birds, how they challenge identification, and what they can teach us about bird biology and conservation.

Whether you're a seasoned birder or looking to expand your knowledge, there's always something new to learn!

💻 Explore the updated speaker lineup and register here: https://f.mtr.cool/bh4dpjvjk7

Your registration also helps support youth education through scholarships for the Rio Diablo Birding Camp and student avian researchers. We hope you'll join us for two evenings of learning, discovery, and all things birds!

Your participation directly supports youth education! By registering, you help provide scholarships for the Rio Diablo Birding Camp, allowing the next generation of birders to experience the outdoors and grow... Read More →