Birds and Blooms Extra

Even more of what you love from North America's #1 bird and garden magazine, celebrating the beauty in your own backyard.  Published on the months in between the Birds and Blooms magazine, Extra features vivid photographs, useful tips and expert advice to inform, inspire, and connect enthusiasts who share a passion for backyard birds and gardening.

Crazy-Cool Creatures

Southern Charm • This reliable shrub is an all-season standout and a southeastern native

Grassland Dwellers • Look for Savannah sparrows in meadows and along grassy roadsides

Fiery Foliage • In shades from flame red to burgundy, these vibrant plants light up gardens, adding drama and warmth. Whether you favor bold statements or subtle tones, there’s a red foliage plant for you.

Plant a Cheery Crocus Lawn • Add these bulbs to your yard in the fall for a stunning blanket of early blooms

A Close Look at Oaks • Native oaks fit into two groups—here’s how to tell them apart

Wings of Autumn • Readers share fine photos of birds in fiery fall landscapes

THE WONDERS OF WOODPECKERS • The ultimate specialists, woodpeckers have some of the most unusual adaptations in the bird world. Here are just some of their many amazing skills and behaviors.

Fall Color Made Easy • Summer may be over, but you don’t have to put away your gardening gloves just yet. Autumn offers new opportunities to extend the growing season with unexpected color combinations and unique textures. Reinvigorate your seasonal landscape with five container designs that are sure to turn heads.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS • From parks to backyards, critters of all shapes, sizes and personalities are celebrated in these incredible photos by readers

Ask the Experts • Get answers to challenging birding and gardening questions

Gliding into the Night • Meet America’s nocturnal squad of flying squirrels

Winged Emperor • Learn how to identify the friendly hackberry emperor

Watch Like a Hawk • Look closely to see how many raptors you can identify

FOR THE READER

BIRDS AND BLOOMS EXTRA

Swamp Beauties • Once nearly extinct, the stunning wood duck has made a colorful comeback