Birders and bird loving photographers of all skill levels are invited to join me, Sally Siko as we explore the trails, woods, fields and shorelines of United States & beyond in search of interesting birds. I offer guided tours in North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey and Maine,
Birding Tours in South Carolina- behind the scenes
By Sally Siko View this post on Instagram A post shared by Best Life Birding (@bestlife_birding)
A Limpkin encounter in low country SC
By Sally Siko Had an excellent day in SC scouting out the area in preparation for guiding my bird tour tomorrow.After last weekends trip to the mountains, it’s nice to get back down in low country to see my favorite coastal birds again.One such feathered friend is this Limpkin. I’ve been watching this fella and…
Spending time with my backyard birds- the Northern Cardinal
A family of Northern Cardinals have been particularly active this week, chirping and chasing each other around the yard.
I’ve counted 4 Cardinal youngsters plus a newly fledged Cowbird who was also being fed by the male Cardinal.
Willow flycatchers in western NC
By Sally Siko Here’s a bird I’ve been wanting to photograph for a long time, a Willow Flycatcher.I spotted it this past weekend while birding at Roby Shoemaker Park in Newland NC.The flycatcher first caught my attention when I heard a call of fitz-beeew coming from on top of (you guessed it) a Willow tree.I…
Canada Geese are the best
By Sally Siko View this post on Instagram A post shared by Best Life Birding (@bestlife_birding)
Prothonotary Warblers change their color
Autumn will soon be here. Signs of change are everywhere if you know where to look. From flocking Canada Geese to molting plumage, birds everywhere are just beginning to prep themselves for the migration journey ahead. Some changes aren’t so obvious, yet if you take the time to look closely you’ll be able to pick up on the seasonal cues even before cold weather arrives. Case in point, the beak color of a Prothonotary Warbler.
The Best Life Birding 2025 calendar is now available
Order your 2025 North Carolina bird calendar below. All images captured by me, Sally Siko. Thanks for supporting Best Life Birding!
Best Life Birding Art
Original bird and wildlife art by Sally Siko Hi everyone! I’m excited to share this years hand painted artwork collection which features some of my favorite birds, fish and mammals. Check out my shop below and thanks for supporting Best Life Birding!
Bird species #300 for 2024- The Mute Swan
Weighing in at around 30lbs and sporting a wingspan of nearly 7ft makes these guys a formidable bird indeed.
Despite their size, they can fly at speeds of up to 50-60 miles per hour when migrating or during their breeding flight displays.
Though they might look similar to other species, Mute swans are the only ones who have a bright orange bill with a black knob (called a basal knob) at its base. The size of the knob is larger in males than in females and becomes more prominent during the breeding season.