People

Jason Bittel

Contributor, Ô¼ÅÚÊÓƵ magazine

Articles by Jason Bittel

A long exposure photo showing the movement of a flying squirrel gliding from a tree across a starry night sky.
It's a Bird, It's a Bat—No, It's a Flying Squirrel. And It Might Be Closer Than You Think.
September 19, 2025 — Flying squirrels are widespread across the United States, but spotting the nocturnal rodents takes some effort. Unless you're a Spotted Owl, that is.
At Home
A red squirrel climbing down a tree with a peanut in its mouth pauses and looks up.
Why Squirrels Deserve Your Respect (If Not Your Birdseed)
September 18, 2025 — Sure, they ransack feeders, but there’s a lot to love about the crafty rodents.
At Home
H. Jon Benjamin’s ‘Morning Bird Reports’ Have Brought Joy to Many in Dark Times
April 14, 2021 — One of America’s most recognizable voice-actors shares how the pandemic got him back into birds, why he started posting videos to Twitter, and about that one time he went fisticuffs with gulls.
News
New Zealand Once Had Giant Penguins and Parrots, but Why?
September 03, 2019 — Two new fossil discoveries hint at the complex evolution undertaken by the island's ancient—and often huge—birds.
News
Did Scientists Just Settle a 200-Year-Old Debate About Cassowaries?
April 02, 2019 — A new study shows that the cassowary’s helmet plays a role in regulating body temperature. But that might not be all it does.
News
Think Crow Funerals Are Strange? Wait Until You See the Wake
July 23, 2018 — New research shows that American Crows will occasionally interact with the dead—including engaging in necrophilia.
News
Pittsburgh’s Famous Bald Eagles Lost Their Nest Tree, But They Aren't Giving Up
February 23, 2017 — Within days of losing their nest, the eagles built a new one and possibly even laid another egg, which would be an unprecedented achievement.
Bird Cams
The Bald Eagle Nest Cam That Hatched a Global Community
November 29, 2016 — A pair of the raptors nesting in Pennsylvania have transformed hundreds of strangers into a tightknit group.
Bird Cams