*Message approved by the Birdnews coordinators* After mistaking a blue-gray gnatcatcher for a plumbeous vireo early in my introduction to birds, I began to wonder about the cognitive aspects of bird ID. Our team at the Rotman Research Institute has now done a number of studies looking at bird learning and how the brain adapts to incorporate new information. We are currently running a brain imaging study in Toronto and have a handful of spots left for relatively experienced Ontario birders (mostly ages 40+ but all are encouraged to get in touch). The study typically involves a single visit (morning and early afternoon) to Baycrest Hospital (3560 Bathurst St. Toronto) during which participants are shown lots of bird pictures in the MRI. Compensation is $265, plus travel cost for those outside the GTA, and lunch is provided. If you’d like more details, please email: birdstudy@research.baycrest.org with the subject “MRI study.” (Shorter online studies are also available-- email with the subject “Online studies”.) Thanks to all of you who have contributed to our online/in-person research on the cognitive benefits of birding-- we’ve already made exciting discoveries and are glad to have such a supportive birding community in Ontario as we continue this work. If you’re interested in more background on the subject, check out this article in Audubon Magazine from this Spring. https://www.audubon.org/magazine/spring-2023/yes-birding-does-change-your-brain --Erik Wing