Conservation

Birding by Ear

There's a lot to look forward to in spring for birders.

The flowers are blooming, old friends are returning,  and birdsong is at its peak. The sheer volume of songs and calls can often feel overwhelming for birders, but these sounds offer an opportunity and a challenge. With our birding-by-ear series you can learn how to better ID birds through their vocalizations. 

Pt. 1: Start Listening for Songs and Calls
Pt. 2: Learn the Most Common Kinds of Sounds
Pt. 3: Connect Noises With Pictures That Stick
Pt. 4: Grow Familiar With Neighborhood Voices
Pt. 5: “Read” Sounds on Spectrograms
Pt. 6: Know If It's a Mimic or the Real Deal
Pt. 7: Learn Different Regional Accents
Pt. 8: Eavesdrop on Nature's Orchestra
A Few of Our Favorite Sounds
Adopt a Bird
American Bittern
Herons, Egrets, Bitterns
! Priority Bird
Varied Thrush
Thrushes
Red-tailed Hawk
Hawks and Eagles
Pied-billed Grebe
Grebes

More Birding Advice

For Actor Lili Taylor, Birding Is Full of Thrills
January 11, 2017 — On a recent Christmas Bird Count, we go on a 4 a.m. owl chase and witness a diving hawk with the veteran star and activist.
News
The White-winged Crossbill Is the Bird That Never Goes Home
January 10, 2017 — A continuous search for spruce cones makes this crossbill the ultimate avian nomad.
Kenn Kaufman's Notebook
Hear How the Male Hooded Merganser Courts a Female
January 09, 2017 — Different croaks for different folks.
Podcast
Boost Your Birding Skills by Seeing a New Bird Every Day This Year
January 06, 2017 — Here’s what you need to know to do this fun but difficult challenge.
News