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
American Bittern
Herons, Egrets, Bitterns
! Priority Bird
Varied Thrush
Thrushes
Red-tailed Hawk
Hawks and Eagles
Pied-billed Grebe
Grebes

More Birding Advice

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October 25, 2016 — Before you post a photo on Facebook—or even take the shot in the first place—consider the bird's well-being.
Seven Nifty Jays That Aren’t Blue Jays
October 24, 2016 — Not that there's anything wrong with the Blue Jay, but there is a big, wonderful world of jays out there. Get to know some new ones.
The Curious Case of the Itinerant Fulvous Whistling-Duck
October 18, 2016 — The wandering birds have been recorded all over the lower 48 states, but where they'll end up next is anyone's guess.