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

Birdist Rule #60: Figure Out What Kind of Vulture Is Circling You
June 22, 2016 — (And creep your friends out while you're at it.)
The Birdist’s Rules of Birding
Under the Bridge: Seven Fun Species You Can Find While Birding in Brooklyn
June 21, 2016 — This New York City oasis offers beautiful riverfront views . . . of birds.
Books
The Best Dad Bods (Among Birds), Ranked
June 17, 2016 — Yeah, we went there.
News
Five Father's Day Lessons From Really Great Bird Dads
June 17, 2016 — From home improvement to distant grocery runs, these papas put all the slouches to shame.
News