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

Birdist Rule #88: Think Up Some Excuses To Go Chase Birds
June 15, 2016 — What happens when a rare bird shows up while you’re still at school or the office? WHAT HAPPENS THEN?
The Birdist’s Rules of Birding
Birdist Rule #10: Know What Birds Are Doing Each Month
June 08, 2016 — Use this Birdist-approved almanac to keep track of birding time.
The Birdist’s Rules of Birding
The Amazing Difference Found in Dippers on the Elwha River
June 06, 2016 — In a post-dam era, salmon are bringing new vitality to the ecosystem.
Podcast
The Inside Scoop on the Best Birding in New York City
June 01, 2016 — Two bird-loving urbanites team up to share their expertise on birding in the boroughs (plus Long Island).
Books
Birdist Rule #55: Go on a Pelagic Birding Trip
June 01, 2016 — Hold your bile, conquer your sea legs, and head far offshore. Trust me, the birds are worth it.
The Birdist’s Rules of Birding