Birding

From how to get started to what you need and where to go.

Birds are all around us.

They’re huddling in the shrubs outside of our apartments, bopping around our backyards, and foraging at local parks and lakes. No matter where you live, birds are nearby, just waiting for you to notice them. And once you do, you might find it hard to stop. That’s because birding—the act of appreciating and observing birds—not only provides a new perspective on the natural world, but it also delivers an immense sense of joy and satisfaction. So what are you waiting for?

Getting Started

Did you look out your window and see a bird today? Hear one while running errands? Congratulations! You’re a birder. It really is that easy. Of course, you might want to know the name of those species, or where you can find more birds. If you do, check out below for some birding basics. 

Identifying Birds

Putting names to the birds you see can be a rewarding experience. A successful ID is the goal, but the journey is just as important. By trying to identify a species, you get to know the bird and its habitat better—by watching its movements, noting its field marks, considering its call. Whether you’re curious about a backyard visitor or stumped by a shorebird, we have a wealth of ID tips and skills for birders of all levels. 

Birding Advice

A funny thing happens once you start birding: It becomes hard to stop. New target species, goal destinations, how to keep improving your skills—it can be both exhilarating and overwhelming at the same time. From tips on how to find elusive species to helpful tech and best practices for the field, our ever-growing collection of advice and stories will help you expand your experience.

Essential Reading

Foster your love for birds by feeding them at home, and be sure to check out our recommendations for binoculars and other gear. 

Bird Feeding and Care
Gear and Resources

Most Recent Birding Stories 

Remember that Audubon depends on your support to do the conservation work that we do.
How the Birdchick Got Her Groove
January 01, 2015 — Sharon Stiteler discusses birding in a different time, without binoculars or the Internet.
Bird Talk with Jane Alexander
January 01, 2015 — For this Tony Award-winning actress, avian conservation is a big part of being a birder.
Courtesy of Jonathan Franzen
Jonathan Franzen Talks Birds
January 01, 2015 — The best-selling author calls discovering birds “the third major revelation of my life."
Courtesy Karl Mechen
How to Become an (Inept) Birder: Stumble Into It
January 01, 2015 — Karl Mechem, better known as the Inept Birder, recalls his first dalliance with birding, and marvels at how far he’s come (sort of).
Courtesy of Katie Notopoulus
Birding as Internet Antidote
January 01, 2015 — A senior editor at BuzzFeed explains how an Internet rabbit hole led her to a web-free hobby.