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.
Courtesy of Nicholas Lund
A Natural Addiction
January 01, 2015 — The Birdist explains how he got hooked.
Birders Flock to the Land of Many Lakes
November 05, 2014 — The head of Michigan Audubon is turning birding into a serious business.
King Bird
July 23, 2014 — Neil Hayward spent most of 2013 crisscrossing the continent on a quest to see as many bird species as he could in a calendar year. When it was all over, he’d seen more than anyone–ever–and broken the Big Year record.
The Green Big Year
July 22, 2014 — Dorian Anderson is on a one-year mission to see as many birds as he can — by bike.
A small owl with backlit feathers sits among bare branches on a blue background,
8 Great Fall Birding Trails
September 12, 2013 — One of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth is upon us. Millions of birds are on the wing, covering thousands of miles across oceans and continents. Grab your favorite field guide and hit the road.