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.
The Woods Are My Safe Haven—But That's Not True for Everyone
May 31, 2018 — [Updated: See editor's note below.] The hit TV show “Atlanta” offers a reminder that one Black person's paradise can be another one's terror.
How to Deal With Birding FOMO
May 18, 2018 — It’s been a week since I missed out on the Kirtland’s Warbler that strayed into Manhattan. I’m still not over it.
The Canadian Rockies Are Overflowing With Hybrid Birds
May 15, 2018 — A history of glaciers and warm spells has turned the region into a special place where species and subspecies mate.
A Movement to Make Birding More Inclusive and Accessible
May 15, 2018 — Virginia Rose found her passion for birds—and a new purpose in life—from the seat of her wheelchair. With Birdability, she's working to bring birding's benefits to others like her.
Birdist Rule #59: Learn to Identify Warblers From Below
May 10, 2018 — The underside is what you spend the most time looking at, after all.