Birding

A flock of ducks flying in the same direction with an out of focus landscape in the background.
A Duck Hunter’s Tips for Quickly Identifying Waterfowl on the Wing
November 14, 2022 — Take limits require rapid ID of fast-flying birds—a useful skill for any birder. One waterfowler breaks down how she does it.
Binoculars and a cell phone on a wood table outside, the eBird app open on the phone shows nearby birding hotspots.
A Beginner’s Guide to Using eBird
October 07, 2022 — Birders and scientists alike have come to depend on this powerful platform. New to birding or intimidated by eBird? Don’t worry, we’ve got you.
A plain, light-colored bird sings while perched on a mossy branch dappled in sunlight.
How Merlin Bird ID Helped Me Discover the ‘Elevator Music of Birding’
August 25, 2022 — After the seemingly magical song identification app helped me discover the Warbling Vireo's song, I now hear it everywhere I go.
Here’s How Drastically Birding Has Changed Over the Past 50 Years
July 28, 2022 — On the 25th anniversary of his book "Kingbird Highway," Kenn Kaufman reflects on the many ways the hobby has transformed since he first hitchhiked across the country chasing birds in the 1970s.
A seemingly endless flock of Royal Terns, mostly white and gray birds with spiky black crests and bright orange beaks, nest in a closely-packed crowd. A single bird in the center and its tiny, fuzzy, light-colored chick look towards the camera.
The Big Tern Cheat Sheet: How to ID Four Common Species
July 01, 2022 — In summer, North America’s four largest terns are near look-alikes. With a keen eye for detail you can tell them apart.
Welcome to the Dark Side: Your Guide to Nocturnal Migration Birding
April 04, 2022 — Here’s everything you need to join a growing DIY community where the action heats up when the sun goes down.
A group of people, all wearing gold curling horns on their heads, poses for the camera. The author holds a glowing blue cube in her hand.
From House Finches to President Loki: The Surprises You Find When You Get Outside
March 01, 2022 — How one afternoon of birdwatching for Gaby Sotelo turned into a weekend—and perhaps a lifetime—full of birds.
The ‘Big Boom Theory’ That Could Help Conserve Common Nighthawks
January 14, 2022 — New research confirms that males’ wing-boom sound marks hard-to-find nesting sites—a boon for efforts to save these mysterious, declining birds.
How You Can Help Make Birding More Welcoming and Inclusive
January 14, 2022 — It's easy to create a friendly and encouraging birding community when you keep these pointers in mind.