American Bittern
Latin: Botaurus lentiginosus
There's a lot to look forward to in spring, including the welcomed hullabaloo of birdsong. 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.
A Few of Our Favorite Sounds
Tech
Meet Your New Birding-By-Ear Assistant
Amazon's Alexa can now access more than 2,000 birds sounds from the Audubon library—as long as you say the magic words.
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Is This the Most Beautiful Bird Song on the Planet?
According to famed ornithologist Frank Chapman, it is.
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When hawks and falcons stream across the sky in large numbers, you need a distinct set of birding skills to tell them apart.
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Laurie Goodrich has witnessed 35 fall raptor migrations. She shares why hawkwatching still excites her today.
Ask Kenn!
Ask Kenn: Do Migrating Birds Take the Same Routes in Spring and Fall?
By Kenn Kaufman
In this month's column, bird expert Kenn Kaufman explains the phenomenon of "loop migration."
News
The Kirtland's Warbler Should be Michigan's State Bird
By Andy McGlashen
And while we’re at it, we should change its name to Jack Pine Warbler.
Birding
It's Time to Redefine 'Birding'
By Freya McGregor
Anyone who enjoys birds—wherever, however—should be able to call themselves a birder.
