Birding by Ear

There's a lot to look forward to in spring for birders.

The flowers are blooming, old friends are returning,  and birdsong is at its peak. 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. 

Pt. 1: Start Listening for Songs and Calls
Pt. 2: Learn the Most Common Kinds of Sounds
Pt. 3: Connect Noises With Pictures That Stick
Pt. 4: Grow Familiar With Neighborhood Voices
Pt. 5: “Read” Sounds on Spectrograms
Pt. 6: Know If It's a Mimic or the Real Deal
Pt. 7: Learn Different Regional Accents
Pt. 8: Eavesdrop on Nature's Orchestra
A Few of Our Favorite Sounds
Adopt a Bird
American Bittern
Herons, Egrets, Bitterns
! Priority Bird
Varied Thrush
Thrushes
Red-tailed Hawk
Hawks and Eagles
Pied-billed Grebe
Grebes

More Birding Advice

Birding Is the Perfect Activity While Practicing Social Distancing
March 13, 2020 — This global pandemic has us all pretty freaked out. Handled responsibly, open space and wildlife observation might be just the balm you need.
COVID-19
My Brief Reign and Embarrassing Fall as a Fantasy Birder
February 05, 2020 — Here's where I failed and the best players cleaned up during 2019's inaugural fantasy birding season.
News
Everyone Has a Bird Question They’re Waiting to Ask
January 16, 2020 — If they’re paying enough attention to birds to ask questions, they’re halfway to becoming an advocate for wildlife.
News
How to Boost Your Mindfulness and Empathy While Birding
December 20, 2019 — Turning your focus to nature and wildlife can help allay stress and anxiety. But always make others feel at ease, too.
From Audubon Magazine
Birds Saved Debi Shearwater. Is She Really Going to Call it Quits?
December 20, 2019 — After 40-plus years of leading sold-out pelagic birding tours off the California coast, the trailblazing conservationist says it’s time to retire.
News