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In the Field
Advice and stories to expand your birding horizons.
Photo: Sydney Walsh/Audubon
Let the adventure begin.
Once you become a full-fledged birder, there's no coming back. You'll find yourself noticing birds wherever you are. You'll take your binoculars everywhere you go. You'll even plan vacations around migration. It's a hobby like none other, with the ability to touch on every aspect of your life. From the latest birding trends and tech to strategies for eating on the road, the stories and advice here cover the full-breadth of the birding experience.
Digital Tools for the Field.
A Beginner’s Guide to Using eBird
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.
How Twitter Can Make You a Better Birder
Harness the power of the tweet and up your rarity-finding success.
Birdist Rule #42: Discover the Thrill of Chasing a Rare Bird
There's nothing like the excitement—and dread—that comes from driving across multiple states to possibly see a rarity.
More Field Advice From The Birdist
Birdist Rule #84: Know the Dos and Don'ts of a Rare Bird Stakeout
When going for a vagrant, it’s important to remember that everyone is on the same team.
Birdist Rule #85: Write In Your Field Guides
Turn your adventures into an heirloom.
Birdist Rule #81: Learn How to Handle Your First ‘Dip’
Missing a bird you've traveled to see, or ‘dipping,’ can be a disappointing experience. It’s also a birding rite of passage.
Birdist Rule #28: Know When Birds Think You're Too Close to Their Nests
There are a variety of behaviors birds display when they feel threatened. Understanding them will make you a more responsible birder.
Birdist Rule #45: Learn to Deal With Incredibly Annoying Bugs
Here are some of the worst bugs you'll encounter while birding, as well as some methods for prevention.
Birdist Rule #56: Figure Out Your Food Strategy While Birding
Are you a bring-it-from-home type of person, or do you enjoy grabbing your meals on the go?
Birdist Rule #106: Go Find Yourself a Bufflehead
Ready to move on from Mallards? Start with these adorable little ducks.
Birdist Rule #29: Try Birding After Dark
It can be a challenge, but it can also be highly rewarding.
Birdist Rule #102: Travel Like a Birder
Birds are everywhere, so always be ready.
Birdist Rule #48: Go Find a Swan—a Wild Swan
And when you do, prepare to be wowed.
Birdist Rule #44: Learn to Love Landfills and Sewage Treatment Plants
Ah, the sweet smell of birding success.
Birdist Rule #61: Find Your First Shorebird
Trust me, look for a Killdeer.
Birdist Rule #5: Get Yourself a Nemesis Bird
Because every hero needs a villain.
Birdist Rule #55: Go on a Pelagic Birding Trip
Hold your bile, conquer your sea legs, and head far offshore. Trust me, the birds are worth it.
Birdist Rule #86: Take Advantage of Our Incredible National Park System
It's National Park Week, so go make use of all those excellent birding destinations. There are a lot more than you think.
Birdist Rule #89: Try Standing Still to See More Birds
It's amazing what you can miss if you don't have a little patience.
Birdist Rule #12: How to Misidentify a Bird With Grace and Dignity
Mistakes happen to the best of us. Here's how to save face.
Birdist Rule #110: Use Weather Forecasts to Predict When Migrating Birds Will Arrive
With some basic knowledge, you can greatly increase your chances of seeing your favorite spring migrants.
The Best Tools for Forecasting Bird Movements and Migrations
If birders could have a superpower (specifically for birding), I bet most would wish to see into the future. We’re always trying to figure out the...
Read On
Go Find Some Species
A Guide to Finding Urban Owls
You don't have to live in the middle of the woods to see an owl. Here's how and where to spot five species in towns and cities across the U.S.
Two Fantastic Warblers Anyone Can Find
Ready to up your warbler game but not sure where to begin? Seek out water to get started with this popular pair.
Find Northern Saw-whet Owls With These Five Tips
One of our smallest owl species, they can be found in suburbs and cities.
Where to Find the Rarest Swift in North America
Want to see a Black Swift? Ignore TLC’s advice and go chasing waterfalls.
Find Some Dapper Ducks This Fall
North America is home to several striking drakes, and autumn is the best season to see their fresh plumage.
The Common Nighthawk Is the Cool City Bird You’ve Been Missing
Here's how to find out if one's nesting by you—and what to do if one isn't.
Ten Tips for Waterfowl Beginners
Ducks, geese, and swans are extremely common. Take advantage of that to sharpen your birding skills.
Waterfowl and Shorebird Tips
A Duck Hunter’s Tips for Quickly Identifying Waterfowl on the Wing
Take limits require rapid ID of fast-flying birds—a useful skill for any birder. One waterfowler breaks down how she does it.
Shorebirds 101: What to Look for When You Hit the Water
The diversity of shorebirds is stunning, but it can also be overwhelming. Here are four staple groups to get you started.
Is That Exotic Waterfowl You Just Found Wild or an Escapee?
And more importantly, can you add it to your life list?
The Little Blue Heron's Color Swap
When young, the birds are white, but by the time they reach adulthood, they become dark blue. Why?
Ask Kenn: Egret, Ibis, Flamingo, Heron, Stork—What's the Difference?
Wading birds may appear similar, but looks can often be deceiving, explains Kenn Kaufman in this month's Ask Kenn!
Birding by Ear Can Be a Challenge, But There’s Help at Hand
Looking to learn bird songs? Here are some courses and tools to guide you no matter your skill level.
Explore Audubon's Birding by Ear Series
How to Start Identifying Birds by Their Songs and Calls
Part one in our new series to help you build your birding skills—and love of birds—by learning how to bird by ear.
A Beginner’s Guide to Common Bird Sounds and What They Mean
Part two of our new series to help you build your birding skills—and love of birds—by learning how to bird by ear.
How to Memorize Bird Songs by Using Mental Images
Part three of our new series to help you build your birding skills—and love of birds—by learning how to bird by ear.
Why Knowing Your Local Bird Sounds Is the Key to Unlocking New IDs
Part four of our new series to help you build your birding skills—and love of birds—by learning how to bird by ear.
Start Using Spectrograms to 'Read' Bird Songs and Calls
Part five of our new series to help you build your birding skills—and love of birds—by learning how to bird by ear.
Are You Listening to a Bird Mimic or the Real Deal?
Part six of our new series to help you build your birding skills—and love of birds—by learning how to bird by ear.
Learn Your Local Birds’ Regional “Accents”
Part seven of our new series to help you build your birding skills—and love of birds—by learning how to bird by ear.
Listen—Birds Aren’t the Only Ones Singing
Part eight of our new series to help you build your birding skills—and love of birds—by learning how to bird by ear.
Learn to Identify Five Owls by Their Calls
These hooters have surprisingly big vocabularies.
More for the Field
One of These Chicks Does Not Belong in This Nest
July 07, 2017 —
To identify the imposter, start with the adult.
How Different Spring Migrants Decide When to Head North
March 22, 2017 —
Will warmer weather bring the birds back early? It all depends on what type of migrators they are.
The Case for Chasing Birds That Don’t Count
March 10, 2017 —
Because birding is about so much more than just your list.
A Guide to Finding Urban Owls
February 22, 2017 —
You don't have to live in the middle of the woods to see an owl. Here's how and where to spot five species in towns and cities across the U.S.
Testing Out Song Sleuth, a New App That Identifies Birds by Their Calls
February 21, 2017 —
Song Sleuth's advanced software can recognize the voices of 200 common bird species. But how does it fare in the field?
Putting Merlin's New Bird Photo ID Tool to the Test
December 20, 2016 —
We tried out the app's newest feature using photos from an SLR camera, smartphone pictures, and even our subpar art skills.
The Dangers of Distracting Birds
December 09, 2016 —
Even birders and photographers with the best intentions can accidentally cause harm. Here are some tips to keep birds safe.
Expand Your Birding Horizons
Four Reasons to Check Out the Birds While You Run
From city pavement to country fields, run-birding is picking up speed. We asked the pros why they do it and how to do it best.
Why You Need to Try Paddle Birding
When in a canoe or kayak, you can observe and experience birds in a new way—and bank some memorable adventures while you're at it.
Birders Are Discovering a Secret to Better Big Days—the Bicycle
More people see the allure of pedal power in a car-centric world.
A Beginner’s Guide to Recording Bird Vocalizations
Capturing songs and calls can open a whole new level of birding—but equipment can be daunting. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
Welcome to the Dark Side: Your Guide to Nocturnal Migration Birding
Here’s everything you need to join a growing DIY community where the action heats up when the sun goes down.
How to Go From Watching Birds to Drawing Them
Sketching while outdoors or even at home will broaden your birding skill set and add a whole new dimension to the hobby.
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