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.
A Cedar Waxwing and a Bohemian Waxwing perched on a branch, both holding a berry in their mouth.

Stylish and Social, Winter Waxwings Provide a Wonderful ID Challenge

December 16, 2022 — Bohemian and Cedar Waxwings look very similar and are more likely to intermingle in the colder months. Here’s how to tell them apart.
A flock of Common Redpolls fly through a snowy field in golden sunlight.

This Year’s Bonanza of Boreal Birds Once Again Bears Out the Winter Finch Forecast

December 15, 2022 — As predicted, grosbeaks, crossbills, and other northern birds are on the move, visiting feeders and delighting birders. Prognosticator Tyler Hoar explains what goes into the annual projection.

Log On and Team Up for a Whole New Type of Big Year

December 15, 2022 — Audubon staff used eBird in 2022 for a count that emphasized collaboration over competition. Here’s how to launch your own group effort.

An Ode to Weird Duck Time

November 29, 2022 — Cartoonist Rosemary Mosco reflects on a season that’s special to her—and not only because she invented it.
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.

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.

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.

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.