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.
People wearing life vests look through binoculars while sitting in canoes on a river.

The Single Most Important Way to Make Your Binoculars Last

June 30, 2023 — Experts share how to keep your foremost birding tool in working order and what to do if yours breaks.
A woman looks something up on her phone in a forest, while high school students to the right hold up a plant and look through binoculars.

Don’t Have Binoculars To Go Birding? Try Borrowing a Pair From the Library

June 30, 2023 — Libraries across the country are lending gear to patrons, creating a new entry point to birding with no costs attached.
An illustration of a robot reaching up with one arm towards a hovering red bird.

Can New AI Chatbots Like ChatGPT Help You Identify Birds?

April 04, 2023 — ‘Audubon’ magazine’s intrepid AI expert pushed the cutting-edge technology to its limits on field marks, native plants, and ... Mr. Bean?

Why You Should Scale Up Your Birding By Looking for Reptiles

March 23, 2023 — Lower your binoculars and expand your next trip by seeking out snakes, lizards, and amphibians. Here are some expert tips to get you started.

This Wave Theory of Spring Migration Will Prepare You for Your Next Birding Outing

March 06, 2023 — Songbirds don’t leave their wintering grounds all together. Here’s when to expect different species as they cross the eastern United States.

Appreciate These Magnificent Avian Nests—and the Next One You Find in the Field

March 06, 2023 — Birds build an amazing variety of nest types, and each construction is a work of art.
A small, black and yellow American Goldfinch clings to a feeder while eating little, black Nyjer seeds.

What’s the Deal With Nyjer?

March 06, 2023 — The tiny black seed is a favorite of finches, but where does it come from? And why is it always capitalized?

Mixology: Breaking Down 5 Common Birdseed Blends

March 06, 2023 — With all the products available these days, sometimes the jargon and claims can get confusing. Here’s a quick primer.

Yeah, Sitting on the Couch Is Great, But Have You Ever Seen a Short-eared Owl?

February 15, 2023 — Brighten up a winter’s day by seeking out this amazing, accessible raptor.

Getting to Know Neighborhood Birds During a Winter Storm

February 13, 2023 — A Texas winter storm was a great reminder of the variety of avian life that awaits you if you just take a look outside.