In 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.
Learn to Identify Five Owls by Their Calls
October 16, 2015 — These hooters have surprisingly big vocabularies.