Topics Explore Birds

Birding

A rufous-colored screech-owl sits squinting in a tree hollow, blending in with the bark.
Meet the Owls of North America—and Learn a Fun Fact For Each
February 07, 2026 — Get to know all 19 owl species you can see in the United States, and how they differ.
Birding 101
A wild Muscovy Duck flying close over the surface of blue water.
What's the Difference Between Wild and Domestic Muscovy Ducks?
January 29, 2026 — The strange, bumpy-faced waterfowl can be found across the United States, but in almost all cases the birds are domestic versions of the wild ducks. Here's how to know which is which.
Bird Identificiation
A Northern Mockingbird hovers around a Crested Caracara perched on a fence post.
What Type of Bird Is That?
January 14, 2026 — See a bird but have no idea what bird you actually saw? Start with this list of types of common birds.
Birding 101
This Roaming Raptor Has Been Surprising U.S. Birders—and More Could Be on the Way
January 07, 2026 — Limited to Central and South America until a few short years ago, Yellow-headed Caracaras are turning heads from California to Delaware as their range expands northward.
Bird News
Colorful illustration of a person with binoculars walking outside seeing birds and data visualizations.
Beyond the Checklist: How to Explore, Experiment, and Have Fun With Your Birding Data
December 17, 2025 — Counting and identifying birds is just one option. Try a fresh approach to shake up your time outside.
Birding Advice
A gull floating on water stares at the camera and tilts its head slightly.
Forget Valentine's Day—Celebrate Gullentine's Day Instead
December 17, 2025 — This Februrary, start a new tradition with some of North America’s most confounding birds. What could be more romantic?
Birding Advice
A flock of Snow Buntings camouflaged in white plumage fly over a snowy field.
Farm Fields Hold a Wonderful Winter Secret: Visiting Arctic Songbirds
December 17, 2025 — Need a nudge to get outdoors when the mercury drops? Take inspiration from these hardy travelers and hit some backroads for a comfy birding adventure.
Birding Advice
A backlit Winter Wren stands on a mossy log.
It's Winter. So Where Are the Winter Wrens?
December 15, 2025 — Found across much of these eastern U.S. during the winter, these tiny birds can be tough to spot—providing a fun challenge during the slower birding months.
Birding Advice
Carole Turek smiles watching a hummingbird hovering at a flower she's holding.
Meet the Woman on a Mission to Photograph Every Species of Hummingbird in the World
November 12, 2025 — In less than a decade amateur photographer and Hummingbird Spot founder Carole Turek has photographed more than 250 hummingbird species, including one that was long considered extinct.
Profiles
A journal open to a painting of a landscape and a watercolor palette sitting on a lichen-covered rock.
How a ‘Mindful Birding’ Camp Helped Me Reconnect With Nature
November 03, 2025 — With watercolors and borrowed binoculars, a non-birding mother-and-daughter duo slow down and follow their curiosity on Audubon’s Hog Island.