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Birding Advice

A Hummingbird Clearwing moth hovers at a yellow flower.
Love Birdwatching? Give Bugwatching a Go This Summer
June 23, 2026 — While birds take it easy during the hottest months, set your sights on smaller wonders: insects and other arthropods all around you.
An old black and white photo of a woman in a long dress standing outside next to a tree.
This Early Birding Icon's Advice on Leading Bird Walks Is Still Fresh—126 Years Later
June 02, 2026 — Four tips that stand the test of time from conservation pioneer Florence Merriam Bailey, who helped popularize birding as a hobby for the masses in the late 19th century.
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.
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?
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.
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.
A large flock of Redpolls flies around a snowy field of dried grasses in heavy falling snow.
Buckle Up, Birders—This Winter Is Looking Finchy
October 22, 2025 — Good numbers of siskins, grosbeaks, and other favorites could be headed your way, according to the latest edition of the annual Winter Finch Forecast.
A chickadee perched on a thin branch with its beak open, vocalizing.
Want to Find Fall Warblers? Listen for Chickadees
September 04, 2025 — The calls of these resident stalwarts serve as an alarm bell for migrating songbirds—and a helpful beacon for birders.
A roadrunner leaps off the edge of a rock with its long tail pointed straight up.
A Bird You Need to See: the Greater Roadrunner
July 01, 2025 — Spotting this speedy desert dweller in the wild is about as surreal as birding gets.
A person looks up at a tree with binoculars while the person next to her points up at it.
How to Help Others Quickly Locate a Bird in a Tree
June 10, 2025 — Follow these simple steps to avoid a miscommunication meltdown and ensure everyone gets a look.