Birding Guides & Articles

Expert tips, seasonal advice, and gear recommendations for birders of all levels.

Birder taking notes in a field journal outdoors

How to Start a Birding Life List

Everything you need to know about starting and growing your birding life list, from eBird to field journals and milestone goals.

March 15, 2026

Flock of birds in migration against a sunset sky

seasonal12 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

A complete guide to bird migration in North America — flyways, timing, navigation, and the best places to witness this natural wonder.

March 10, 2026

Bald Eagle soaring in flight against blue sky

tips11 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles

From Alaska to Florida, discover the top destinations for watching America's iconic raptor in the wild.

March 5, 2026

Central Park in spring with trees in bloom and Manhattan skyline

seasonal12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

From Central Park warblers to Jamaica Bay shorebirds, discover why NYC is one of the best spring migration destinations in North America.

March 5, 2026

Egret standing in calm water at a Southern California coastal wetland

seasonal10 min read

Spring Birding in Los Angeles

Explore LA's coastal wetlands, chaparral canyons, and urban parks for Pacific Flyway migrants and California specialties this spring.

March 5, 2026

Chicago lakefront park with trees in spring bloom

seasonal11 min read

Spring Birding in Chicago

Chicago's lakefront parks are legendary migrant traps. Discover the Magic Hedge and more of the Windy City's best spring birding spots.

March 5, 2026

Golden Gate Bridge with coastal landscape in spring

seasonal11 min read

Spring Birding in the SF Bay Area

From Golden Gate Park migrants to Bay mudflat shorebirds, the SF Bay Area offers Pacific specialties and stunning spring birding.

March 5, 2026

Cherry blossoms along the Potomac River in Washington DC

seasonal11 min read

Spring Birding in Washington, DC

Rock Creek Park warblers, Huntley Meadows wetlands, and Potomac River migrants — spring birding in the nation's capital is world-class.

March 5, 2026

Mountain peaks rising above clouds in the Pacific Northwest

seasonal11 min read

Spring Birding in Seattle

Pacific Northwest old-growth forests, Puget Sound seabirds, and urban migrant traps make Seattle a spring birding gem.

March 5, 2026

Brown pelicans flying along the beach at Padre Island on the Texas Gulf Coast

seasonal13 min read

Spring Birding in Houston

High Island fallouts, coastal marshes, and trans-Gulf migrants make the Houston area the #1 spring migration destination in North America.

March 5, 2026

Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University in Boston surrounded by budding spring trees

seasonal11 min read

Spring Birding in Boston

Mount Auburn Cemetery, Plum Island, and Boston's historic parks deliver exceptional spring migration birding in New England.

March 5, 2026

Parent and child walking together under trees in a park

beginner10 min read

Birdwatching with Kids

Fun activities, age-appropriate gear, and the best destinations for introducing children to the joy of birdwatching.

March 1, 2026

Colorful bird showing detailed plumage and field marks

tips11 min read

Bird Identification: The Four Keys

Learn the four keys to bird identification — size, color, behavior, and habitat — plus tips for tricky lookalike species.

February 25, 2026

Hummingbird hovering near a garden flower

beginner10 min read

How to Attract Hummingbirds

Everything you need to know about feeders, nectar recipes, native plants, and timing to bring hummingbirds to your garden.

February 20, 2026

Person using smartphone app in outdoor nature setting

tips7 min read

Best Birding Apps in 2026

From Merlin Bird ID to eBird, these are the essential apps every birder should have on their phone.

February 15, 2026

Cardinal perched at a backyard bird feeder

beginner8 min read

How to Set Up a Backyard Feeder

A complete guide to choosing feeders, seeds, and placement to attract the most birds to your backyard.

February 1, 2026

gear guide12 min read

Best Binoculars for Birding 2026

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right binoculars for birdwatching at every budget level.

January 20, 2026

Colorful warbler perched on a spring branch

seasonal10 min read

Top Spring Migration Hotspots

Discover the best places to witness the spectacular spring bird migration across the United States.

January 15, 2026

Songbird perched and singing on a tree branch

tips6 min read

How to Identify Birds by Ear

Master the art of identifying birds by their songs and calls with practical exercises and recommended apps.

January 5, 2026

Photographer with telephoto lens in nature

tips9 min read

Bird Photography for Beginners

Learn the basics of bird photography including camera settings, lens selection, and field techniques.

December 15, 2025

A birder looking through binoculars in a forest setting

beginner8 min read

Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching

Everything you need to know to start birding, from essential gear to identification tips and field etiquette.

December 1, 2025

Snowy owl perched on a snow-covered post

seasonal7 min read

Winter Birding Tips & Gear Guide

Stay warm and productive on winter birding outings with these essential tips and destination recommendations.

November 15, 2025

seasonal10 min read

Fall Bird Migration Guide

Everything you need to know about fall bird migration — from hawk watching to identifying confusing fall warblers.

September 15, 2025