Birding Advice

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.
An aerial landscape dotted with small bodies of water.
Birding Bucket List: Tour America's ‘Duck Factory' in the Bird-Packed Prairie Pothole Region
March 25, 2025 — Glacier-carved fields and ephemeral wetlands provide a crucial stopover for long-distance migrants and prolific breeding grounds for a wide variety of duck species and other waterfowl.
Destinations
A group of people sitting in lawn chairs in a park, some holding binoculars.
How (and Why) to Host a Bird Sit
March 24, 2025 — Casual or competitive, stationary birding events provide a refreshingly different outdoor experience.
Christopher Joe speaks to a group of people outside, many of whom have binoculars.
You Have What It Takes to Lead Bird Outings
March 24, 2025 — Not a bird expert? Not a problem. To guide a group you need enthusiasm and a welcoming attitude, not perfect ID skills.
A group of people stand in a suburban lawn all looking in the same direction with cameras and binoculars.
Birdist Rule #84: Know the Dos and Don'ts of a Rare Bird Stakeout
February 05, 2024 — When going for a vagrant, it’s important to remember that everyone is on the same team.
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.
An owl glides over a field, the frost on the grass glistening.
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.
A flock of ducks flying in the same direction with an out of focus landscape in the background.
A Duck Hunter’s Tips for Quickly Identifying Waterfowl on the Wing
November 14, 2022 — Take limits require rapid ID of fast-flying birds—a useful skill for any birder. One waterfowler breaks down how she does it.
Binoculars and a cell phone on a wood table outside, the eBird app open on the phone shows nearby birding hotspots.
A Beginner’s Guide to Using eBird
October 07, 2022 — Birders and scientists alike have come to depend on this powerful platform. New to birding or intimidated by eBird? Don’t worry, we’ve got you.