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Birding

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.
Birding Advice
Old photo of a gull in flight over water.
Remembering ‘The Bird of the Century,’ a Half-Century Later
March 03, 2025 — In March of 1975, an extremely rare Ross's Gull was confirmed for the first time in the Lower 48. The sighting and the frenzy that ensued was a watershed moment for a burgeoning birding community.
Birding News
Birding Is a Booming Hobby—and a Big Business
February 20, 2025 — More than 1 in 3 U.S. adults enjoy birding, and the money they spend contributes billions of dollars to the economy.
Birding News
A male American Goldfinch perched on a branch.
Mindful Birding
February 07, 2025 — Combining the joy of observing birds with the benefits of mindfulness.
ROCKIES
Black-capped Chickadee
The Importance of Community Science and eBird for Alaska’s Birds
November 25, 2024 — Community science and Christmastime go hand in hand thanks to ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s Christmas Bird Count, but conservationists use eBird data year-round to improve the life of birds—Alaska’s included.
Community Science at ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ
Alyssa and Kevin Cronin stand on a boardwalk surrounded by palm trees, holding binoculars and smiling.
How Everyone’s Favorite TikTok Dad Brings Birds to a Whole New Audience
November 12, 2024 — Kevin Cronin, known as Kickball Dad to his social media fans, has gotten his millions of followers excited about birding by simply being himself online
Birding News
A Red Crossbill looks down from its perch in a pine tree, holding a seed in its beak.
Fancy Finches? This Extensive New Field Guide Is For You
October 04, 2024 — Co-authored by a finch expert and veteran guide writer, the book covers everything from House Finches to honeycreepers. (Yep, they're finches, too.)
Field Guides
A Red-flanked Bluetail perches on a thin branch against a green background.
How Rare Is That Rare Bird?
September 23, 2024 — When you consider all the factors that go into the unlikeliest vagrant sightings, it makes you wonder ...
Birding News
Sunrise over pine trees.
Birding Tours on Cattle Ranches?
September 12, 2024 — ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Conservation Ranching and Reefs to Rockies add a new dimension to ecotourism.
ROCKIES Conservation Ranching
A Redpoll perches on a pink plant eating its fuzzy white flowers.
Lumping Redpolls and Splitting Seabirds: This Year's Updates to North American Bird Names
August 07, 2024 — The American Ornithological Society recently announced its checklist changes for 2024—and there’s quite a bit for birders to catch up on.
Bird Names & Taxonomy