Birding Basics

Thinking of taking up birding as a hobby? These birding basics and tips on birding for beginners will get you started.

Discover the Desert Birds of the Southwest

You'll be amazed by the ways these desert birds survive and thrive in dry country. Learn about the unique bird...


The Most Commonly Sighted Bird in Every State

Data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey reveals which bird was seen most often in every state. Check to...


What Does a Baltimore Oriole Song Sound Like?

In spring, listen for a melodic Baltimore oriole song in your backyard and look for these black and orange birds....


6 Bird Migration Patterns That Have Changed

From rufous hummingbirds to Canada geese, discover some of the ways bird migration patterns are shifting for certain bird species.


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Birdwatching for Beginners: How to Start Birding

Ready to learn about bird-watching for beginners? Grab binoculars and a field guide, connect with other birders, then go see...


7 Sweet Photos Show How Birds Flirt and Attract Mates

Discover the adorable ways how birds attract mates and flirt with each other, including elaborate dances, preening and feeding rituals.


Signs of Spring: 8 Great Spring Bird Moments

Spring can seem a long way off, until you spot a phoebe and see wrens gathering nest material. Learn more...


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How to Keep Cats From Killing Birds

If you own a cat, keep it indoors to protect the birds. Learn how many birds cats kill each each...

Go Birdwatching in Different Bird Habitats

Understanding specific habitats can help you identify the birds that live there. Spot more species by exploring more types of...


What Does a Cedar Waxwing Call Sound Like?

Learn how to identify a cedar waxwing call and hear what the species sounds like. Then you can listen for...


75+ Solutions for Common Backyard Birdwatching Problems

We’ve got answers for all your backyard birdwatching problems, including cleaning feeders and bird baths, deterring backyard pests and helping...


Wake Up Early to Listen for a Robin Bird Song

Robins start singing even before sunrise. Learn what a robin bird song sounds like and when you should listen for...


Discover the Fastest Birds in North America

From outwitting predators to raising a family, speed can boost a bird’s chances of survival. Learn about the fastest birds,...


Cedar Waxwing Migration: Where Do Waxwings Go in Winter?

Learn about cedar waxwing migration and where these colorful birds might show up during the cold weather months.


Where Is the Best Place for a Bluebird House?

What is the best bluebird house location? The bird experts answer the question to help birders attract nesting bluebirds.


7 Fascinating Great Blue Heron Facts

Spotting a regal, statuesque great blue heron is always a treat. Learn facts about these birds' nests, calls and more.


Spot the Owl in Your Backyard Trees

Be a bird sleuth and discover who's flying through the neighborhood. Here are the telltale signs you should look for...

How to Create Winter Shelter for Birds

Birding experts and readers offer their best tips to create shelter and protect birds from the snow, wind and cold...


How to Buy Binoculars: Our Birding Binoculars Guide

Our editors and experts reveal how to buy binoculars. Discover our picks for the best birding binoculars and find out...


Can Birds Eat Peanut Butter?

Our bird experts explain if peanut butter is safe for birds and what kind of peanut butter to offer at...


Our Top 10 Favorite Sports Team Bird Mascots

Cheer for these professional football, baseball, basketball and hockey teams with bird mascots!


How Do Birds Fly? Answers to Common Questions About Birds

Learn fascinating facts about bird senses and bird behavior from a birding expert, and discover the truth about how and...


What Happens to Birds in a Hurricane?

Find out how powerful hurricanes impact songbirds, seabirds and more, and learn how you can help in the aftermath.

Join the Birds & Blooms Field Editors

Interested in becoming a Birds & Blooms Field Editor? Now’s your chance!   Our Field Editors are an enthusiastic group of


3 Mimic Bird Species You Should Know

Tune in to the copycat songs of mimic birds, like mockingbirds, catbirds and thrashers. Plus attract birds that mimic sounds...


5 Birding Apps to Give Your Skills a Boost

You never leave home without your phone, so install these birding apps and you'll have guides, checklists, and more at...


Identifying Birds by Their Song

Did you know that simply hearing a bird counts as an ID? For visually impaired people who are beginning birding,...


How to Keep Birds Away From Fruit Trees

Want to deter birds from fruit trees without harming the birds? This safe and easy solution uses objects you already...


Use a Hawk Picture to Scare Birds Away from Windows

One way to prevent birds from hitting glass is to place a picture or silhouette on the window. Try this...