Practical articles on birding skills, habitat interpretation, and ethical field practice. Written for enthusiasts, not ornithologists.
Dawn and dusk are when bird activity peaks, and they're also when color is the least useful identification tool you have. Learning to read shape and posture changes what you can identify and when.
Read ArticleThe boundary between a forest and an open field holds more bird diversity than either habitat alone. Understanding why helps you find species you'd otherwise miss entirely.
Read ArticleMost birders use eBird to log sightings. Fewer use it to plan where to go and what to expect before they leave the house. Here's a practical approach to using the data it contains.
Read ArticlePlaying recorded bird calls to attract birds is a divisive topic in birding communities. This article outlines what researchers have observed and what ethical guidelines currently recommend.
Read ArticleMost binocular problems come from setup, not quality. Diopter settings that haven't been calibrated, incorrect eye relief, and tracking errors account for most of the frustration beginners experience.
Read ArticleMigration timing varies considerably across North America. A summary of when to expect the main movement windows in the Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Southeast, and Atlantic Coast.
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