Birding by Ear

There's a lot to look forward to in spring for birders.

The flowers are blooming, old friends are returning,  and birdsong is at its peak. The sheer volume of songs and calls can often feel overwhelming for birders, but these sounds offer an opportunity and a challenge. With our birding-by-ear series you can learn how to better ID birds through their vocalizations. 

Pt. 1: Start Listening for Songs and Calls
Pt. 2: Learn the Most Common Kinds of Sounds
Pt. 3: Connect Noises With Pictures That Stick
Pt. 4: Grow Familiar With Neighborhood Voices
Pt. 5: “Read” Sounds on Spectrograms
Pt. 6: Know If It's a Mimic or the Real Deal
Pt. 7: Learn Different Regional Accents
Pt. 8: Eavesdrop on Nature's Orchestra
A Few of Our Favorite Sounds
American Bittern
Herons, Egrets, Bitterns
! Priority Bird
Varied Thrush
Thrushes
Red-tailed Hawk
Hawks and Eagles
Pied-billed Grebe
Grebes

More Birding Advice

Read an Excerpt From Noah Strycker's Book on His Record-Breaking Year of Birds
October 11, 2017 — Strycker recounts all the gritty and glorious details of his 2015 global Big Year in "Birding Without Borders."
Six Kid-Friendly Bird Guides
September 27, 2017 — A solid field guide will give them a head start on IDing common species. Here are some options to help shape their skills.
Seven Sturdy Backpacks for Birders and Bird Photographers
September 26, 2017 — Head out on the trail with all of your gear comfortably and securely stowed.
Scientists Want to Start Forecasting When Certain Species Are Migrating Your Way
September 22, 2017 — Weather maps are essential for researchers shadowing birds on the move. Pairing radar with eBird data will take migration tracking to the next level.
How to Feed Your Kid's Urge to Bird
September 20, 2017 — Children are curious, imaginative, and resourceful. By nurturing those traits, you can turn them into young birders, too.