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

How Different Spring Migrants Decide When to Head North
March 22, 2017 — Will warmer weather bring the birds back early? It all depends on what type of migrators they are.
14 Fun Bird Events to Fill Your Spring Weekends
March 17, 2017 — From birding festivals to exhibits, the coming months and incoming migrants offer an array of activities for avian aficionados.
For an Unforgettable Birding Adventure, Teens Head to Costa Rica With Audubon
March 14, 2017 — Eight teenagers recently returned from Costa Rica with fresh perspectives, beautiful photos, and much bigger life lists.
Seven Spring Hotspots for Warbler Photography
March 10, 2017 — Migrant traps aren't just a boon to birds—they put photographers in a sweet spot too.
The Case for Chasing Birds That Don’t Count
March 10, 2017 — Because birding is about so much more than just your list.