North American Fall Hawk Migration

Every fall, millions of hawks, falcons, eagles and other birds of prey move south across North America. Some gather in enormous kettles, while others follow ridges, shorelines and mountain passes alone. Learn when hawk migration begins, why weather matters, where to watch and how to recognize migrating raptors by shape and behavior.

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Shorebird Migration

Shorebirds begin their southbound migration while most of us still think of summer as just getting started. Many have spent the brief breeding season in Alaska, northern Canada, and the Arctic tundra, where they must nest and raise their young during a very short window of abundant food and nearly continuous daylight.

Learn why shorebirds migrate so early, how some species travel thousands of miles to South America, and why adults in transition plumage and newly arrived juveniles can be so challenging to identify.

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Fall Migration

Fall migration starts much earlier than most birders realize. Shorebirds begin appearing along the Gulf Coast by mid-July, Purple Martins gather in massive pre-migration roosts, and millions of birds prepare for journeys that span continents. Discover the amazing distances birds travel and how fall migration can improve your bird identification skills.

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Red-tailed Hawk: North America’s Most Familiar Raptor

Most birders know the Red-tailed Hawk—but few realize how many different forms exist across North America. From the familiar Eastern Red-tail to the pale Krider's Hawk and the mysterious Harlan's Hawk, discover why one of our most common raptors is also one of our most fascinating.

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Experienced Birders ID Birds Faster

How do experienced birders identify birds so quickly? The answer isn't better eyesight or a photographic memory. Learn the techniques expert birders use—from bird families and habitat clues to shape, behavior, and pattern recognition—and discover how you can dramatically improve your own bird identification skills.

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The Biggest Beginning Birder Mistakes

Every birder starts somewhere—and most of us make the same mistakes. Discover the 12 biggest beginning birder mistakes and learn practical tips that will help you identify more birds, build confidence, and enjoy the journey from beginner to better birder.

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