Purple Martins are one of North America's greatest conservation success stories. Learn how these beautiful swallows came to depend on human-provided housing, why thousands gather in spectacular pre-migration roosts each summer, and how birders can help ensure their future.

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.

Every May, Magee Marsh in Ohio becomes the Warbler Capital of the World. During the Biggest Week in American Birding (May 8–17, 2026), thousands of migrating birds gather along Lake Erie—creating one of the most unforgettable birding experiences in North America. Here’s how to plan your trip, what to expect, and where to go.

Hummingbirds may be tiny, but their lives are anything but delicate. From epic migrations and dizzying courtship dives to feeder squabbles and favorite flowers, here’s what their behavior teaches us — and how to turn your yard into a hummingbird haven.

Hummingbirds may be tiny, but their lives are anything but delicate. From epic migrations and dizzying courtship dives to feeder squabbles and favorite flowers, here’s what their behavior teaches us — and how to turn your yard into a hummingbird haven.

Hummingbirds are among the most extraordinary birds in North America—tiny, brilliant, and capable of incredible migration feats. This guide explores their natural history, how to attract them responsibly, where they nest, migration patterns, and what humans can do to help hummingbird populations flourish.