Noticing is one of the most important birding skills you can develop. In Part 2 of our Beginning Birding series, learn how to spot subtle movements, see field marks, practice awareness exercises, and use ducks as perfect binocular training partners. These simple habits make you a more confident, observant birder.

Give the bird lover in your life a Christmas gift that brings joy all year long. From binocular harnesses to hummingbird ring feeders, bee watering stations, sun hats, suet, and more—these birding gadgets make every outdoor moment richer. Practical, fun, and good for the birds too, each gift will remind them of you every time they’re used.

Meet the colorful “cousins” of the Grosbeak family—Rose-breasted, Black-headed, Blue, the Northern Cardinal and the Pyrrhuloxia. Learn their distribution, migration, nesting habits, and how you can support healthy grosbeak populations right in your backyard. A beautiful group of birds we can help protect through simple, bird-friendly actions.

Give your backyard birds a safe place to raise a family! Learn how to choose the right nest box, place it correctly, welcome cavity-nesters, prevent invasive species, and support a healthier bird population right at home.

Feeding wild birds is rewarding, but certain foods—like bread, cheap seed mixes, and processed snacks—do more harm than good. This guide explains what to avoid and what to offer instead to keep birds healthy in your backyard.

Feeding backyard birds starts with choosing the right seed. In this guide, you’ll learn which seeds attract favorite songbirds—like cardinals, chickadees, finches, and woodpeckers—and which seeds create waste, invite pests, or lead to disease. From sunflower and millet to safflower, nyjer, and peanuts, discover how each seed supports healthy bird behavior and how to keep your feeding station clean, safe, and full of life.

You’re connecting with nature.
You’re helping protect something fragile.
You’re spending time with people who share your passion.
You’re giving back through science.
And you’re stepping into a tradition more than a century old.

If you’ve ever watched a cardinal try to land on a dainty tube feeder—or seen a squirrel chew a plastic feeder into confetti—you know that not all birdfeeders are created equal.

The good news? 2026 is a fantastic year to upgrade your backyard setup. We’ve got smarter cameras, tougher all-metal designs, eco-friendly materials, and specialty feeders for everything from finches to orioles.

Discover why Hornsby Bend in Austin, Texas is a surprising birding haven. Learn about the ponds, River Trail, wildlife research, and conservation efforts.

Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned birder, a beginner with a pair of binoculars, or even yourself—this list of clever and affordable birding gadgets under $40 delivers both practicality and delight.

Start your birding journey! Learn essential gear, best field guides, and the deeper mindfulness benefits of birdwatching.

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for a bird lover or budding birder? From a beautiful bronze feeder to smart, tech-savvy gear, these eight thoughtful ideas bring joy, nature, and feathered visitors right to their doorstep.

Discover how to attract North America’s bluebirds—including Eastern, Western & Mountain Bluebirds—to your backyard. Learn the best habitat, nest box tips, native plants & foods to support bluebirds and help them thrive.

Celebrate the season of giving by treating your backyard birds to thoughtful gifts they’ll truly love. From squirrel-proof feeders and smart camera feeders to suet cakes, peanuts, and DIY fruit garlands, this guide shares the best ways to keep your feathered friends happy and well-fed all winter long. You’ll even find tips for planting berry and nut shrubs to nourish birds year-round.It all begins with an idea.

Brilliantly blue and remarkably intelligent, the Blue Jay is one of North America’s most charismatic backyard birds. From caching acorns that grow new forests to warning other species of predators, this bold and vocal bird brings both color and purpose to every landscape it inhabits.