Specialty Foods to Attract Backyard Birds
Want to attract more birds than just seed-eaters? Discover how fruit, nectar, mealworms, peanuts, and suet can bring orioles, hummingbirds, bluebirds and more into your backyard.
What Bird Seed Do Backyard Birds Prefer?
Choosing the right bird seed can make the difference between attracting colorful songbirdsāor feeding a crowd of seed-hogging bullies. Learn which seeds bring in cardinals, finches, woodpeckers and more.
How to Use a Bird Field Guide
A bird field guide is more than a reference bookāitās a powerful learning tool. Discover how birders use field guides to study bird families, learn identification skills, and recognize species faster in the field.
Designing the Perfect Backyard Feeding Station
A thoughtfully designed backyard bird feeding station can attract more species, reduce seed waste, and make birdwatching even more enjoyable. Learn how to choose feeders, place them safely, and create a bird-friendly feeding hub.
Hummingbirds in the United States
Hummingbirds are among the most remarkable birds in North America. Some species migrate more than 2,000 miles each yearāand many Ruby-throated Hummingbirds even cross the Gulf of Mexico in a nonstop flight. In this guide we explore hummingbird distribution across the United States, famous hummingbird hotspots like southeastern Arizona and south Texas, and how backyard feeders can help these tiny travelers refuel during their incredible journeys.
Landscaping for Hummingbirds
Want more hummingbirds in your yard? The right plants can turn even a small garden or patio into a hummingbird hotspot. Discover the best flowers, native plants, and landscaping ideas to attract hummingbirds all season long.
Using Relative Size to Become a Better Birder
Learning to judge relative size is one of the most useful skills a birder can develop. By comparing birds to familiar sizes like sparrows, robins, and crows, birders can quickly eliminate dozens of species and narrow down the possibilities. In this guide, we explain how experienced birders use size, habitat, and field marks together to identify birds faster.
Be a Better Birder
Want to become a better birder? The secret isnāt expensive gear or exotic travel ā itās learning a handful of practical skills that help you notice, understand, and identify birds more confidently. In this guide we introduce 10 birding skills that instantly improve your birdwatching, from recognizing field marks and judging relative size to using a field guide effectively. Whether you're just starting or hoping to sharpen your abilities, these tips will help you grow as a birder.
Specialty Bird Feeding
Specialty bird feeding goes beyond traditional seed to attract hummingbirds, orioles, and bluebirds. Learn what works, what to avoid, and why patience matters.
Backyard Bird Feeding: Help or Harm?
Backyard bird feeding can help birds ā or harm them. Learn what seed to use, which feeders work best, and how to feed responsibly.
Simple Backyard Changes That Attract Birds
Want more birds in your backyard? Simple changes like adding water, planting native shrubs, and offering safe feeders can transform your yard into a thriving habitat. Start small and build a refuge birds will return to all year.
Why Hummingbirds Migrate
Hummingbirds migrate thousands of miles each yearāsome even crossing the Gulf of Mexico in a single nonstop flight. Discover why they migrate, how far they travel, and how your backyard feeder can help during their incredible spring and fall journeys.
The Secret Lives of North American Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds may be tiny, but their lives are anything but delicate. From epic migrations and dizzying courtship dives to feeder squabbles and favorite flowers, hereās what their behavior teaches us ā and how to turn your yard into a hummingbird haven.
Birding - Putting It All Together
Bird identification happens when all your skills come together. Learn how to observe like a bird detective and confidently identify the birds around you.
Birds That Use Nest Boxes
Many North American birds rely on tree cavities to raise their young ā but natural nesting holes are disappearing. Learn which birds use nest boxes, why correct dimensions matter, and how one simple wooden box can support generations of songbirds. Includes a free printable nest box size chart.
Birding Jargon
FOY. Lifer. GISS. Dip.
If youāre new to birding, it can feel like everyone is speaking a secret language.
But hereās the truth: learning birding jargon isnāt about sounding smart ā itās about building confidence. In this guide, we decode the most common birding terms so you can think clearly, participate fully, and feel like you truly belong in the birding community.
Nest Box Facts Every Backyard Birder Should Know
Where should you hang a nest box? How big should the entrance hole be? Are gourds better than martin houses? Learn the essential nest box facts that help cavity-nesting birds stay safe and raise successful broods in your backyard
Planting for Hummingbirds
Want more hummingbirds without relying only on feeders? Discover the native flowers and plants that naturally attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and pollinators ā plus easy regional plant lists to help you turn any backyard (or patio!) into a colorful wildlife haven.
The Secret Lives of North American Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds may be tiny, but their lives are anything but delicate. From epic migrations and dizzying courtship dives to feeder squabbles and favorite flowers, hereās what their behavior teaches us ā and how to turn your yard into a hummingbird haven.
What to Pack for a Spring Migration Birding Trip
Headed to a spring migration hotspot? Donāt forget the essentials. From binoculars and field guides to lightweight rain gear and comfort items, hereās a practical packing checklist to help you stay comfortable, prepared, and focused on the birds.

