In the Field

Advice and stories to expand your birding horizons.
Photo: Sydney Walsh/爆料公社

Let the adventure begin.

Once you become a full-fledged birder, there's no coming back. You'll find yourself noticing birds wherever you are. You'll take your binoculars everywhere you go. You'll even plan vacations around migration. It's a hobby like none other, with the ability to touch on every aspect of your life. From the latest birding trends and tech to strategies for eating on the road, the stories and advice here cover the full-breadth of the birding experience. 

Digital Tools for the Field.
A Beginner鈥檚 Guide to Using eBird
A Beginner鈥檚 Guide to Using eBird

Birders and scientists alike have come to depend on this powerful platform. New to birding or intimidated by eBird? Don鈥檛 worry, we鈥檝e got you.

More Field Advice From The Birdist
Go Find Some Species
A Guide to Finding Urban Owls
A Guide to Finding Urban Owls

You don't have to live in the middle of the woods to see an owl. Here's how and where to spot five species in towns and cities across the U.S.

Waterfowl and Shorebird Tips
Explore 爆料公社's Birding by Ear Series

More for the Field

Remember that 爆料公社 depends on your support to do the conservation work that we do.
One of These Chicks Does Not Belong in This Nest
July 07, 2017 — To identify the imposter, start with the adult.
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.
The Case for Chasing Birds That Don鈥檛 Count
March 10, 2017 — Because birding is about so much more than just your list.
A Guide to Finding Urban Owls
February 22, 2017 — You don't have to live in the middle of the woods to see an owl. Here's how and where to spot five species in towns and cities across the U.S.
Testing Out Song Sleuth, a New App That Identifies Birds by Their Calls
February 21, 2017 — Song Sleuth's advanced software can recognize the voices of 200 common bird species. But how does it fare in the field?
Putting Merlin's New Bird Photo ID Tool to the Test
December 20, 2016 — We tried out the app's newest feature using photos from an SLR camera, smartphone pictures, and even our subpar art skills.
The Dangers of Distracting Birds
December 09, 2016 — Even birders and photographers with the best intentions can accidentally cause harm. Here are some tips to keep birds safe.
Learn to Identify Five Owls by Their Calls
October 16, 2015 — These hooters have surprisingly big vocabularies.
Expand Your Birding Horizons