Birding

From helpful bird species profiles to expert tips on attracting birds to your yard – we have all the information you need to start birding.

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Become a Birds & Blooms Field Editor

Want to Join the Birds & Blooms Field Editors? Here’s How! We’ve created a private Facebook community for our volunteer


The Winner of the 2017 Backyard Photo Contest!

We announce the winner of the 2017 Backyard Photo Contest!


Bird Mimics and Mimicry: Three Birds to Know

Tune in to the copycat songs of mockingbirds, catbirds and thrashers.


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Must-See Hummingbird Videos You Can’t Miss

From nest building to snoring (yes, snoring!), the behavior captured in these hummingbird videos will captivate your bird-loving heart.


Puffin to Porg: How Nature Inspired Star Wars

The porgs seen in Star Wars: The Last Jedi weren't originally in the script. But the puffin population on Skellig...


5 Birding Apps to Give Your Skills a Boost

You never leave home without your phone, so install these birding apps and you'll have guides, checklists, and more at...


Western Birds and Their Eastern Counterparts

Many western birds look somewhat familiar to eastern eyes. Take a look at some common western birds and their eastern...


How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Balcony

Tempt birds to your balcony or patio with flashy flowers and a trio of tricks.

This Birder Found a Hummingbird Nest and What She Did Next Will Warm Your Heart

A pair of hummingbirds chose her backyard cactus to raise their young, but not everything went to plan.


7 Interesting Facts About How Birds Nest

There's a lot more to bird nests than meets the eye.


Western Bluebird vs Eastern Bluebird: Which Bluebird Am I Seeing?

Pay attention to where you are birding, and learn how to tell the difference between a western bluebird vs an...


Nene, Hawaii’s State Bird

A close relative of the Canada Goose, the Nene is the rarest of all the state birds and found only...


Muscovy Ducks

Bigger than mallards and unusual in appearance, Muscovy ducks are common in Florida and some cities in the U.S.


Duck Identification: Canvasback vs. Redhead

One of the most common duck identification questions I get is how to tell the difference between a Canvasback and...


Bird Nesting Season: Anhinga Courtship

Anhinga courtship behavior is a joy to watch. See video of a male anhinga during bird nesting season as he...


The Ultimate Guide To Backyard Bird Photography

Get expert bird photography tips from a professional bird photographer on how to turn your backyard into an ideal space...


Birding Basics to Camouflaged Birds

Many camouflaged birds blend in with the background for their own survival—but you can spot them with the birding basics...

Bird Species Profile: Little Blue Heron

Check out my top 5 interesting facts about Little Blue Herons!


Low Tide Beach Birding Tips

Headed to the beach to check out the shore birds? Get birding tips to make the most of your time...


Identifying Birds by Their Song

Did you know that simply hearing a bird counts as an ID? For visually impaired people who are beginning birding,...


Homemade PVC Bird Feeder

Create this whimsical PVC Bird Feeder for hummingbirds with materials you can find at your local hardware and craft stores.


Using Nectar Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds

The best flowers to attract hummingbirds are rich with nectar - here's how to build a nectar-filled garden in your...


Attracting Birds With Birdscaping

A few clever gardening tricks will have you attracting birds like never before.

Glass Jar Homemade Hummingbird Feeder

Attracting hummingbirds is easy and fun with this homemade hummingbird feeder made with a baby food jar.


Glass Bottle Homemade Hummingbird Feeder

Save money while attracting hummingbirds by creating this homemade hummingbird feeder from a glass bottle and some copper wire.


How to Make Easy DIY Oriole Feeders

The secret to attracting orioles? Oranges! These two kinds of DIY oriole feeders are easy to make, and orioles will...


Build a One-Board DIY Birdhouse

A DIY birdhouse doesn’t get any easier than this! Learn how to build a nest box from single pine board.


True Colors: Decoding Bird Plumage

Brilliantly colored bird feathers serve many purposes. Learn how bird plumage protects and helps wild birds.


Growing Bird Seed

Plants that allow you to harvest seeds attract more birds to your backyard.