BirdWatching

BirdWatching is a must-read for anyone who loves birds, whether you are a casual birdwatcher or avid birder. Each issue includes articles by the best known, most respected names in birding, identification tips, spectacular photography, hands-on information about the best birding locations in North America, answers to intriguing reader questions, and much more.

Be someone’s spark

Threats reassessed • International Red List sounds alarm for seabirds, Snowy Owl, Saltmarsh Sparrow, and more

since you asked

Migratory Bird Treaty Act under threat

Year of the Bird • 4 organizations celebrate birds in 2018

New species in Peru

Tracking botulism • Citizen scientists helped ecologists study bird die-offs on Lake Michigan

ON THE MOVE • A duck and raptor to watch for in spring

When Soras fly south • Missouri study detects earlier migration of widespread rail

PHOTO GALLERY • Recent rare-bird sightings in North America

A Cooper’s for Harold • A visit to the hawk watch from birding’s senior statesman

Fairfax County, Virginia: Turn migration into vacation • Great views, beautiful trails, and plenty of wildlife keep me coming back

FEATHERED BAROMETERS • As spring arrives earlier each year, Yellow-crowned Night-Herons mysteriously adjust the timing of their return to the emergence of fiddler crabs

A beautiful BEGINNING • How the distinctive Hooded Merganser sparked a love of birds

TRADE OFF • WHY MIGRATORY BIRDS MAKE LONG ANNUAL JOURNEYS WHILE THEIR CLOSE RELATIVES REMAIN IN THE TROPICS YEAR-ROUND

Spring & summer Festivals • 90 events where you can find lots of birds, hear from experts, and have fun

Blue-winged Teal

Long-distance duck

hotspots near you

woodside natural area • essex, vermont 44°30'5.37"N 73°8'43.42"W

AT A GLANCE

yellowwood state forest • brown county, indiana 39°11'2.48"N 86°20'16.67"W

AT A GLANCE

cantigny park • wheaton, illinois 41°51'15.38"N 88°9'17.62"W

AT A GLANCE

trinity river audubon sanctuary • dallas, texas 32°42'13.21"N 96°42'19.18"W

AT A GLANCE

Creating Exceptional Portraits • 8 lessons for shooting bird portraits from professional photographer Scott Bourne

WHAT’S IN SCOTT’S BAG

Doing it all • Why male Satin Bowerbirds must master many skills

Disappearing insects • How you can slow the decline in insects — and help birds, too

Winged wonders • Birding experiences and photographs submitted by readers

Eye-rings explained • How the shape and pattern of feathers around the eyes can help you identify birds

TARGET BIRDS • Enjoy this photo gallery of species that you can see at the locations featured in this issue’s “Hotspots Near You.”