Articles Index

Birding by Ear Basics

Tips for how to identify birds by sound, including how to listen to bird songs and what to listen for to get a positive bird identification.

Types of Bird Sounds

There are many different types of bird sounds that can be used for identifying birds, including calls, songs and nonverbal bird sounds.

Bird Roost Boxes

Bird roost box design basics, including what features are necessary, how to position a roost box and other tips to attract birds with this type of shelter.

Project FeederWatch

Details about Project FeederWatch, including how to participate, registration fees and project history.

Birds can eat a range of different kitchen scraps, from bread products to meat scraps to fruits, vegetables and even eggs. This list of kitchen scraps to feed birds discusses which scraps are suitable and how to offer them at your backyard feeders.

Simple Bird Suet Recipe

Tips for making bird suet including a simple homemade suet recipe for backyard birds.

Sparrow Identification Tips

Tips for how to identify sparrows by field marks, behavior, song and range, including what equipment and preparation is recommended for proper bird identification.

Downy Woodpecker or Hairy Woodpecker?

Tips for identifying the differences between downy woodpeckers and hairy woodpeckers based on appearance, behavior, range, sounds and other factors. Includes an identification quick reference table.

Risks to Raptors

Descriptions of different threats to bird of prey populations, including what individuals can do to promote raptor conservation and minimize those threats.

Cooper's Hawk or Sharp-Shinned Hawk?

Tips for how to distinguish between Cooper's hawks and sharp-shinned hawks based on appearance, prey and behavior. Includes a quick reference table for comparisons.

Protect Backyard Birds From Hawks

Easy tips for protecting backyard birds from hawks.

Autumn Birding Tips

Tips for taking successful birding in fall, including fall migration tips.

Barn Owl Nest Boxes

Tips for choosing and positioning barn owl nest boxes, including a list of nest box retailers.

Food for Birds of Prey

Descriptions and examples of the varied diet of birds of prey, including which species of raptors eat specific animals. Also includes tips for protecting backyard birds from raptors.