Magazines are useful resources for birders because they provide a wealth of timely information, birding tips and stunning photography that can bring even more bird species into a birder’s repertoire. Valuable features of magazines include:
- Updated news on conservation efforts
- Seasonal features for year-long birding tips
- Bird profiles and detailed species information
- Easy birding projects such as feeders and birdhouses
- Birding travel information about festivals and hotspots
- Tips for attracting birds in different ways
- Professional photography and birding artwork
- Equipment profiles and birding book reviews
There are several popular magazines that are perfect for both novice and experienced birders.
Birds & Blooms
This bimonthly publication covers backyard birding tips as well as gardening and landscaping that can attract birds. A wide range of reader input is encouraged and leads to unique stories and tips. Regular contests are a fun way for readers to get involved with the magazine as well.
A companion publication to Birds & Blooms, Birds & Blooms Extra, is published in the off months for the primary magazine. Birds & Blooms Extra includes exclusive content and photography to bring even more birding information to avid birders.
Birder’s World
This bimonthly publication covers North American bird species and backyard birding tips. A popular feature is the magazine’s devotion to birding hotspots, making it a valuable resource for planning birding travel. Expert advice and professional photography make this a magazine birders of any level will enjoy.
Bird Watcher’s Digest
Bird Watcher’s Digest is family owned and operated for a friendly, personable tone, and it is packed with expert columns offering advice on all aspects of birding. Travel accounts are a popular feature, as are the bird profiles and other detailed information. The magazine’s size is also attractive: it is small like the most popular field guides, making it easy to take to any birding site.
The Backyard Birds Newsletter is a sister publication of Bird Watcher’s Digest. It is published in the off months when Bird Watcher’s Digest is not printed and gives birders an ongoing resource for backyard birding tips.
Wild Bird Magazine
Wild Bird Magazine focuses more on conservation and bird education than other popular publications, but it still contains a wide range of birding tips and expert bird watching advice. Species profiles cover the entire western hemisphere, often including rare and unusual birds. Published bimonthly, subscribers can enjoy the expertise of Wild Bird Magazine six times each year.
The LBJ: Avian Life, Literary Arts
The LBJ, affectionately named for the numerous “little brown job” birds so common in backyards everywhere, is a unique birding magazine. With poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and literary journalism about birding and bird conservation issues, The LBJ is a more reflective look at the world of birding. The magazine is published twice per year and is field guide-sized for convenient enjoyment.
Other Sources for Birding Magazines
In addition to these popular magazines available at most bookstores and through subscriptions, birders can get regular newsletters and magazines from many other sources. Several popular birding regions are home to local magazines, and birding organizations often publish their own newsletters or magazines. Magazine subscribers may also receive private access to exclusive online content such as additional articles, expert interviews, photo galleries, free desktop wallpapers, project ideas and special offers, giving them even more great information about birding even when they aren’t in the field.
