Why Birdwatching Is Exploding in Popularity Across America

You’re outside when suddenly you hear an unfamiliar chirp. Looking around, you wonder, “Is it a squirrel?” “Is it a bat?” And the answer to both is “no.” It’s just another bird you wish you could learn to identify. As it flies out of your peripheral, you’re left with birder’s regret: The desire to know birds by name, but having no idea where to start. The good news is that you’ve come to the right place.

Roughly 96 million Americans participate in birdwatching each year. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service states it’s one of the most popular outdoor activities in the country. And with the right guide, you could become one of 96 million people who discovered the joy of birding. We spoke with two experts to make this happen. One is a revered photographer with a bird’s-eye view on birding, and the other is a respected biology professor at Rollins College, with a long history in ornithology.

Why Everyone is Watching the Birds

Birding is a booming business, statistically speaking. Audubon estimates that one in every three adults takes part in birdwatching, meaning roughly 37% of the population is watching the skies. The number of people flocking to migration locations has skyrocketed in recent years, with 70,000 participants attending the Biggest Week in American Birding Festival in Ohio last year. This event now attracts birders from all over to observe the “Warbler Capital of the World” for ten days of nonstop birdwatching. While you don’t need to go that big to take part in this outdoor recreation, it’s a bucket-list stop for many. During the pandemic, we witnessed another shift in birdwatching, as many people discovered the beauty of their towns and cities. Suddenly, travel wasn’t necessary to experience something new and exciting, such as birding.

For beginner birders, your backyard is a great place to start, and Dr. Bobby Fokidis, Biology Professor and expert in ornithology, agrees. “During the COVID lockdown, the world got quiet. For many, it was the first time in a long time that people could hear birds singing. They noticed that cardinal outside their window, and it made a lot of people look up and realize there’s wildness woven into our daily lives. And once you see it, you can’t un-see it,” he says. Dr. Fokidis goes on to explain how the affordability and ease of such a hobby are precisely what make it so alluring. ” It is one of the few hobbies where you can obsess over lists, hike mountains, and practice mindfulness all at once. You just need curiosity and the ability to shut up and pay attention. And right now? That’s damn near revolutionary. It is a chance to be primal in an overstimulated world.”

It’s this idea of reconnecting with nature in an intrinsically natural way that has so many continuing to birdwatch. It’s grown to be more than a hobby, and for some, according to Dr. Fokidis, it may have even replaced one. “What really happened was that people got primed for it by playing Pokémon GO. Once they ran out of Pokémon to capture, they started on the birds. What can I say, change my mind,” he says, and the stats seem to back him up. According to a recent NPR interview with David Schwab, more kids are taking up the hobby these days. So, how can you trade an Eevee evolution for the chance to see a blue jay in action?

Start Small, But Watch Big

We asked Dr. Fokidis where to go for the best birdwatching, and his answer was both surprising and reassuring. As it turns out, you don’t need to travel extensively or commit to long vacations to appreciate birds. “Honestly, don’t overthink it—start local. You don’t need to fly halfway across the world to start birding. Just walk out the door. Beginners get caught up thinking they need to hit some pristine forest or remote wildlife refuge, but the truth is birds aren’t snobs; they show up where there’s food and cover,” he says. This means there’s a pretty good chance your backyard supplies everything needed to be a bird haven. “City parks, greenways, and cemeteries are surprisingly rich in birdlife. Shorelines are also an incredible first place to start and can boast some incredible birdlife,” Dr. Fokidis explains, before closing with a semi-serious joke. “That weedy ditch behind the grocery store can be a bird magnet, and your local retention pond could be an avian singles bar.”

Surprisingly, city environments may even offer more opportunities to see rare birdlife. “Urban areas can often attract more species than surrounding wildlands, due to the planting of exotic plants, especially flowers, presence of invasive or exotic birds—a problem for nature really, but still helps you log numbers—and the mix of habitats like open fields, ponds, and forests, in often very close proximity to each other.” This is evidence to support that you don’t need to go far to observe a range of bird species. Cities are home to more than just pigeons. Recent evidence also shows that European starlings have started nesting in buildings, a unique evolutionary adaptation.

The Likely Suspects, Depending on Location

Half the fun of birding is being able to distinguish between two bird species. Expert birders can easily identify a bird based on its call or a flash of color as a bird zips by. As a beginner, all you need to know are the basics. There are several bird species you’re more likely to see than others, according to Dr. Fokidis. “In terms of common species, the types of birds that visit feeders, like the American Robin, Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, Tufted Titmouse, and Mourning Dove, are practically everywhere and serve as birding training wheels,” he says. “You’ll also run into House Sparrows and European Starlings, which aren’t native but sure as hell aren’t going anywhere and typically hang out in local Home Depot parking lots.” Yet again, further proof that birding is as easy as opening your eyes—and sometimes, your ears.

“Great-tailed Grackles here in Florida prefer Walmart. Depending on where you are, a great way to get started is by learning your local waterbirds first: swans, ducks and geese in the northern states and if you are in the south, try learning to tell apart the different waders, such as the herons, egrets, ibises and storks,” Dr. Fokidis adds, specifying that regionality plays a significant factor. Every state in the U.S. is home to some species of water-dwelling bird, making this an excellent place to start.

Birding in the Spring and Summer

When it comes to the season, birding can change significantly from one season to another. Migration patterns have a substantial effect on which birds you’re likely to see, and when. According to Dr. Fokidis, the season you start birding matters big time. “Spring and fall migrations are like rush hour for birds, except they’re trying not to die while crossing continents. Spring—March to May—brings in flashy warblers, tanagers, and shorebirds in their best plumage heading north to breed. They’re loud, flashy, and are starting to look for mates, and as a result, it’s when many species are most easily identified,” he explains. “Spring migration is when birding goes full throttle as tiny birds cross entire continents with nothing but drive, grit, fat reserves, and the most efficient metabolism on earth. Imagine millions of birds flying over your head, usually at night, that even show up on the lowest resolution radar, as they battle storms, predators, and sheer exhaustion, meanwhile, you and everyone else are completely oblivious to it.”

In stark contrast, Dr. Fokidis describes summer as the exact opposite. It’s a rest period for many birds, which means birding might not be as thrilling. ” It’s like the nap you take after the crazy party. And just like in a good party, the birds are ‘shacked up,’ raising offspring in their nests. You tend to see the same birds over and over, but it’s a great chance to learn bird calls as you will hear the same ones over and over,” he says, saying summer vacation might be especially enticing for birders. “My suggestion, go East if you live West and vice versa,” he adds.

Birding in the Fall and Winter

If fall were a test in birding, it would be the equivalent of the high school Regents exam. It brings with it changing plumage and camouflaging colors, making bird identification slightly more challenging. “Fall—August to October—is the reverse migration, when everything’s worn out and scruffy but still impressive,” says Dr. Fokidis. “That’s when you get the tough birds: the juveniles, molting adults, and weathered veterans with faded feathers headed south, and these are often harder to identify as they trade in their hormone-fueled patterns and colors for more practical earth-tones, resulting in many species looking ‘the same.'” He adds that this can be difficult for a beginner, but not to be discouraged. It’s a great opportunity to identify new species, such as raptors, sparrows, and ducks.

Winter is the trickiest of all the seasons for birders. However, just because the weather can be brutal doesn’t mean there aren’t birds to be seen. “Hell, it is cold, quiet, and brutal. I am from Canada, so I know about this,” Dr. Fokidis says, his expertise extending beyond his study. “The hardcore birds show up: loons, rough-legged hawks, snow geese. No tourists. Just survivors,” he says, praising the survival skills of winter’s birds. “It’s a chance to see fancy owls, hawks, and other birds that typically are found at the Arctic Circle. The Great Lakes fill up with Arctic gulls and waterfowl, and the best part is that usually, you will be alone, so you will feel like a real explorer.” Along with hardcore birds, Dr. Fokidis claims they require hardcore birders, as well. “This is because nobody wants to go with you, because it is too cold. Many of them will just huddle around their local bird feeders, admiring the Pine Siskins and Redpolls that show up for a couple of weeks and then leave again.”

“Every season has its edge, and you must know what to look for. But visiting a place through the seasons puts you in tune with nature’s cycles, and that is one of the best things about birding.”

Dr. Bobby Fokidis

Why Backyard Birding is the Best For Beginners

Traveling is a luxury for some birders but not all. Backyard birdwatching is how many people start their birding journeys, and for good reason. It affords you the chance to learn about native wildlife, observe bird patterns, and familiarize yourself with the species that cohabitate with you. According to Dr. Fokidis, it’s also a way to determine how bird-friendly your backyard is. “You want to understand your ecosystem, then watch the damn birds. Backyard birding isn’t about rarity; it’s about observation. Birds are indicators, they are feathered barometers for your local environment,” he says, adding, “If you notice fewer insect-eating warblers in spring, maybe the bugs are missing. If a pair of Blue Jays nest successfully in your oak tree, congrats—you’re doing something right. But if all you’re getting is pigeons and starlings, maybe it’s time to question what kind of habitat your ‘landscaped’ yard provides.”

As yards grow greener and decorative plants replace real ones, you may notice less wildlife. The species you encounter in your own backyard are highly indicative of the overall health of your ecosystem. You may find that a city 20 miles away is home to more birds than your suburban backyard. Or, you might notice that you have 15 different species of birds in your yard, giving way to a (literal) breeding ground. Either way, you’ll learn something about the birds and about how friendly (or not) your green space is.

How To Birdwatch Without Any Tools

First and foremost, birding doesn’t require fancy equipment. You can go outside with nothing more than your own two eyes and ears and observe birds in their natural habitat. This is crucial, according to Dr. Fokidis, especially for first-time birders. “I am old school. When I started birding as a kid in Toronto, Canada, I had to call a phone number hotline where locals would tell about their rare sightings,” he recalls.

“Apps are useful, but they don’t replace field sense. I find that going into ‘the field’ is not just about finding birds, but getting away from all the tech distractions we have. Don’t get so obsessed with gear and guides that you forget to look.” He suggests starting by getting outside with a pair of binoculars. “Raw observation builds skill and sometimes, if you are lucky, ‘awe.'”

How to Use Apps for Birding

If you’re interested in diving further into birdwatching, there are some helpful tools to enrich your new hobby. After you’ve a firm grasp on raw observation, apps can fill in knowledge that can’t otherwise be observed. ” Both Merlin and eBird are the most popular. Merlin helps you ID birds by photo or sound. You just point your phone at a bird call and it’ll spit out a name. eBird is your digital notebook and a global community rolled into one. It lets you log your sightings and see what others are spotting nearby,” says Dr. Fokidis. Merlin is currently the most popular birding app for both Apple and Android, and is free to use.

“I also like iNaturalist, which includes both animals and plants in an area. I often use that when I travel somewhere new for pointers to a biodiverse place I can explore,” Dr. Fokidis recommends. He adds that field guides by Sibley and Peterson are helpful, but not entirely necessary for beginners. The emphasis, he believes, should be on learning through observation, rather than scanning the page.

How to Photograph Wildlife While Birding

Witnessing a rare bird or behavior is a memorable experience. Owen Deutsch, one of North America’s most prolific bird photographers, gave us some advice on how to capture those moments. His top tips include:

1. Get lower…lower…even lower: Getting low to the ground will help you get unique shots that you wouldn’t usually get if you shoot just straight ahead or upwards. It changes the entire mood of the shot! You can also incorporate foreground details that make the photo much more interesting. Including parts of the environment can make the photo, giving it context and helping to tell the bird’s story. “Think you’re low enough? Nope – get lower,” he says.
2. Shoot in Overcast Light: When possible, shoot in overcast light for even lighting without harsh shadows. Shooting in overcast light allows you to capture a great shot, regardless of the sun’s position. “This is especially important if you are a beginner photographer and you aren’t entirely confident in adjusting your camera settings for harsh lighting conditions,” Deutsch adds.
3. Catch the glint in the eye: “When you get the bird’s eye sharp and catch that light glint, the bird looks alive!” Deutsch tells us. “The eye is the most important part of the bird to keep in focus – it commands attention. That’s why a well-lit environment with the sun behind you is so important – and a fast shutter speed will help, too.”
4. The background makes the photo: “I know, I know… You want to shoot photos of beautiful birds. But the background, and sometimes the foreground, can make or break the photo, too!” Deutsch says, recommending opening the aperture to achieve a beautiful blur and a stunning background. “It really sets the mood for the photo.”

These tips are universal and have helped him capture breathtaking photos of birds in the last two decades. Photographing birds does more than freeze a moment, according to Deutsch. It also broadens the exposure people have to conserving and respecting bird species.

Birdwatching Safety: How to Remain a Careful Observer

Birdwatching is (mostly) harmless for the person doing the watching. However, it can sometimes cause interference in a bird’s natural habitat. Many times, birders have disturbed a bird’s natural pattern without realizing it. Whether it’s an unwanted bird call or stepping too close to a nest, numerous things can spoil an observation. We asked Dr. Fokidis about bird safety and how to be a good, yet respectful, birdwatcher.

“Birders can screw up everything if they’re careless or trying to impress Instagram. So don’t be that person. Stay on trails, keep a respectful distance, especially during breeding season. Respect seasonal closures and don’t bait birds with food or flush birds just for a better look,” he says, stating the brutally honest facts. To emphasize the point, he adds, “You don’t work for National Geographic or the BBC. Don’t trample nesting grounds to get ‘the shot.'” We’ve all read the stories of wildlife watchers interfering with an animal’s nesting grounds for “the gram.” In 2025, it’s become a significant problem, and one that’s absolutely preventable.

“Avoid playback (playing bird calls on your phone) in sensitive habitats, as it can mess with territorial behaviors. Playing bird calls on loop in breeding territories can mess with reproductive cycles. Also, wear neutral clothes: you are watching wildlife, not auditioning for a music video,” Dr. Fokidis says. “Rule of thumb: if a bird changes its behavior because of you, you’ve screwed up. Learn the signs of stress: dive-bombing, excessive calling, broken-wing displays. If a bird is agitated, simply put: you’re too damn close.”