Birding Basics

How to Begin Birding (Audubon)
Here are three easy steps to get you into the field.

Choosing Binoculars for Birding (Optics Planet)
While the typical optics consumer often favors high powered binoculars (16x is quite popular these days!), the more discerning birdwatcher has traditionally preferred relatively low power binocular models (7x, 8x and some 10x).

Binoculars (American Forest Foundation)
You will be able to see some birds without the use of binoculars, but many birds will not come close enough to accurately identify without the aid of magnification.

When and Where to Bird (American Forest Foundation)
To aid you in your search for birds, here are some general tips on when and where to find them.

An Introduction to Birdwatching (Texas Parks and Wildlife)
Birds appeal to our sense of aesthetics. They’re beautiful and their extravagant plumages are dazzling to the eye. Their complex behavior is intriguing, and their songs are varied, evocative and pleasing to the ear.

Helpful Birdwatching Tips (Birdlife Australia)
Here are some universal tips for making the most of your birdwatching ventures.

American Birding Association Code of Birding Ethics
(American Birding Association)
Practice and promote respectful, enjoyable and thoughtful birding as defined in this code.

North Carolina Birding Trail (N.C. Birding Trail)
This is a guide to finding your perfect birding locations.

Carolina Bird Club’s Official List of the Birds of North Carolina (Carolina Bird Club)
This is the list of species accepted by the North Carolina Bird Records Committee as of the 2018 annual report.