Field Guides
Field guides are one of the most valuable tools for birders because they help identify species and learn about their behavior, range, and habitats. Popular guides such as the The Sibley Guide to Birds and the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America provide detailed illustrations, range maps, and descriptions that make it easier to recognize birds in the field. These books often include information about seasonal plumage, migration patterns, and distinguishing features that help birders tell similar species apart. Many birders carry a field guide in their backpack or keep one nearby when visiting feeders, parks, or wildlife refuges.
Birds of Georgia
Full of interesting facts and useful information, Birds of Georgia is a field guide geared to both the casual backyard observer and the experienced naturalist. The book features over 300 of Georgia’s most abundant or notable bird species, each one illustrated in color.
Birding Apps & Websites
Merlin Bird ID
Merlin Bird ID This free App uses AI to identify birds from user-submitted photos and recordings, providing quick and accurate results.
iNaturalist
iNaturalist Use your smartphone to Identify Plants & Animals. Share your nature observations and help scientists track wildlife. The platform uses AI to identify species with expert reviewers. Free.
Georgia Go Outdoors
Georgia Go Outdoors App offers a free on-the-go guide that will help you explore state-owned or managed trail sites across the state.
Audubon Bird Guide
The Audubon Bird Guide app helps birders identify North American birds using photos, detailed descriptions, range maps, and bird calls. Developed by the National Audubon Society, it also allows users to track sightings, build life lists, and explore birding locations.
Sibley Bird App
Sibley Birds 2nd Edition App is a field guide in your pocket! The app based on the Sibley Guide to Birds includes all of the content in the printed guide as well as over 2,800 audio recordings, additional text, complete seasonal status data for every species in every state and province, hundreds of searchable criteria, and much more. $19.99
eBird
The eBird website and app allow birders to record and share their bird sightings while contributing valuable data to global bird research and conservation. Developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, eBird helps users track their life lists, explore bird hotspots, and see real-time maps showing where different species are being observed around the world.
Do you need binoculars?
Binoculars can feel overwhelming at first. The numbers on them are confusing, prices vary widely, and more magnification doesn’t always mean a better viewing experience.
Read Our Binoculars Guide