American Birding Association

08/25/2026

Don't think about it too much.

08/25/2026

Long-tailed Sylphs are spectacular even by hummingbird standards.

On the ABA’s Southern Peru Birding: Abra Málaga and Manu National Park tour, Aug. 6–16, 2027, we’ll search for this dazzling Andean hummingbird, whose namesake tail can stretch dramatically behind it as it moves through the cloud forest.

And the sylph is just one highlight of a journey through some of Peru’s richest birding country, from the high Andes down into the extraordinary biodiversity of the Manu region.

Come experience the birds of southern Peru with the ABA! Learn more and register: https://www.aba.org/southern-peru-birding-2027/



Long-tailed Sylph, by Chris Sloan

08/25/2026

Don't forget to fill out our survey by Aug. 31 for a chance to win an ABA Store gift basket with a hat, t-shirt, and water bottle!

Each year, the American Birding Association conducts a survey to help us better understand the needs of the birding community, and how we can continue to build our membership program to serve you. We'd love it if you could take a few minutes of your time to send us your feedback!

If you fill out our survey before Aug. 31, 2026, you'll be entered to win a gift basket from the ABA store with a hat, t-shirt, and water bottle of your choice.

Be sure to include your email address and if you are a current member, your member ID in the first survey question if you would like to be entered to win!

There are two survey options at the link below and in bio. If you are NOT a current ABA member, please click on the first link. If you ARE a current ABA member, please log in to your account to access the member survey.

Thank you for your time, and we look forward to hearing your feedback!

https://www.aba.org/survey2026/

Sooty Grouse, by Jonathan Ley

08/25/2026

The excellent Puna Tinamou is one of the high-elevation specialties we’ll be searching for on the ABA’s Chile Birding: Deserts, Wetlands, and Rainforest tour, Oct. 10–22, 2027.

Our search takes us into the spectacular Altiplano of Lauca National Park, where Puna Tinamous inhabit the stark, high-Andean landscape. At elevations around 4,000 meters and above, we’ll explore bofedales, lakes, and open puna beneath snow-capped volcanoes, with possibilities including Puna Rhea, Puna Ibis, Giant Coot, Puna Plover, Andean Flicker, and all three of the region’s flamingos.

And that’s only one part of this 13-day journey. From the Atacama Desert to Pacific pelagics and the temperate rainforests of the Lake District, we’ll experience an extraordinary cross-section of Chile’s birds, habitats, and landscapes.

Join us in Chile! Learn more and register: https://www.aba.org/chile-birding-deserts-wetlands-rainforest/

08/25/2026

Few names loom larger in the world of bird art than Lars Jonsson.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest bird artists of all time, the legendary Swedish artist, ornithologist, and author has influenced generations of birders through his extraordinary paintings and illustrations in some of the world’s most celebrated bird books and field guides.

In the upcoming Sept. issue of Birding, Jonsson sits down with the ABA for a fascinating interview about a lifetime spent studying and painting birds, his secrets for capturing the personality of an individual bird, and the moments when artist and subject seem to become one.

And there’s something extra special for ABA members: Jonsson created an original painting specifically for the cover of this issue! Become an ABA member today so you receive the next Birding and don’t miss this conversation with one of the most influential bird artists of our time.

ABA.org/membership

08/24/2026

What can happen when young birders, experienced mentors, and a community come together for conservation?

In the upcoming Sept. issue of Birding, 16-year-old Sophia Haakman shares how the Jim Neville Bird Monitoring Project is using birds to measure the impact of habitat restoration in Sarasota Bay, and bringing generations of birders together along the way.

Become an ABA member today to receive the issue and support the stories, young birders, and community that make birding better.

ABA.org/membership

08/24/2026

Boreal Owl is one of the most coveted northern owls.

We'll have a chance for it on the ABA’s Minnesota: Winter in Sax-Zim Bog trip, Dec. 6–10, 2027. Boreal Owls vary in their presence from year to year, but we'll also search for Canada Jays and Boreal Chickadees, sometimes close-up at feeders, as well as exciting winter finches like Evening Grosbeak, Pine Grosbeak, White-winged Crossbill, Red Crossbill, and more. Other thrilling owls like Northern Hawk Owl, Snowy Owl, and Great Gray Owl, among others, are also possible!

Don't miss this classic ABA Area winter adventure. Learn more and register: https://www.aba.org/minnesota-winter-in-sax-zim-bog/

08/24/2026

The ABA's Greg Neise's was interviewed for this article about Wisconsin's first Yellow-billed Loon:

Yellow-billed loons are native to Arctic waters and have occasionally wandered to other Midwest states. They are rarely spotted outside of the Arctic at this time of year.

08/24/2026

It's hard for birders to keep track of all the latest developments in the world of bird books... That's why every regular issue of Birding magazine has Rebecca's Bird Book Bulletin, where book reviews editor Rebecca Minardi collects all the latest bird book and media news in one easy-to-read place. Field guides, memoirs, monographs, site guides, kids books, every birdy book you can think of!

Imo the bird book bulletin is worth the price of membership by itself.

ABA.org/membership

08/21/2026

Hope everyone has a great weekend and sees lots of birds and also other cool things. Any plans?