The Nest

Sandhill Crane Photo: Mary Lundeberg/Audubon Photography Awards

The Nest is a compilation of virtual and e-learning resources for kids, adults, and anyone at home fulfilled by birds and the places they need.

Just as birds create their nests from a variety of materials, we've gathered elements across Audubon's network to allow friends of all ages to escape into the world of birds and the Great Lakes.

Perfect for practicing social distancing, The Nest provides a safe source of comfort and joy during these challenging times.

Explore the Virtual World of Birds

Learn to Bird by Ear
The Nest

Learn to Bird by Ear

The sheer volume of songs and calls can often feel overwhelming for birders, but these sounds offer an opportunity and a challenge. With our birding-by-ear series you can learn how to better ID birds through their vocalizations.

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Audubon Bird Cams
The Nest

Audubon Bird Cams

From nesting Atlantic Puffins in Maine to Arizona's hungry hummingbirds, you can follow along live 24/7.

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MI Birds
MI Birds

MI Birds

MI Birds aims to deepen Michiganders engagement in the understanding, care, and stewardship of public lands that are important for birds and local communities.

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Carina Ruiz leading Wild Indigo Programming. Photo: Ivonne Chavez

DIY Activities & Nature Exploration

Make Migration-Friendly Window Decorations
The Nest

Make Migration-Friendly Window Decorations

Help your feathered friends through their journey with this easy DIY.

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How to Make a Birdbath
The Nest

How to Make a Birdbath

Help your feathered friends beat the heat this summer with this easy DIY birdbath.

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Make a Bird Feeder Out of Recycled Materials
The Nest

Make a Bird Feeder Out of Recycled Materials

This easy DIY feeder will make birds, and the earth, happy.

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Un Cuento de Dormir de los Pajaritos | "Birdy" Bedtime Stories

TheSpanishExperiment.com provides bilingual learning and stories for kids, parents and guardians of all ages to enjoy. Based on "The Bird and The Whale", by Aletta, El Pájaro y la Ballena: The Bird and the Whale shares a thought-provoking journey of friendship, love and understanding between two extraordinary creatures. Narrated in Spanish followed by English, the entire family can listen, follow along, practice a new or familiar language, and share in the bird and whale's altruistic friendship and love. 

El Pájaro y la Ballena: The Bird and the Whale © 2013 - 2020 TheSpanishExperiment.com
Based on "The Bird and The Whale", by Aletta.
Illustrations: TheSpanishExperiment.com.
Narration: Ana María Álvarez

Blue Grosbeak in serviceberry. Photo: Photo: Dave Maslowski

How to Make Your Yard Bird-Friendly

By National Audubon Society 

"In the face of these threats, you can help birds thrive right where you live by making your yard more bird-friendly. Follow the steps below to create a patch of vibrant habitat that attracts colorful birds and their sweet melodies. If you don’t have a yard, you can still help birds by creating a native plant container garden on your patio or balcony. Even very small patches of habitat provide tired, hungry birds with exactly what they need, particularly during migration." READ MORE

More on Birds and Blooms

Brighten Up Your Balcony or Patio with a DIY Native-Plant Garden
The Nest

Brighten Up Your Balcony or Patio with a DIY Native-Plant Garden

Even apartment dwellers can lure birds to their windows with container gardens. Here's how to get yours ready for spring migration.

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So You Have Your List of Native Plants. Now What?
The Nest

So You Have Your List of Native Plants. Now What?

Doing a little prep and research before you go to the nursery will save headaches and ensure you build the best habitat possible.

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Making Seed Balls to Help Birds
The Nest

Making Seed Balls to Help Birds

With this simple DIY, you can spread the power of native plants far and wide.

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Piping Plover. Photo: Lorraine Minns/Audubon Photography Awards

Find an Audubon Chapter in your area

A grassroots network that spans the continent

Chapters enable Audubon members and others to meet and share an appreciation of their common interests. They create a culture of conservation in local communities through education and advocacy, focusing on the conservation of birds, other wildlife and conservation of important habitats. LEARN MORE

Taking Action for Birds

Join Our Action Network
The Nest

Join Our Action Network

The only way we'll be successful in our conservation efforts is with your help. As a constituent, you have a unique ability to convey your concerns about issues affecting birds, wildlife and their habitats — and be heard like no lobbyist.

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Piping Plovers Nest in Chicago for the First Time in Over Half a Century
The Nest

Piping Plovers Nest in Chicago for the First Time in Over Half a Century

The enterprising pair have made Montrose Beach their new home, and not even flooding will keep them from trying to build a family

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Injured Bird Rescue
How To Help

Injured Birds

Handling and rescuing injured or abandoned birds.

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Audubon Announces Plan to Restore the Great Lakes for Birds and People
News

Audubon Announces Plan to Restore the Great Lakes for Birds and People

Largest freshwater coastal wetland restoration effort to stabilize declining bird populations and improve water quality

Audubon Great Lakes Launches Marsh Bird Data Hub for Marsh Restoration in the Calumet Region
News

Audubon Great Lakes Launches Marsh Bird Data Hub for Marsh Restoration in the Calumet Region

New interactive data tool helps inform restoration efforts benefiting birds and people

Clean Energy Jobs Act Will Provide a Cleaner, Healthier Future for Illinois Birds
News

Clean Energy Jobs Act Will Provide a Cleaner, Healthier Future for Illinois Birds

Marnie Urso, Audubon Great Lakes Statement in Support of CEJA Reintroduction in Illinois

New Legislation Poses a Serious Threat to Wetlands and Bird Habitat in Indiana
News

New Legislation Poses a Serious Threat to Wetlands and Bird Habitat in Indiana

Audubon Great Lakes Statement on Indiana Senate Passage of SB 389

Audubon Great Lakes Celebrates Signing of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act
News

Audubon Great Lakes Celebrates Signing of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act

Bipartisan-backed legislation ensures the continued restoration and protection of the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem

Audubon Great Lakes Statement on U.S. Senate Passage of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act
News

Audubon Great Lakes Statement on U.S. Senate Passage of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act

The bipartisan legislation would help improve water quality and bird habitat

Audubon’s Longest-Running Wildlife Censuses Continues With COVID-19 Guidelines
News

Audubon’s Longest-Running Wildlife Censuses Continues With COVID-19 Guidelines

121st Christmas Bird Count December 14 thru January 5

New “Trillion Trees” Bill in Senate will Protect Birds While Making Progress on Climate Change
News

New “Trillion Trees” Bill in Senate will Protect Birds While Making Progress on Climate Change

An alternative to earlier legislation from the House, the new bill supports natural solutions to climate change while preserving environmental protections.

Thousands of Sandhill Cranes Arrive in Northwest Indiana, Highlighting Importance of Conservation Efforts
News

Thousands of Sandhill Cranes Arrive in Northwest Indiana, Highlighting Importance of Conservation Efforts

Audubon Great Lakes Celebrates Conservation Success of the Ancient Bird Species

Ways You Can Help