Build and Maintain Bird Feeders and Houses
DIY plans for bird feeders and houses — feeder types by species, entry-hole sizes for cavity nesters, materials, and placement — plus a cleaning routine that keeps visiting birds healthy.
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Guides, gear, and stories
Everything we've published — guides, gear reviews, recipes, and field notes from the outdoors.
Guide to Photographing Birds: Tips, Techniques, and Equipment
Bird photography from gear to editing: camera and telephoto lens picks, shutter speed and autofocus settings, techniques for tracking birds in flight, shooting in golden hour through harsh midday sun and low light, and post-processing basics.
Teaching Kids and Beginners the Art of Archery
How to teach archery to kids and first-timers: picking a properly sized bow and arrows, range safety rules, a six-step shooting sequence from stance to release, and fixes for common mistakes like plucking the string.
Adjust and Tune a Compound Bow: A Comprehensive Guide
Step-by-step compound bow tuning: safety checks, setting draw weight and draw length, brace height, nocking point, sight alignment, and stabilizers, plus the tools you need and tips like logging your settings.
Wilderness Water Purification Guide: Complete Water Safety for Hikers and Backpackers
How much water to carry on the trail, where to find safe sources like springs and fast-moving streams, and how to purify it—comparing filters, chemical tablets, UV, and boiling—plus gear kits for day hikes and longer trips.
Hydration Tips for Kids and Pets in Winter Sports
Why dehydration risk persists in cold weather and how to keep kids and pets drinking during winter sports—insulated bottles, warm drinks, scheduled breaks, hydrating snacks, and the warning signs to watch for.
Maximize Vitamin D: Health Perks of Outdoor Activities
How sunlight drives vitamin D production and how much you need, with outdoor activities that help—plus factors like skin tone, season, and sunscreen, when to supplement, and deficiency symptoms to watch for.
Introducing Kids to Fat Biking: A Guide to Fun Adventures
How to get kids started fat biking: choosing the right bike size and tires, cold-weather gear, teaching balance and braking on snow, finding gentle groomed trails, and keeping short rides warm and fun.
UV Light for Rockhounding: Uncover Hidden Treasures
How to use UV light to find fluorescent minerals: longwave vs. shortwave flashlights, safety gear for UV-C exposure, and top U.S. hunting grounds including New Jersey's Franklin mines, Lake Superior Yooperlite beaches, and Oregon.
Altitude Sickness: Prevention and Management Tips
How to spot altitude sickness symptoms — including dangerous HAPE and HACE — and prevent it by ascending gradually, hydrating, eating carbs, and considering Diamox, plus what to do when symptoms hit.
Breaking In New Hiking Boots: The Key to Pain-Free Adventures
How to break in new hiking boots gradually: start indoors, add short walks, simulate trail conditions with a loaded pack, fix pressure points early, use the right socks and insoles, and know when they're trail-ready.
Camping with Kids and Pets: Tips for Stress-Free Fun
How to plan a camping trip with kids and pets: choosing a kid- and pet-friendly campsite, packing checklists for both, mealtime and safety tips, activity ideas, and staying flexible when things don't go as planned.