How to Join a Birding Listserv

Birding is one of America's fastest-growing hobbies, and it was inevitable that birders would start using their computers to communicate with one another. Listservs are mail groups that allow you to receive and post messages regarding birds and birding. Whether you're a beginning birder with questions or a seasoned veteran with a rare sighting to report, there's bound to be a listserv to accommodate your needs.

1. Step 1

   Go to the American Birding Association's Web site at www.americanbirding.org.

2. Step 2

   Click on Resources, and then on Mailing Lists.

3. Step 3

   Click on the birding list you would like to join and follow the instructions on the site to subscribe. Subscriptions are generally free.

4. Step 4

   Join BIRDCHAT by signing on to http://listserv.arizona.edu/archives/birdchat.html and clicking on Join/Leave the List. This is a good mailing list for beginning birders who wish to post questions to other birders all over the country.

Tips & Warnings

• Some of the mailing lists have very strict rules about what can be discussed. Be sure to read the rules carefully before posting.