About BWD

BWD (formerly Bird Watcher’s Digest) has been North America’s premier bird‑watching magazine since 1978. Each bimonthly issue is packed with beautiful photography, illustrations, and in-depth articles by renowned experts.

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The BWD Team

Jessica Vaughan

Editor

Dawn Hewitt

Managing Editor

Julie Zickefoose

Advising Editor

Bruce Wunderlich

Photography Editor

Mike Sacopulos

Publisher

Rich Luhr

Associate Publisher

Mark Hedden

Web Content Editor

Shanna Lukes

Administration and Customer Service

Carol Moore

Customer Service

The BWD Story: A Timeline

1978

Bill Thompson, Jr., and Elsa Thompson decide to start a magazine for bird watchers. Bill, Jr., had a background in journalism and Elsa had an avid interest in birds and bird watching. Bird Watcher's Digest was based in the Thompsons' home for the first five years, and initially it contained reprints only. Roger Tory Peterson critiqued the magazine from the first issue, offering ideas for improvement. His art, photographs, and writing often graced the pages of the magazine.

The 1980s

After a slow but enthusiastic start, the business moves out of the Thompsons’ home and into its first professional office building in 1983. The published articles are now almost all original material, with only the occasional reprint. In 1984, Roger Tory Peterson begins writing a regular column titled "All Things Reconsidered."

The 1990s

Bill, Jr., retires from Bird Watcher's Digest in 1993 and remains an active figure at Marietta College and in the surrounding community until his death in 2011. Elsa remains involved in the day-to-day running of the magazine, often answering customer calls and greeting office visitors. Bill Thompson, III, and Andy Thompson guide the magazine as co-publishers. In 1994, circulation reaches more than 80,000 worldwide.

The 2000s

Under the leadership of Andy and Bill, Bird Watcher's Digest expands to be more than a magazine. Their sister Laura Thompson joins as circulation director in 2007. The company launches additional publications and newsletters, as well as specialized print and digital content, books, podcasts, and events. Former President Jimmy Carter contributes an article in 2004.

The 2010s

The 2010s see more expansion at Bird Watcher's Digest: birding tours in 2014, the American Birding Expo in 2015, and optics sales in 2017, among other ventures. In 2017 and 2018, Laura and Andy leave to follow their own passions, leaving Bill Thompson, III in charge as Publisher. Sadly, both Elsa Thompson and Bill Thompson, III die in 2019, leaving the magazine with none of the founding family remaining.

The 2020s

The original Bird Watcher's Digest folds in December 2021, along with the ancillary businesses. In mid-2022, the magazine is resurrected by Michael Sacopulos and Rich Luhr as BWD Magazine. Most of the former editorial staff and contributors gleefully return to work. The format changes from a digest size to a full-size magazine, and the magazine enters a new era. Today, BWD continues to be recognized as the gold standard of birding publications, and is thriving as it delights generations of birding enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can subscribe on this website right now with credit card or PayPal. You can also mail a check for $26 (1 year, US/Canada) to:

BWD Magazine
PO Box 3396
Terre Haute, IN 47803

Canadians, please ensure checks are payable in US Dollars. For subscribers in countries outside North America we recommend a digital subscription (see below for details).

Please include your mailing address and either an email (preferred) or phone number with your subscription request.

Head to the Subscriber Portal, where you can update your information and check, and change, the status of your subscription.

All subscribers to the printed magazine will receive free access to the digital edition of BWD and access to two years of Bird Watcher’s Digest back issues.

If you don’t want print, a digital-only subscription is just $15 per year. This is a great option for subscribers outside the USA, to avoid the higher cost of mailing magazines to your country.

You can subscribe online now. Please note that you must have an active Internet connection when viewing the digital subscription (it’s not a download).

Yes! BWD makes an excellent gift, appreciated by anyone who loves birds. You can give a Print subscription (which includes free Online access) or just an Online subscription. Click here to get started.

"BWD" is the new, shorter, name for the magazine that was formerly known as Bird Watcher's Digest.

Additional Information

Subscriptions

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Article Index

See the list of all BWD articles going back to 1978.

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Issues from July/August 2022 to present are available for purchase.

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