How to Join a Bird Watching Club

Bird watching is said to be the most popular hobby in America. However, even though birding has soared in popularity, finding a quality bird club has its challenges. With so many bird enthusiasts, organizations are hard pressed to meet the unique needs of their members. Find the right match and simplify your search by reading the steps below.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Get on the Internet. Check into associations such as the National Audubon Society, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Forest Foundation, National Wildlife Refuge System and Bird Watchers Digest for information regarding various birding resources and clubs available in your area.

2. Contact local park systems or college biology departments and inquire about birding clubs. Chances are one (or both) of these choices will turn up the information you are seeking.

3. Talk to other bird enthusiasts. Look for others who share your enthusiasm for bird watching and ask them if they know of any quality clubs. Sometimes just striking up a conversation with a complete stranger will lead you down the right path.

4. Join your local Audubon Society and have them place you on their mailing list. This will open the doors to birding opportunities and information in your area.

5. Ask a Ranger. Park Rangers are in charge of a park's educational programming. They are the ones in charge of bird outings and should be a good resource regarding local birding clubs.

6. Visit your local Wild Birds Unlimited. This national chain caters their products to bird enthusiasts and is a wealth of information regarding birding resources in your area.