How to Go Birdwatching

You can watch birds just about anywhere, including your own backyard or through a window without leaving your house. But bird watching is an adventure. The thrill of leaving your home for a few hours or few days to take a trip to somewhere remote makes bird watching worthwhile. But, you will also likely see many more species of birds not found in your backyard.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Plan to get out of bed early. Birds are the most active just prior to and just after dawn. Because you will not be able to see them much before dawn, the best birdwatching time is right around dawn and slightly later.
2. Pack a bag with a few essentials. You'll need binoculars, a scope and a field guide. A field guide is book with pictures and descriptions of birds to help you identify them.
3. Obtain a bird checklist. A bird checklist is a list of the species of birds known to inhabit a certain area. Check with your local birdwatching club for the list. Checklists can also be found on the "Bird Checklists" website (see Resources below).
4. Check the local weather forecast the day before the bird atching trip and dress accordingly. Pack an extra layer of clothing in case the weather is colder than the forecast predicted. Also, pack extra socks because you may need to travel through wet areas.
5. Wear heavy boots and a hat. You'll need boots to get around the rough terrain of wooded areas. The hat will help shield your eyes from the sun, which will be crucial when watching for birds on a sunny day.
6. Take plenty of water. Because you will be doing a lot of walking, take more water than you plan to drink in case your birdwatching trip lasts longer than planned.
7. Consider documenting your birdwatching trip. Many birders keep a diary of trips to record the birds they see and other facts of the trip. You can also document the trip with photography or film.

Tips & Warnings

• Always prepare for emergencies when going into the wilderness. Make sure someone in your party carries a first aid kit and a cell phone. Notify someone of exactly where you are going and when you plan to return.