How to Be a Birdwatcher

For many people, birdwatching (also called “birding”) is an ideal hobby. It is not dependent on income, it can be done by those who might be physically impaired and birdwatching can be done all year long. In addition, birdwatching does not require any particular clothing or fancy equipment, so it can be done by virtually anyone with the time. That being said, there are a few things you should know before you start out to find that new species of bird.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Notebook or a computer
• Field glasses
• Bird identification book

1. Start by birdwatching in your own backyard. When taking up this hobby, you need to develop a foundation of knowledge. There are tens of thousands of different species of birds around the world, but first you need to know the basics. Start by naming the types you see. After you have done that, buy two to three bird feeders for your yard so you'll begin attracting new visitors.

2. Find out more about the birds of the world by reading books or finding websites on the subject. A particularly good book on this subject is "World Encyclopedia of Birds & Birdwatching" by David Alderton. Whether your sources are books or websites, you will grow proficient in identifying birds by what distinguishes them from others, as well as by their size, color and even their choices of food. With this education, you will begin to see birds as individual creatures rather than just flying animals.

3. Begin writing what you observe either on your computer or in a notebook. On the first day of each month, take an inventory of the birds you have seen during the past month. Before long, you will begin to see the migration of certain birds to and from your area each year. Make note, too, of the habits exhibited by the birds that will help you to more easily identify them when they come again.

4. Go on the road with your new hobby. Start by simply going around your neighborhood and identify those birds that you did not see in your yard. If you feel more adventurous, head to a national park where you'll find a trove of new birdwatching opportunities. Take a small notebook and a pair of field glasses because you'll be adding a lot of new birds to your list.

5. Merge your other hobbies with birdwatching. For example, if you enjoy photography, take pictures of the birds you find. If you like to hike, look for birds along the trail. In the case of photography, supplementing your written observations with pictures of the birds you've identified makes your observations more interesting and dynamic.

Resources

• Learn about Birdwatching
• More Information about Birdwatching
• Still More Information about Birding

[dlcass]

on 11/1/2008 Excellent Article! Thank you : )