How to Become a Beginner Birdwatcher

Birdwatching is a fun and relaxing hobby.

Becoming a birdwatcher is simple! With a little patience, you can become a beginner birdwatcher after a few trips to a habitat birds live in, or just by looking in your own backyard. It is a relaxing hobby that helps you appreciate what nature has to offer.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Binoculars

Getting Started

1. Go to where the birds are. Find out where the local walking and hiking trails are in your area. Look up the local Audubon society in your area and become a member.

2. Find other birders and go birding with them. If you don't have a friend who is a birder, there are knowledgeable staff and nature walks you can sign up for at the Audubon Society. Birdwatchers are generous with their information.

3. Buy a good beginner bird field guide for your area. One that is separated by colors would be most helpful to a beginner.

4. Record your sightings. You can do this in a journal or online. This will be a reference to you in the future.

Watching

1. Look. When you are looking at birds, notice their colors, shape of their bill and any other unique characteristics.

2. Listen. Each bird has a different call. Examples are chirps, chatters, whistles, warbles.

3. Observe. What is the bird doing? Where are you observing them?

4. Record. Starting a record of your bird sightings is helpful. It also motivates you to continue looking for more.

Attracting Birds

1. Buy some birdseed that attracts the birds from your region. Remember to check what birds are around during the particular season you are in.

2. Install a bird feeder where you can easily see the birds from a window in your home. This way you can enjoy the birds from a prime spot in your own home. Optionally, you can place a birdbath near the bird feeder.

3. Place binoculars near the window so that you don't miss an opportunity to observe the birds.

4. Remember to record your sightings.

Tips & Warnings

• Be quiet. Birds are easily scared away. When you are talking to more seasoned birders, remember to keep your voice down.

• Have patience. Sit and wait without movement for at least 15 minutes in a setting if you are not seeing any birds.

• Enjoy the nature. There is so much to appreciate in the birds' natural habitats.

References

• "Stokes Beginner's Guide to Birds: Eastern Region"; Donald and LIllian Stokes; 1996