Bird Watching
6 Things you should know about bird watching
Bird watching can be a relaxing hobby, and you can learn much information at the same time. Because birds are so active and rarely stand still, bird watching can be a challenge. It takes a lot of patience and determination to identify different bird species.
A birdwatcher is dedicated to the hobby, and he spends endless hours watching and waiting. It also takes research beforehand to identify the birds and their various calls.
Birdwatchers usually compile a list of all the birds they have seen. They meet in groups and compare notes. If someone spots a rare bird, he usually notifies other birdwatchers of the area where the bird can be spotted. It builds up camaraderie among people with the same interests.
Listed below are some helpful hints for the first time you go on a bird watching expedition:
- If you are at a nature center for the purpose of watching birds, you will probably be provided a field guide booklet to help in identifying the birds.
- After you spot a certain bird, keep your eye on it as long as possible. Make as many observations as possible as quickly as possible. Pay attention to its markings, size and color.
- These observations will help you identify this same species when you see it again. Make notes so you will have something to jog your memory.
- Binoculars are an essential tool in watching birds. Follow the bird closely with your binoculars. Continue to watch one particular bird until it flies out of range.
- Concentrate on the sounds the bird makes. Try to follow the melody so you will recognize it when you hear it again. Learning to identify the call of a certain bird will help you identify it, even if it isn't visible.
- If you have the bird in the sights of your binoculars, look at the bird's facial markings and the shape of its bill. Pay particular attention to its overall size and shape. This will help identify the proper bird family.
The Right Conditions for watching birds
Spring and fall migrations are the ideal times to watch for birds. As birds are relocating, they fly through a wide range of territory. Early morning is an especially productive time to observe birds. If you are a casual birdwatcher, you might sit on your deck or porch while drinking your morning coffee. You could be rewarded with a variety of birds that are searching for food. If you live near the ocean or take a trip along the coast, there are many observation decks built for the purpose of watching birds. A dedicated birdwatcher will watch for ideal conditions and then take advantage of them.
Studying about a bird's habitat can yield information that will enable you to observe certain birds in their natural habitat. If you are interested in a certain bird species, you could read about its location and then plan a vacation just for the purpose of observing that bird. Of course, you would enjoy lots of other things on the vacation, but seeing that particular bird species would be the highlight of the trip.
Dedicated birdwatchers are concerned about proper etiquette. Some of the rules are common sense. You would not rush into an area where other birdwatchers are standing quietly as they observe birds. You would not talk loudly or make noises that would scare the birds. Proper etiquette also includes always putting the welfare of the birds first. You would avoid any conduct that might be detrimental to the bird or the bird's habitat.
Having the Best Experience Possible
Any successful experience depends on the effort that is put into it. If you want to be a successful birdwatcher, it will require a lot of effort and perseverance.
Certain criteria can help you achieve a great experience. First of all, there must be birds in the area to watch!
If birds are scarce in the area where you live, you might have to travel to other places to enjoy watching birds.
Naturally, there will be different times during the year when birds are scarcer than others. During these times, you could increase your knowledge of birds by reading bird books, watching educational movies about birds, and meeting with groups that discuss bird habitats and characteristics. Experienced birders might be able to locate birds at times that other birdwatchers are not able to find any at all.
Bird clubs are an excellent way to keep informed of any bird activity in your area. These organizations can also provide information about good watching areas that might not be common knowledge. If you are really serious about watching birds, it is possible to hire a guide to help you in sighting birds. If the first trip together is successful, you may consider a guided tour again.
If you travel to watch birds, make sure you also enjoy the culture of the area and other scenic adventures that are available. You may find that birding is too intense to offer relaxation and enjoyment for you. If that is the case, you can be a casual birdwatcher and just enjoy watching birds eat and play, without feeling that you have to document everything you observe!