Birdwatching is a popular hobby that brings people closer to nature and offers numerous mental health benefits. It’s a fun activity that anyone can enjoy, regardless of age, income, or location. In this article, you’ll discover 12 tips to kick-start your birdwatching adventure. Read on to explore the fascinating world of birds.
Start Local
You don’t have to venture far or visit a nature preserve to see beautiful birds. You can begin birdwatching journey by getting to know the birds around your home. There may be several birdwatching spots within walking distance of your home. Starting close to home lets you gradually improve your birdwatching skills and knowledge in a familiar environment.
Timing Is Key
Knowing when different birds are most active is essential to getting the most out of birdwatching. Early mornings are ideal for spotting songbirds like robins, thrushes, and foragers that wake with the sun. Some birds, called “crepuscular,” are most active at dawn and dusk. Vultures, eagles, and hawks often soar in the late morning and afternoon, riding warm air currents.
Dress The Part
Your clothing should suit the weather and environment when you go birdwatching. Since you’ll often have to sit still for long hours, wear easy-to-remove or add layers to stay comfortable in cool and warm weather. Choose clothes that blend in with your surroundings and avoid wearing white, as birds perceive it as a threatening shade.
Buy Birding Binoculars
A good pair of binoculars is essential for any birdwatching enthusiast. Choose binoculars that are easy to carry, as birdwatching often involves long walks, and you may have to hold up your binoculars for extended periods. Beginners should consider 8×42 binoculars, which offer a balance of magnification and objective lens size. Higher magnification can make binoculars harder to hold steady and narrow the field of view.
Connect with Local Birders
You can enhance your birdwatching skills by connecting with experienced birders in your community. They can offer valuable advice and recommend birding spots that suit your interests and are suitable for the season. Join a local birdwatching club or participate in bird walk events to meet and learn from fellow enthusiasts. You can contact organizations like the Golden Gate Bird Alliance, which focuses on protecting Bay Area birds, and the West Chester Bird Club, one of the oldest active bird clubs in the United States.
Follow Birding Etiquette
Respect basic birding etiquette to avoid disturbing the birds while birdwatching. Keep your distance, especially from baby birds, as their parents may be nearby. Avoid using recordings to lure birds, as this can disrupt their behavior. Don’t share the locations of rare birds to prevent crowding and stress on the birds. Don’t go birdwatching on private property without permission. You can refer to the American Birding Association’s Code of Birding Ethics for detailed guidelines.
Stay Safe
Staying safe is essential when birdwatching, especially early in the morning. Avoid birding alone and bring a friend to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Pack food and water for the day, and ensure your cell phone is charged. Learn when the gated parks close, and don’t lose track of time.
Keep a Journal
A small pocket journal is essential for birdwatchers to record their encounters. Whenever you spot a bird, jot down its unique features, location, and any distinct sounds it makes. Later, you can cross-reference this information with a field guide or an app like iBird Pro Guide to Birds or Audubon Bird Guide. Choose a waterproof notebook, as birdwatching often involves braving the elements and visiting damp areas.
Master Birdwatching Terminology
Birdwatching has its terms that enthusiasts use to share their passion. From ‘lifers’ (first-time sightings of a species) to ‘twitchers’ (avid birdwatchers who travel to see rare birds), the jargon can initially be perplexing. Read books like National Geographic Backyard Guide to the Birds of NA or watch videos on birding to familiarize yourself with this unique language and start speaking like a pro.
Create a Target List
Make a list of species you hope to see before each birdwatching outing. For example, if visiting a lakeside birding spot at daybreak, research the birds in that area. Select a few species, like the Northern Oriole, Yellow-headed Blackbird, and Marsh Wren. Study their habits, appearances, and calls before your trip to increase your chances of spotting them.
Develop Patience And Observational Skills
You need patience and keen observation skills to identify and appreciate different birds. To develop these skills, you need to practice mindfulness. Pay attention to the bird’s appearance, such as its size, color pattern, and the shame of its beak. The bird’s flight pattern, feeding habits, and vocalizations can help you identify it. Practice your skills in different habitats, like forests, wetlands, and coastal areas.
Train Your Ears
Learn to recognize different bird calls. Some birds are shy and hard to spot, but you can identify them with their sounds. Start by listening to the calls of common local birds, which you can hear in your backyard or while jogging. As you practice, you’ll get better at distinguishing between different calls, which can help you locate birds more easily. Follow the sounds to find the birds and see them in their natural habitat. You can learn this skill from online audio guides and apps like the BirdNET Sound ID.