How to Become a Birdwatcher: What You Need to Know

 

Birdwatching, or birding, is a tranquil and fulfilling pastime that beckons you to connect with nature on a very intimate level. 

It requires nothing more than an inquiring stare, some patience, and an appreciation of the outdoors. 

And for those who choose to delve more deeply, birdwatching can be a lifetime pursuit an excuse to travel, learn, and be part of an international community of nature lovers.

No matter if you live in the city, suburbs, or countryside, birds surround you. 

With over 10,000 bird species on the planet and hundreds in most countries, birdwatching provides a limitless source of diversity and excitement. 

Here is everything you need to know to get started.

#1 Why Birdwatching Is Worth Your Time:

Let's talk about why birdwatching is such a great pursuit before we dive into gear and techniques.

Mental and Emotional Health:

Studies have demonstrated that sitting and observing birds reduces anxiety and stress. 

It is a mindfulness-producing activity and enables one to feel more present. 

There is something soothing about viewing a bird flit from branch to branch or listening to a serenade of dawn calls.

Physical Activity:

Birding puts you on the move. 

Whether a brief walk in the park or a walk on the weekend through the forest, the physical aspect keeps you active and in motion.

A Lifelong Learning Adventure:

Birdwatching may be as structured or as casual as you want. 

You'll necessarily begin to study bird species, habitats, migration, bird sounds, and more mentally stimulating and enhancing your connection with nature.

#2 Basic Equipment to Get Started:

Birdwatching is so appealing because you can start with minimal equipment. 

Some basics, however, will really enhance your experience.

Binoculars:

Your best purchase. 

Binoculars let you see birds without scaring them, but clearly.

• Recommended Specs: 8x42 is a great starting point configuration offering a compromise between magnification and field of view.
• Budget Options: You don't need to spend a fortune. There are many good ones under $100.

Field Guide:

A field guide for birds will help you identify species. Get one for your country or region.

• Printed Guides: Books like The Sibley Guide to Birds or Peterson Field Guides are the traditionalists.
• Apps: Utilize the Merlin Bird ID app or Audubon Bird Guide for interactive identification.

Notebook or Birding Journal:

Recording your sightings enables you to track your progress and improve your skills. 

Record the date, species, location, and any behavior observed.

Smartphone (Optional but Handy):

Your smartphone can be a productive birding aid. 

Utilize it for:

• Photographing
• Recording songs for bird identification
• Logging birding information in birding apps like eBird

#3 How to Start Birding: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Start in Your Own Backyard or Neighborhood Park

You don't have to drive to far-off locations to see fascinating birds. 

Start in your backyard. 

Put up a feeder, birdbath, or nesting box to invite common birds.

Step 2: Study the Basics of Bird Identification

Identification goes beyond color. 

Think about these things to look for:

• Size and Shape: Compare it to familiar birds like a sparrow or pigeon.
• Color Patterns: Look at the wings, chest, tail, and beak.
• Behavior: Notice how it moves hops, climbs, dives?
• Call or Song: Most birds are easier to identify by their sound than by sight.
• Habitat: Some birds have certain areas where they prefer to live forests, wetlands, meadows, etc.

Step 3: Go on Bird Walks

Go to various natural habitats such as forests, wetlands, or beaches. 

Take guided bird walks if they are available in your locale most nature centers and bird clubs sponsor them.

Step 4: Be Quiet and Patient

Birds are skittish. 

Approach quietly and listen intently. 

Steer clear of wearing bright colors, making loud noises, or making quick movements.

Step 5: Use Apps and Resources

Programs like Merlin Bird ID or Cornell Lab of Ornithology's eBird can identify birds by photo, sound, or place. 

eBird also helps track and report your sightings to a global database.

#4 Best Times and Places to Go Birding:

Time of Day:

• Early Morning: Birds are most active during the morning when they are foraging for food.
• Late Afternoon: Another time of activity, especially during migration periods.

Time of Year:

• Spring and Fall: Prime time for migrations. You’ll see many species passing through your region.
• Winter: Easier to spot birds without foliage, especially at feeders.
• Summer: Breeding season look for nest activity and fledglings.

Birding Hotspots:

Check your local birding community or use eBird to find the best locations. 

Look for:

• Wetlands and marshes
• Forest preserves
• Coastal areas
• Urban parks with diverse habitats

#5 Birdwatching Etiquette and Ethics:

Respect Wildlife:

Never approach birds too closely, especially nests or fledglings. 

Use binoculars or telephoto lenses instead.

Stay on Trails:

Avoid damaging natural habitats by staying on trails and observing from a distance.

No Playback in Sensitive Habitats:

Don't play audio recordings to attract birds during breeding season or in areas of protection it's stressful and confusing to them.

Leave No Trace:

Don't litter or disturb the environment. 

Leave it as you found it or better.

#6 Joining the Birding Community:

Birdwatching is often a solitary activity, but there’s a vibrant community of birders worldwide.

Local Birding Clubs:

Most cities or regions have birding organizations that host events, walks, and lectures. 

Joining a club can enhance your skills and expand your social circle.

Citizen Science:

By recording your sightings to websites like eBird, you're contributing to global conservation. 

Scientists use that data to track bird populations, migration, and shifting habitats.

Social Media and Online Forums:

Platforms like Reddit's r/birding or Facebook birding clubs allow you to communicate with other people, share photos, and ask questions.

#7 Extending Your Birdwatching:

Once you've got the basics down, there is always more to learn.

Photography:

Bird photography adds a new level to your interest. 

Purchase a quality zoom lens and learn the skills of wildlife photography.

Birding Travel:

Plan travel to destinations famous for birding like Costa Rica, the Galápagos Islands, or Alaska. 

Even in your own country, national parks and nature reserves offer great birding experiences.

Specialized Birding (e.g., Raptor Watching or Shorebird Surveys):

Targeting a particular type such as birds of prey, warblers, or shorebirds can enrich your knowledge and test your abilities.

In conclusion birdwatching is not just an avocation it's a gateway to the world, a meditation, and a way of experiencing the world in a mindful, deliberate manner. 

It requires very little equipment, is accessible to all no matter how old or how stationed, and gives a lifetime of wonder and concern about the earth.