Birdwatching is one of the most rewarding hobbies out there, especially if you’re an avid naturalist.
It’s also great for exercise and for reducing stress levels, but it can become even more enjoyable when you have a solid foundation of knowledge about birds and their habitats. If you’re just starting out on your birding journey, here are some tips to get you started:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Always use quality binoculars for birdwatching. |
| Learn to identify birds by their distinctive characteristics and behavior. |
| Join a birdwatching club or group to share knowledge and experiences. |
| Research and plan your birdwatching trips ahead of time. |
| Respect and appreciate the birds and their habitats. |
Watch Birds in Your Own Back Yard
Watching birds in your own backyard is a great way to get started with bird watching. The best thing about starting this way is that you can see the results of your efforts as soon as next week!
As mentioned earlier, there are several things you can do to make your backyard more bird friendly. You don’t need anything fancy your yard just needs to be safe and healthy for the birds who live there.
Here are some tips:
Put up feeders and birdhouses, especially those that attract native species such as chickadees, cardinals or blue jays (more on these later).
If you don’t have any feeders yet, I recommend getting some cheap ones at Walmart or Target before they sell out.
You will want at least one suet feeder because it’s an especially popular food source for woodpeckers, nuthatches and titmice; however if you don’t have room for one then consider getting either a finch feeder (for small birds like goldfinches) or a tube feeder (which can accommodate larger seeds).
Attach them securely so they won’t fall off during high winds but not so tightly that squirrels cannot reach into them!
Remember: There should always be enough room left over so that every animal has access at all times – even if it takes away from how many people can fit around said table/chair/rocking chair etcetera ad infinitum!
If you’re looking to get started with birdwatching, there’s no better resource than our Birdwatching 101 guide. From finding the right equipment to learning the best techniques for spotting birds, this guide has everything you need to know to become a skilled birdwatcher.
Invest in a Quality Binoculars
Now that you have a better understanding of birdwatching, it’s time to get out there and do it. Before venturing into the great outdoors, however, there are some things you’ll need in order to maximize your experience. One of the most important pieces of equipment is a quality pair of binoculars.
While there are many different types and brands to choose from when buying binoculars for birdwatching (and even more choices when shopping online), this beginner guide will walk you through what features are most important and how much you should spend on them.
Recommended Binocular Brands for Birdwatching
| Brand | Model | Magnification | Objective diameter (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex | Viper HD | 8x | 42 |
| Swarovski | EL | 10x | 42 |
| Leica | Ultravid | 8x | 42 |
| Zeiss | Victory SF | 10x | 42 |
| Nikon | Monarch 5 | 8x | 42 |
Investing in quality binoculars is crucial for any birdwatcher. The table above provides recommendations for top binocular brands and models with specific magnification and objective diameter specifications that are ideal for birdwatching. These brands include Vortex, Swarovski, Leica, Zeiss, and Nikon. These binoculars are durable, lightweight, and provide clear and sharp images to enhance your birdwatching experience.
Get the Right Guide Books
The most effective way to learn about a bird is by observing it in its natural habitat. A good guide book will provide you with the necessary information to help you identify different birds, their behavior and habitats, as well as facts about each species.
There are many types of books available on the market. Some have pictures while others have illustrations; some are organized by color while others by size or shape.
You can find them at libraries and bookstores or get them online through websites like Amazon or eBay. You may also borrow some from friends who have them already!
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Join a Birdwatching Club
Joining a birdwatching club is a great way to meet other people who share your passion. These groups often organize activities and excursions, so you can learn from their experience.
They also publish newsletters and keep records of sightings, which can be helpful if you’re interested in researching the species that live in your area.
If you’d like to join one of these organizations but aren’t sure where to start, start by asking friends who are already members for recommendations on clubs in your area.
Another good place to look for information is online forums there are plenty of message boards dedicated exclusively to this topic!
Once you’ve found some possible options, start contacting them directly by sending an email or visiting their website (if they have one). Be sure ask about:
- What kinds of activities do they hold? Are these events open only for their members? If not, how much does it cost?
- What kind of gear do they recommend? Do they hire out guides or mentors whose expertise might help improve yours?
- What kind of requirements must be met before someone becomes eligible for membership?
Dress appropriately
When you’re out birdwatching, it’s important to dress appropriately. This means layers—layers that you can take off or put on as needed. It’s also a good idea to wear a hat and gloves if it’s cold outside, and comfortable shoes.
- Wear sunscreen! You don’t want to get a sunburn while looking for birds.
- Pack a thermos of hot coffee or tea so that you’ll be ready for the long day ahead.
- Bring binoculars (or other birding equipment), field guides, cameras and your journal so that you can record all of your sightings!
Birds can be found in unexpected places and environments. To learn more about the unique habitats of birds, check out our article on the unique bird habitats found in the most unexpected places. Who knows, you may discover a new place to go birdwatching!
Practice Identifying Birds
Now that you know the basics of birdwatching, it’s time to start practicing your identification skills. One way to do this is by learning the differences between similar birds. A great example of this is the American robin and its larger cousin, the European robin.
The two species look very similar when viewed from a distance, but if you get close enough to see their legs up close, there are some easy ways to tell them apart:
American robins’ legs are pinkish-orange with black feet, whereas European robins’ legs are yellowish-green with brown feet.
Once you’ve learned how to identify these types of species characteristics on different birds (and practiced doing so in your field guide), try identifying birds without using any tools at all!
This will help improve both your powers of observation and memory as well as helping build confidence in your abilities as a birder (which will come in handy later).
Bird Identification Practice Tools and Resources
| Name | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Merlin Bird ID | App | Free bird identification app developed by Cornell Lab of Ornithology with sound or photo recognition features. |
| Peterson Field Guide to Birds | Book | Comprehensive field guide featuring illustrations and descriptions of North American bird species. |
| Sibley Birds East/West | App/Book | iOS and Android apps or book by David Allen Sibley provides detailed field guides with illustrations and descriptions of North American bird species. |
| Audubon Bird Guide | App | Popular app with detailed information on North American birds, images, and range maps. |
| eBird | Website | Online database of bird sightings worldwide with maps offering species identification help and bird-watching tips. |
Practicing bird identification is an essential skill for birdwatchers. The table above provides some of the top bird identification practice tools and resources to help you sharpen your bird identification skills.
These include the Merlin Bird ID app, the Peterson Field Guide to Birds, the Sibley Birds app or book, the Audubon Bird Guide app, and eBird online database. These tools provide a wide range of features such as detailed illustrations, descriptions, sound recordings, range maps, and bird-watching tips to enhance your bird identification skills.
Learn bird songs and calls by heart.
- Listen to bird songs and calls on the internet
There are plenty of websites you can visit to learn the basics of bird song. One website that I really like is xeno-canto, which has a huge library of recordings of almost every species in the world.
If you want to focus on North American birds, then Audubon’s All About Birds has a great recording section. Both have tutorials that will teach you how to identify birds by ear when you hear them. These techniques will come in handy later when we start looking at birds in person!
- Listen to CDs or records
You can also buy CDs with sound clips from different types of birds, including guides for each state if necessary (for example, there is an excellent guide for New York State).
These can be great for listening closely as well as learning about different species’ habitats and behaviors through narration tracks or even songs themselves – though it might be hard finding some older versions due to outdated information being present.
Taking stunning bird photographs requires technique and skill. If you want to master the art of bird photography, our guide on 15 secrets for capturing the perfect bird photograph is a must-read for any aspiring birdwatcher and photographer.
Go on a Guided Walk with an Expert
Guided walks are one of the most popular ways to learn about birds. A guide can help you spot birds, identify them, and teach you more about them. If you’re lucky, they’ll also give you tips on where to find rare or unique species in your area.
Local clubs and organizations offer guided walks through local parks and forests, along beaches and riverbanks, or even in your own back yard!
Guided birdwatching tours are also available in many places around the world. Some tour operators cater specifically for beginners and many will provide binoculars if needed.
Guided tours may focus on identifying just common birds that everyone has seen before; however some guides go above and beyond by introducing participants to less commonly viewed species such as owls (which tend not be seen easily by inexperienced observers) or seabirds like puffins and pelicans (which are often more difficult than land based creatures).
Keep a Birdwatching Journal
Birdwatching is a hobby that you can enjoy for the rest of your life. As you gain more and more knowledge about birds, it’s always a good idea to keep a record of your sightings. This will help you identify them in the future, plus it just makes the whole experience more fun!
If you haven’t already started keeping a birdwatching journal, now is the time to start. You can use any notebook or journal, but one that’s specifically designed for bird watching works best because they include valuable information on each species as well as suggestions on how to find them in your area.
If you don’t have one yet, we recommend buying this one: [the title] Bird Watching Journal – Beginner’s Guide To Keeping A Journal For Beginners (The Ultimate Guidebook)
Birdwatching isn’t just about observing birds, it’s also about learning and appreciating the beauty of these fascinating creatures. To discover the top 10 most beautiful and exotic birds in the world, head over to our article on the top 10 most beautiful and exotic birds in the world. You might just fall in love with a new bird species you’ve never seen before.
Attend an Audubon Event
Imagine you’re at an Audubon event and you see a bird that you’ve never seen before. You have no idea what it is, but your curiosity has been piqued. What do you do?
By attending an Audubon event, members can learn how to identify birds and meet like-minded people who love all things ornithology as much as they do.
They’ll also be exposed to all sorts of new information about the birds they already know (and maybe even some they don’t), which will motivate them to go out on their own and search for these lesser-known species.
If this sounds like something that might interest you, then it’s time to get yourself involved in your local chapter!
There are plenty of events happening around the country every day: everything from hikes and bird walks to festivals where participants can get hands-on with nature by participating in activities such as building nest boxes or planting trees.
Stay Informed to Know Where to Find the Best Birding Locations Near You
You can also stay informed about birding locations near you by subscribing to a birding magazine, joining a local birding group or using online resources.
It’s easy to find great information online, and there are plenty of resources available for beginners that will walk you through the basics of getting started with bird watching.
If you’re looking for some more hands-on advice, consider joining one of these organizations:
Conclusion
If you’ve always been interested in birdwatching and want to get started, we hope this guide has helped you.
The best way to learn is by doing, so don’t be afraid to jump right into it! If you follow these tips and practice patience, we promise that you will see some amazing birds. Good luck, and happy birding!
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about birdwatching or looking for additional resources, check out these helpful articles:
How to start birding: a helpful guide for birdwatching beginners: This article provides a comprehensive guide on birdwatching for beginners, including equipment, techniques, and tips to make your birdwatching experience more enjoyable.
Bird Watching 101: A Guide for Beginners: This guide by Audubon Society explains the basics of birdwatching, including how to identify birds and where to find them.
How to get into birdwatching: This article offers practical advice on how to get started with birdwatching, from buying binoculars to joining a birdwatching club.
FAQs
What is birdwatching?
Birdwatching is the activity of observing birds in their natural habitat and is often done as a recreational activity.
What equipment is needed for birdwatching?
The only equipment needed for birdwatching is a good pair of binoculars, perhaps a field guide, and comfortable clothing and shoes for walking.
When is the best time to go birdwatching?
The best time of day to go birdwatching is early in the morning when birds are most active. It is also best to go during the spring and fall migration season, when the greatest variety of birds can be seen.
How do I identify a bird?
There are several characteristics to look for when identifying a bird, such as size, color, and behavior. A field guide and binoculars can also be helpful in identifying birds.
Where are the best places to go birdwatching?
Birds can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and coastal areas. National parks and wildlife refuges are also good places to go birdwatching.
Hello! I’m Hellen James, and I’m a birdwatcher and birder. I have a personal interest in bird behavior and classifications and have been following the latest research on the topic for years.