Bird watching advice and equipment

Birdwatching (or birding) is one of the most popular hobbies in the world. It is enjoyed by millions of people of all ages. Watching and studying birdlife is a great pleasure to all who do it. Birds are everywhere! Any place, at any time, birds can be seen and/or heard. It is such a popular hobby because birds are easy to see. They are music to the ears, and a delight to watch. There are many species of birds and many varieties of each species. It's a great thrill to spot a bird that is rare to an area or is not seen very often in any area. Many birders keep a list of the birds they identify. There are backyard lists, county lists, life lists etc. Competitions are sprouting up in many places. Birders try to find more species than their competitors in a given amount of time. Some people try to be the first to spot a species that is migrating across their area.

The only equipment you really need in observing birds is your eyes. Yet, many birds can be identified by their sound alone. Guide books, about birds, can help you learn to identify birds. There are many bird guide books in bookstores and libraries. Guide books vary in size, price and areas they are covering. One of the most popular guide books for North America is put out by the National Geographic Society. Check out your library to see if they have an area bird list. When you are in that area, you will know which birds to look for.

Binoculars are part of a birder's basic equipment. They will bring all the birds up close, so you can more easily see their markings. Birds have beautiful colors, such as the Painted Bunting. The kind of binoculars used by birders should be lightweight above all. The large 7 by 50 binoculars are one of the most popular. There are many different sizes and prices. Choose one that is good for you.

Start watching birds in your own backyard. There are many places where birds can be seen in great numbers. Near a water source is usually the best. Lakes, rivers and coastal areas are full of birdlife. Some sewage treatment facilities are great birding sites. The migration paths are good places to look. See and study birds in national parks, national wildlife refuges and in the middle of a city. Wherever you may be, you can see birds. If it's in a forest, swamp, desert, woodlands, field or pond, birds will be there.

Early morning is when the birds are the most active. This is a great time to go watch the birds. Sit quietly and the birds will come to you. If you take a walk, do it slowly and without any sudden movements. Any sudden noise will scare the birds away. Each season of the year you can see different birds. There is always something to look forward to and delight in seeing.

Before learning to identify birds, most people identify them by their colors and size. For example: a little brown bird, a redbird, or a bluebird. Someone may say they spotted a "hawk". Was it a coopers hawk, a red-tailed hawk or was it a merlin or a kestral? Guide books will tell you the different markings to look for when identifying birds. Birds have different colors, sizes, wing markings, tail shapes, beaks, and habits. It's important to learn these when identifying birds.

There are many different classifications of birds. Birds are grouped together by their similarities. Hawks, vultures and eagles are classed together because they are all large birds with long, curved claws and hooked bills. Hawks, in fact, are one of the most popular birds to watch. There are many "hawk watches" in various areas. Hummingbirds are in a class of their own. These tiny wonders can fly like no other bird in the world. They can hover and fly backwards. Hummer celebrations take place in areas of the hummingbird migration paths. Hummingbirds are fascinating and fun to watch! Learn how to identify the different types of hummers by their unique markings and colors.

North America has over 800 species of birds. Each specific bird has it's own scientific name and common name.The scietific name for the common barn owl is Tyto Alba. The genus name is first and the species name is second. Most amateur birders use the birds common name.

All over the world, people learn different ways to bring birds to their yards. Bird feeders, bird baths, bird houses and bird seed can be found in a variety of places. Bird supply stores are one of the best places to look. You may want to learn how to build your own houses and feeders. Food, water and shelter are neccessary for bird survival. Different birds like different food. If you want to attract a certain bird to your yard just put out it's favorite food. Woodpeckers enjoy suet, which can be placed in a hanging wire container or mesh bag. Chickadees and wrens like small grain. The cardinals seem to enjoy sunflower seeds. Birds also need water. They drink it and bathe in it. Remember to put their food and water source in a place where there is protection from their predators. Shelter is important. Birds use shelter for protection from the elements. Trees, shrubs and native plants provide good protection. Birdhouses are mainly used for nesting purposes. If you wish to build functional birdhouses, find out the requirements for the species you want to attract. There are many books that explain the exact "how to" of building a purple martin house, a wood duck house, an owl house etc. Functional birdhouses should be able to be cleaned yearly. There is a great difference in a functional and a decorative birdhouse.

The National Audubon Society is a wonderful organization for the protection of birdlife. Every year there are bird counts that anyone can get involved in. The bird counts help us learn more about birds. For each species we can learn about their breeding habits, their migration routes, and about their habitat. To learn is to understand. To understand is to protect. Having a greater interest and understanding of birds will lead to a better interest and understanding of all wildlife. The natural habitats of wildlife means survival for that wildlife. It is important for us as humans as well. We cannot survive without them.

So...learn and enjoy! Birdwatching is easy and it's fun!!

Written by Yvonne Quarles