Tips for Taking Up Bird Watching

Summary

Tips for Taking Up Bird Watching

The number of birdwatchers in the United States spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains at historically high levels today. It’s not difficult to understand why, seeing as how birdwatching offers practitioners the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural world while also providing a range of physical and mental health benefits. Birds, it seems, have a lot more to offer people than just pretty songs.

Among birdwatching’s most attractive qualities is that it is a fairly inexpensive hobby to take up. If you’re considering heading to the woods yourself, here is some of the basic equipment you will want to take along.

The Eyes (Must) Have It: It’s hardly a revelation to note that your ability to enjoy birdwatching
is inextricably linked with the technology you use to watch them. Suffice it to say, you want to start with quality binoculars sure to provide big, bright, crisp pictures. Prices range all over the map, of course, but figure to spend between $200 and $300 for a good set of binoculars complete with product warranty and waterproof housing.

Go Buy the Book: Now that you're ready to see birds, you need the proper reference material in order to correctly identify them. There are a number of reputable bird guides on the market, including the Sibley Guide, in either its full North America version or smaller, more portable Eastern and Western editions; as well publications from Kaufman, Peterson and National Geographic. This being a digital age, you will find online resources abound, along with phone apps.

Feeding Time: As your interest in birding grows, it makes sense to increase your access to them by installing feeders in your front and/or back yard. Feeders come in all shapes and sizes so do the research first to determine which one is best for you. Also be aware that you can stock your feeder with many varieties of bird food, including millet, thistle seeds, mealworms and fruit, each of which attracts different types of birds.

Show Your Identification: Veteran birders follow a four-step identification strategy. First you judge the bird’s size and shape; then look for its main color pattern; take note of its behavior; and factor in what habitat it is in. Look for free online tutorials that will help you master the process.

Get Social: Birdwatching can be a relaxing solo pursuit, a walk in the woods decorated with bird sightings. But birding is also a social endeavor, and the best way to learn is from other people. Be smart and get connected with your local birding club.
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