So, you want to be a bird watcher?
That’s great, welcome. You’re in good company.
Birdwatching is a popular and easily accessible hobby that you can dip into and out of as you please. You might find yourself struck by the twitching bug and off racing across the country in search of the latest rare, migrant species. Or you might be taken by the slower pace of relaxing in the yard with a coffee, watching the birds on your feeders. You could bird alone with just your binoculars and field guides for company or you could join a local ornithological society and make new birdwatching friends along the way.
With so many options you can easily make birdwatching work for you, but there are a lot of birds out there to learn about so here are a few ideas to help you get started.
Equipment
Luckily, you don’t need much in the way of equipment to get started birdwatching. A keen eye, a good ear and a thirst for knowledge will set you off nicely but there are a few things that are going to make it easier along the way:
- Binoculars – birds are usually far away and when they’re far away they’re hard to identify and that sort of defeats the point of birdwatching. A good pair of binoculars will help you get closer and get that ID faster. Purchasing a pair can be expensive but consider it an investment or consider a pre-owned pair.
- Backpack – you’ll want to invest in a comfy day pack so that you can carry around your essentials such as a drink, snacks, sun cream or insect repellent or both. As a birder you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors so make sure you’re protected against the elements.
- Sturdy walking boots – birds aren’t always going to be in easy to reach places, you might find that you have to do a bit of hiking to get yourself to the best spots so your feet will be thankful for a good, solid pair of walking boots.
Field Guides
Aside from a good pair of binos the next best thing you can be armed with when birdwatching is knowledge – that’s where the field guide comes in. Your best-off picking one that will cover the area in which you plan to do most of your birdwatching – this will help you narrow down the species that you have to identify.
Spend some time looking through your field guide, get to know the birds and the different species, colourings markings and habits; all things which will increase your birding success. Even better if it fits in your backpack and you can take it with you whilst you are out.
Think Local
Whilst heading off on some far-flung expedition is exciting and a good way to boost your birding list, don’t overlook the birds closer to your home. With a bit of research and a lot of watching you’ll probably find that your local area is rich in bird life. So, keep an eye and an ear out for birds in your garden, on your way to work, at your local park or on a walk round your block.
You can always encourage birds into your garden by placing out feeders with suitable bird food. Different birds like different types of food so be sure to include a variety and then sit back and wait.
Every birdwatcher has a back-yard list – there’s never a better time than now to get started.
Join a Group
There are a lot of things to consider when you first start birding. IDing birds can be tricky and even finding a good birding spot can require a little bit of extra insight, so a birding group is a great way to meet new people and expand on your knowledge.
If you don’t fancy meeting up with people in the field then a quick Facebook search for birding groups in your area can be a fantastic online resource to share hints, tips and get some help with those puzzling species that you need help identifying.
Be Patient and Persistent
Practicing patience is key to getting sightings – there will be days when you head out and despite doing your research, perfect weather conditions and being in the right spot, you don’t see a thing. I’m afraid that’s just the way birding goes.
But don’t be disheartened, keep putting the work in, keep showing up and you will eventually be rewarded.
The best advice of all though is to just get out there. So, head on out, even if you don’t have any binoculars yet, just go for a walk to see what’s about.
You’re not going to see any amazing birds just sitting at home so get outside and let your birdwatching adventure begin.
Love,
Nature Girl
