Do you enjoy being outside in the fresh air? Do you have a keen eye for detail and an appreciation of natural beauty? If so, then bird watching might be a hobby for you. In this article, we will discuss what it is and why you should do it. We’ll also cover how to get started and some of the benefits of bird watching. Finally, we will include resources that can help beginners and experts alike!
What is bird watching?
Bird watching, sometimes called birding, is the practice of observing wild birds. It is a fun way to get outside, enjoy nature, and exercise your eyes. You can take it at any pace depending on how much time you have available.
Why should I do it?
There are several reasons why bird watching might be right for you. First of all, if you like spending time outdoors in the fresh air then this might be an ideal activity for you! It’s also known as one of the easiest hobbies to start since there is little cost involved beyond buying binoculars (optional). Finally, we think that birders make better environmental stewards since they understand more about what makes up their local ecosystem.
How do I get started?
The first thing that you need is patience and persistence – both of which will come with time. You will also need to learn some of the common bird species in your area, an ideal place to start is with a local club or society so you can meet experienced enthusiasts and beginners alike!
Bird watching is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature. It’s also a great way to learn about birds and their behavior. You can bird-watch from your backyard or take trips to birding hotspots.
If you’re interested in getting started, here are some tips:
– Learn about the different types of birds that live in your area. This will help you identify them when you see them.
– Get familiar with the songs and calls of local birds.
– Purchase a good birding guidebook or download an app to your smartphone.
– Join a birding social media group or forum online. This is a great way to connect with other birders and learn more about their hobby.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start watching birds! You won’t regret it! And who knows, maybe you’ll even be the next one to spot a rare species.
Benefits
Bird watching has several benefits for both mental health as well as physical wellbeing. For example, it provides great opportunities for exercise without being too strenuous compared to many other activities. It’s also known that spending more time outside can improve moods and reduce stress levels overall. Finally, bird watchers are better environmental stewards since they understand the ecosystem around them better than someone who doesn’t have this hobby.
Bird watching in your backyard
If you have a backyard, you’re in luck. The backyards of North America support thousands of bird species. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology estimates that there are more than 1,000 different bird species found across the continent.
Listen to your surroundings, and be sure to pay attention to the subtleties in the environment. This will help you identify various birds by using their songs and calls to distinguish them from each other.
Explore your yard and keep an eye out for food and water sources like fruit trees, birdbaths, and gardens with insects and berries. These are clues that will lead you to find many different types of birds!
You may also want to look into getting a pair of binoculars to help you get a closer look at the birds in your backyard.
If you’re curious about the different types of binoculars and Spotting Scopes out there, check our reviews of some great models here!
Resources
We want everyone reading this article on our website today to know there are resources available no matter what their experience level might be. Here are some of our favourites that we think you’ll find helpful:
The American Birding Association – If you’re looking for more detailed information on specific species or need help identifying a bird, the ABA is a great resource. They have articles written by experts as well as regional guides and directories of birding hotspots across the US.
eBird – One way to get into bird watching is by recording your sightings online! eBird is a citizen science project created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that can be used to track your findings. The site also includes a map of users’ observations so you get the chance to see what species others have spotted nearby!
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology – This lab is dedicated to ornithology, which means they study birds and their behaviour. You’ll find an abundance of information on this website about North American species as well as many other resources for beginner bird watchers looking for more in-depth identification guides.
National Audubon Society – If you’re interested in going beyond just being a casual observer, consider joining one of the local chapters or signing up with them online leading guided tours and classes after all, who knows more about identifying different types of birds than those that do it every day?
We hope this article provides some helpful resources for those of you looking to get into bird watching. As always, if you have any questions feel free to reach out and we would be happy to help!
Happy birding! 🙂