Beginning Bird Watcher Tips

By: Jason Petrina



Bird watching can be one of the easiest and most relaxing hobbies to begin and enjoy. While many people travel all over the country to follow the migration patterns of the favorite bird species, you can get started enjoying the fascinating sport of bird watching in your own back yard.

Really, all you need to get started with this great hobby is an interest and desire, but there are a few pieces of equipment that can certainly make this sport more productive and enjoyable. Most bird watchers find it necessary to take a good pair of binoculars along with them when they go birding. A notebook and pencil can also be handy for taking notes about the birds you see, as well as when and where you caught sight of them.

While it might not be absolutely necessary, unless you already have an extensive knowledge on the various species of birds, a field guide can help you identify the types of birds you come across and learn fascinating information about them. At a minimum, a good field guide will usually contain a description and photograph of the various types of birds as well as information about the bird’s habitat and the time of year you are likely to catch sight of it. Some field guides also include information on the bird song specific to each variety of bird.

If your goal in bird watching is to sight as many varied birds as possible, then you may also find it handy to keep a bird watching check list with you so that you can keep track of the specific birds you have spotted. In addition, many bird watchers also like to take a camera with them so they can photograph their sightings. Since it may be difficult to get up close to many types of birds, a good zoom lens is a handy attachment to include with your camera.

Also, to get started birding in your back yard, you may wish to put out some items to encourage your feathered friends to visit more often. A steady supply of bird seed and a nice bird bath can do the trick; although you may want to research the type of seed that birds local to your area prefer.

Eventually, as your bird watching hobby grows, you may wish to expand your bird watching activities in order to catch sight of birds that you might not frequently see in your local area. When traveling outside your own local area to bird watch; however, there are a few tips that you should keep in mind in order to protect the natural habitat and the rights of others.

First, be aware of your surroundings and adhere to any posted signs regarding trespassing. Even if your intentions are only to catch sight of a rare bird, you can be fined heavily for trespassing onto private property without permission.

Also, be considerate and make a point not to litter. While it can be easy to while away a few hours birding and you may naturally want to bring some snacks along with you, be sure that you take your trash with you when you leave.

For the most part, birding is one of the safest hobbies around, but if you’re planning to take an excursion alone, it’s a good idea to let someone know when you where you plan to visit and how long you expect to be there.

Finally, don’t allow your desire to catch sight of a rare bird override common sense. If you’re not sure about an area, and what might be lurking around, simply don’t venture there. While there may very well be a rare bird species you’ve been itching to catch sight of, there might also be other potential dangers as well, such as dangerous wild animals. Be safe.



Jason Petrina is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com