Bird Watching for Beginners

The sport of bird watching has been around for years and, right behind gardening, is the second fastest growing hobby in America. It has been said that learning to bird is like getting a lifetime ticket to theater of nature. And indeed, with their beauty and elegance, birds are an awesome part of life. Birds flash past in every shade from emerald to vermillion, beautiful as showy flower blossoms. How could we not watch birds?

As with any sport or hobby, however, bird watching does require patience and practice to learn and will by all means have its moments of frustrations. But if you give it a good try and learn the basics, in no time you will be addicted!

What follows are some tips to help you along the way.

Binoculars are a birder's eyes on the world, and they can greatly affect the quality of a bird outing. Good binoculars make for good birding, while bad binoculars can lead to missed birds and severe headaches induced by blurred images, double vision, and eye strain. When choosing a binocular for birding, cheap is definitely not the way to go.

Make sure the power (or magnification) is at least 7-power. The power is the first number given in the numerical notation that describes binoculars. For example, a "7 X 35" pair of "glasses" will make objects appear as if they are seven times as close as they actually are. Seven-power binoculars are about the minimum needed to see birds well. Binoculars 10- power or stronger can be difficult for some birders to hold steady.

Make sure that the second number ("35" for a "7 X 35" pair of glasses) is at least five times as large as the power (e.g., "7 X 35," "8 X 40," etc.). This second number describes the diameter, in millimeters, of the large lens that faces the object of interest - the "objective" lens. The larger this lens is, the greater the amount of light the binoculars gather and thus the easier it will be to see characteristics in dim light or on a dull-colored bird.

Don't buy compact or pocket-sized binoculars (typically 8 x 21, or 10 x 21) as your primary pair for birding. The size and weight are attractive, but no matter how good the optics, compacts provide a lower quality image than mid- or full-size binoculars. Another drawback is that most compacts have a narrow field of view, which makes it very difficult to locate and follow birds.

A field guide is a little book that's packed with information about birds. It's the next best thing to an expert birder by your side. It describes and shows pictures of the birds, and it tells you which details of each bird to look for. A field guide can tell you what kinds of birds might be in your particular area and give some excellent tips on what to look for in your bird watching. If you don't have a field guide, you won't have a clue about what kinds of birds you will be seeing, so this is essential to have.

Most guides are roughly organized in "phylogenetic order." Phylogenetic order is the way scientists classify all living things (not just birds) based on their evolutionary history - which creatures, according to likenesses in their present-day appearance, most probably evolved from common ancestors.

The beautiful part about birding is that it can truly be done anywhere! You can go to your local park and find some great specimens. If you're traveling, you'll find a new appreciation of the songs of birds and what you can find. You can even watch birds in your own back yard!

Patrick Carpen

The Many Pleasures of Bird Watching

Bird watching is a past time which may not be as popular as playing video games, going hunting or even playing chess, but you better believe it, bird watching can be fun. Now bird watching may not be something you have ever thought of doing but that doesn't mean it's a bad thing for you to try, it just means no one has every told you about until now!

What type of person likes to watch birds? Just like most hobbies, bird watching can be enjoyed by anyone young or old. Essentially if you have an appreciation for nature, more specifically sitting outside watching the trees sway, the birds chirping etc, you may enjoy bird watching too.

A few other reasons why people like to watch birds are:

• It's relaxing

• You can get closer to nature

• It's challenging

• It's invigorating

• It's good exercise

• An excellent social activity

Now bird watching isn't for everyone but you will never know if you don't give it a go. The great thing about bird watching is that it's not an expensive hobby. All you really need is a pair of binoculars and a few other items.

Binoculars

The main item all bird watchers need is their own pair of binoculars. Sure you can share with a friend but you'll get much more out of the experience if you have your own. Binoculars are very useful in that they allow you to see better angles of a bird, they provide excellent clarity and will make it easier for you to identify a bird and take notes if needed.

As for which type of binoculars you should use, any pair is better than nothing. However if you want to get serious and get the full enjoyment out of bird watching, than having a good pair of binoculars is essential. A couple of reputable brands are Eagle Optics and Audubon Equinox.

If the thought of having a pair of "mini binoculars" which you can carry in your pocket and take everywhere you go sounds good, than you are in luck! Smaller sized binoculars are available which are called pocket binoculars. Pocket binoculars have a sharp and clear image, so don't let their small size.

Field Guide

A field guide is essentially a book which is packed with bird information and is the ideal resource for your bird watching expeditions. Some of the information provided is general knowledge on each bird, interesting facts and they're useful as they make it easy for bird watchers to identify a particular bird.

Notebook

Having a notebook with you while bird watching is handy as it allows you to take notes on the birds you have seen. It's up to you what you decide to take note of, however most people take note of special details of the birds they have seen, the area which they were spotted and any other important details.

Attire

There are 2 main types of apparel bird watchers can invest in. First is a hat (any hat will do) The hat is mainly to do with protecting yourself from the sun, but believe me when I tell you that you wont be complaining if a bird decides to poo on your hat instead of your head!

The other item which is optional but very handy is a birding vest. You can place your binoculars and other equipment in the pockets.

The popularity of bird watching continues to rise and is definitely something worthwhile pursuing even if you have the smallest hint of interest. It's inexpensive, interesting, good for your health and you don't need to know anything about birds, so why not give it a go.

Darrell Knox

The Importance of Keeping a Bird Watching Life List

The bird watching life list is a record kept by the birders. This also serves as a tracker device for the people involved in the activity and for those who are conducting related studies. And this is a very important tool for those who love the action and actually has the passion for such.

Bird Watchers

The people that are being categorized as bird watchers are those who are only starting out. Everybody who is into this activity first become a bird watcher or just a mere observer. Their curiosity actually lead them to look and then look more until they've developed a habit of looking farther to see what the birds are doing and how they do it.

For such type, a journal would be fine. This is where they jot down their observations for the purpose of not forgetting. These notes would actually be helpful if they take their hobby to a different level, by being a birder. But for now, let the simple note taking do it for them. Theirs is more simple task because what they see is far from scientific because they still don't have the equipment and the ability to see beyond what their naked eyes seem to tell them.

Birders

These are the more passionate people about the craft. They are not merely hobbyists, they do this to study and relate their observation with scientific research. This group would invest on materials to strengthen their claims. They are always on the lookout for the newest technology that could help them navigate more thoroughly. Birders go where the birds are.

Through research, they go the extra mile to travel where the birds that they haven't seen or haven't been seen by many are situated. The keep track of what happened on their journey. They take notes along the way.

Life List

This is what the electronic or written records contain. Such things can be done by the birders. As they search for the species, the venues in which they could find more types, and looking out for yet to be discovered kinds of birds, they contain it all in a life list.

The information in a life list should include where a certain type of bird was seen, classifying the bird and the date when it was seen. Noting what the bird's usual activities are and how they went on about such is also part of this.

The birders have variety and long list of this kind. It shows their history as an enthusiast of how far they have gone in terms of the activity and how much they have already seen and learned in the process.

They can always go back to this data to change or modify some information depending on their further observation. This is the reason why as days or years go by and as the number of life lists being made by a birder piles up the data gear more towards being scientific because more proofs are available when anyone tries to contest what was recorded.

Keeping a bird watching life list would also benefit people in the future. As the study about the different types of birds become more and more varied, people can always refer on the information provided by the birders on this list for further researches to become more and more accurate.

Eight Reasons Why Bird Watching is so Popular

On any given day, millions of people across the country are watching birds. They are watching via bird watching clubs that they are members of. They join bird watching tours not only in their own city, but in cities and sometimes countries far away. Those really into it, plan holidays and family trips around the migration path of their favorite bird species. For these people, bird watching is addictive. Once you start, and discover the joys in it, you're hooked.

So what's the draw? Why are people doing this? For one thing, it's inexpensive. All you really need to begin your bird watching hobby is a pair of good binoculars. Then maybe in a month or two, you'll invest in a quality camera to capture for all time the birds you've seen.

Secondly, bird watching is a great excuse to spend time outdoors. Too many of us spend the year either closeted inside our homes or in a job cubicle. We've forgotten what it's like to breath fresh air and commune with nature. We've forgotten that we're not the only creatures blessed to live on this planet. We've forgotten that it's natural to be outdoors.

Third - bird watching can be very convenient. What's more convenient than watching birds in your very own back yard? You can go down to your local garden center, purchase a bird house and some feed, and have a bird sanctuary in your back yard in one afternoon. If you've done your homework correctly, your newfound bird friends will love you. If you're industrious enough and handy with a hammer and saw, you can even build a custom bird house.

Fourth - it provides you with your own private animal reality show. You'll quickly find yourself involved in the bird family pecking order. Who's dominant? Who's selfish? Who's nurturing? Who's a bully? You'll start to recognize distinct personalities. And those among us with slight psychological problems will start to name them.

Fifth - bird watching is a relaxing activity. No matter how stressed out your day has been, once you sit down with your binoculars and aim it towards your bird friends, you'll notice a sense of calm and tranquility coming over you. It's inevitable and can't be stopped. It's impossible not to feel your blood pressure dropping and the stresses and worries fleeing from your mind.

Sixth - you'll be helping nature by helping the species to survive. In many parts of the country, the natural habitats of the native creatures, including birds, have been destroyed. In modern society, new industrial or housing development trumps nature every time. With your bird watching hobby, you can help restore some of the habitat balance by providing nesting places, shelter from predators, and food for the birds that you enjoy.

Seventh - bird watching is a great social activity. Finding people who love the same thing as you do and spending time with them allows you to re-connect with your humanity. Instead of spending hours in front of the television, you can form friendship bonds that will stay with you the rest of your life.

Eight - It's great exercise. Hardly a day goes by without us hearing some newscaster talking about the obesity epidemic and how we Americans are getting fatter and fatter by the day. We all know that we should exercise more, but very few of us actually do it. Bird watching is a great way to exercise and have fun at the same time. Following and tracking birds through forest settings will give you plenty of exercise and help to keep you in good health.

For all these reasons, and more, bird watching is an activity that becomes more popular each year. In truth, it surprisingly has become one of America's most popular pastimes.

Ken Lawless

Famous Bird Watching Destination: Burgas, Black Sea Coast in Bulgaria

The city of Bourgas (also spelled Burgas) is located to the south on the Bulgarian Black sea coast, and is the fourth largest city in Bulgaria.

The City itself is situated in the Bay of Bourgas and is surrounded by Salt plains and protected marsh land. They're protected, as they are on the "Via Pontic" migratory bird route.

The Autumn bird migration is an experience not to be missed. This is the time of year when massive amounts of birds fly down the Black sea coast, making their way to warmer wintering locations in the south.

During this time, thousands of Black Storks, Harriers, Vultures, lesser spotted and short toed Eagles, Buzzards and many other species pass through the area. Rare European raptors can also be spotted as well as huge amounts of smaller birds, some incredibly scarce, as the salt plains, marshland, lakes and reedbeds around Bourgas make perfect cover for tired birds.

The large areas of forestry to the south of Bourgas are also home, and resting place, to many other sought after woodland species. The forestry areas are massive by UK standards and you could easily get lost, I would recommend hiring the services of a local guide, as wild boar and bears can still be found there!

Specialist Holiday companies in the UK are available with set itineries to explore this fabulous region during the migration period, or for the more adventurous there are numerous flights that go directly to Bourgas, which makes an ideal base for exploring the region with it's many Hotels, Bars, shops and Restaurants. It has a superb vibrant and modern atmosphere, whilst still retaining it's heritage.

Anyone interested in Bird watching, breathtaking natural scenery, exploring one of Europes last virtually untouched destinations or simply looking for a cheap holiday, will be delighted with what Bourgas and the South East corner of Bulgaria has to offer!

If you're interested in buying a holiday/investment/retirement property in this wonderful area of south east Bulgaria then please check out Bulgarian Breaks for more information.

Paul Rogers

Binoculars for Bird Watching

Bird watching is a very popular hobby next to gardening. Given that these creatures come in all sorts of colors, shapes and sizes, how can we not watch and enjoy them? All you need is a book and a good pair of binoculars for bird watching.

The challenging part about bird watching is the fact that this requires a lot of patience and practice. But once you get the idea, you are able to improve your style and in no time be addicted to this hobby.

But why do you need a pair of binoculars? Simply because you cannot get too close to the birds on your own. Otherwise, you will just scare them and they will fly away.

A good pair will allow you to see them up close while those that are of poor quality will not really make you enjoy what you are looking at. When you are looking for a good pair to buy, go for something branded and although this may seem expensive, just consider it as a long term investment.

One thing you have to be sure of this that the magnification of the binoculars should at least have 7x power. What this means in simple English is that you can see it 7 times closer than they actually are. There are other brands that can do 8x and 10x but some find it difficult to hold it steady.

You will notice that there is a second number after the x that could be 35 or 40. This describes the diameter in millimeters how large the lens is when it is faced with the object of interest.

The rule of thumb here is that the higher the figure is, the greater the amount of light will enter through the binoculars making the image clear and not blurred.

You must never ever buy compact or pocket sizes binoculars even if they say it is 8 x 21 or 10 x 21. This is because they only have a narrow field of view so it is hard to keep track of the bird when they take flight.

Once you have found the right binoculars for bird watching, it is time to get a book that shows a description and information about the bird. You have to remember that not all birds are found in the same area and when you have an idea of what you are looking for it will be very easy for you to narrow your search.

With the two things in hand, you can already go off bird watching. Some people start by looking out the windows of their homes and then going to the zoo before venturing off into the park.

It will also be a good idea to join a bird watching club as they organize field trips out of town and go into the forests which allows you to get up close and personal with these creatures in their own natural habitat.

If only humans could zoom in on an image like the eagle, we wouldn’t need to bring a pair of binoculars for bird watching around. But since we don’t, we need something to help us out. Remember, you don’t always have to buy the most expensive one around because patience and skill are essential when you are out there trying to spot them amongst the trees.

Birding Tips On Better Wild Bird Watching for Birders

Birds really are great fun and bird watching is just a great way to get out of the house and into the country to enjoy a wilder environment. And you get the added benefit of seeing all the local birds in the area you visit.

When you see birds flying around and doing what birds do, even if they are just at your garden bird feeders or nearby bird houses, you will that it is a fascinating experience that already provides great enjoyment to many other like-minded bird watchers.

Have Much More Fun By Going Bird Watching!

Birding is now a very popular hobby and more birders are joining in every year. Due to increases in available time for other activities many of use now have the time to go birding.

Many of us also realize that being interested in the natural world will provide a better appreciation for the environment and the habitat in which birds live. Habitat conservation is going to be key as human populations explode and critical environments disappear.

Before going off on their first birding trips new birders should learn some of the basics for successful bird watching to avoid the potential for disappointment. Having a bird feeder or bird house in the back yard is a great idea, but to see more birds you need to visit their local habitat to find them.

You Must Be There At Dawn To See More Birds!

In order to see the greatest number of birds possible an early start is imperative as this when the birds are most active. Wherever your birding trip takes you, you will always have more success early in the morning even if it is in your yard, in a local park or woods or on a beach.

After a good rest you will need to be prepared to get up very early and be on location at dawn. This will ensure you get to the right place before the birds become active and your arrival will not disturb them. The couple of hours or so after dawn are the busiest time for birds and you will surprised at how many you see. If you arrive late you will see less birds.

Clothes With Bright Colors Must Be Left At Home!

Bright colored clothes will scare the birds as they will see you easier and take avoiding action by diving into the nearest bushes as soon as they detect your movements and because of this you will not see many birds.

As a birder you should try and wear clothing that has a more natural and darker color that fits in with the area and foliage where you will be bird watching.

It is a great idea to wear anything that will camouflage you when in the birds habitat while bird watching. Get the ultimate gear if you want to see the biggest number of birds or when you go into an area where birds are nervous and difficult to see.

Keep The Noise Down Or You Will Scare The Birds!

While you are bird watching always move slowly and above all quietly. If you are with a friend and continuously talking you will never see many birds as the noise you make will scare them off and the fact that you are talking will drown out any noise the birds might make so you will never hear them either.

So if you have to communicate with other birders with you just whisper quietly and when close to birds you are trying to see use hand signals or gestures to indicate where the birds are, but do not move you arms around to point out locations as if the birds see this then they will be gone!

Try and remain behind larger things like tree trunks and bushes so that the birds do not see your silhouette or any movement as this will disturb them and they might leave in a hurry.

Stay On The Trail To Minimize Disturbance

You will avoid disturbing the birds by staying on the trail and by not trying to go through the undergrowth. Also you should never try to flush out a bird or chase them in any way as this could put stress on the birds you are trying to see and force them to flee.

The best way to see birds is to let them come to you and if you find a good location and make yourself comfortable this will happen and can sometimes give the best views. A bird feeder and bird houses in your back yard is also a great idea as again lets the birds come to you and over time they will become less nervous.

Do not approach birds too closely especially during the spring and summer breading season and definitely do not go near their nests.

Get Binoculars Or A Scope For Better Birding

It is easy and safer to see birds from a distance and this is why you should invest in a good pair of binoculars and as you get more serious about watching birds you might also want to buy a spotting scope to get the closest views of birds possible.

If you are a lover of nature then bird watching can be extremely enjoyable. It does not have to be expensive and although birding can become a bit of a challenge it always remains great fun.

It is easy to begin by just putting up bird feeders and bird houses for nesting in your yard and get enjoyment from watching the birds as they come and go.

Make Sure You Enjoy The Birds Wherever You Go!

Go on a bird watching trip to find more birds. Find out the best places to go from birding website sand online guides and plan a day out or a weekend away to find more birds and ones that are different to what you see every day.

Dave Joa

Bird Watching Scopes - Find Out More with Clearer Vision

For a person who loves observing the birds, a scope would be very beneficial especially if you've already mastered the use of binoculars and is now ready to take the activity to another level.

The Binoculars

This is the first gadget that is actually being invested upon by the bird watchers and the birders. They look closely into the product to determine what could best work for them. This becomes more of their best friend as time goes by. This actually serves the purpose of seeing the birds more clearly.

The accessories for such also become varied through time. The comfort of the user is considered with the weight, eye cups, different lenses and corresponding elements that could make the work easier for its user.

Spotting Scopes

For the birders, it is important to be at the right place at the right time. They are always on the lookout for something new. They want to add on to what they already knew. And the most important thing is that they want to strengthen their claims and prove their observations as gearing towards the scientific explanation.

Knowing where exactly to go is developed through time. The expertise in anything you do in life is actually honed by practice. The same thing is true for birders. They have the passion for what they do. They have tried and tested different techniques through time to be able to gather more data.

Although these people still rely on the old binoculars, they also invest on spotting scopes. This tool helps them to see more from what they've already seen through their binoculars. Because they have the passion for the activity and they have a reason for doing such, they are more geared to look for better technology to help then with their research.

Choosing the right spotting scope is important. As a beginner, you need to ask around what brand is more popular and why. And you also need to be informed about what are the things that you should be looking for when purchasing one.

The quality and design should be your first concern when looking for the right one. Ask about the lenses and the optics design. You need to have the most clear and the one that feels appropriate for your eyes because as a birder, you are looking for more data about the birds that you are observing. You are always on the lookout to find out more from what data is already available. So the view that you would get from scopes is vital for your study to be more scientific.

The spotting scopes works best with a tripod. Look for one that is sturdy and easy to control. It should hold up your scope the right way, can navigate through all the directions and can also be slanted on different angles.

Then focus more about the lenses. You need to find the ones that could stand all weather conditions. As a birder, you go to different places not really minding the climate on that weather but only have the birds in your mind as top priority. For this reason, you need to have the lenses that could guide you through the process easily and won't let you down even at most desperate weather conditions.

Bird watching scopes are there to help you. You just have to find that right one that could suit you best in order to start using such to your advantage.

Bird Watching - A Hobby with A Cause

Bird watching as a hobby has long been contested by the birders, saying that the two are not in any way the same. While birdwatchers do such as part of an activity during recreation, birders are into it with intense dedication.

The Birders

May it be in the UK or in the United States, birders say that what they are doing is far from just a pastime or a relaxation thing. For them, they do such to study not only the species of birds but also their patterns. They don't base their analogies on mere observation and they invest on the latest optical equipments to strengthen their claims.

Instead of going where the birdwatchers usually go, the birders are always on the lookout for new and unexplored sites, hoping to find more information. They would even allot a budget for travel, however far it will take them, just to expand their knowledge and to discern a lot more about the subject that they are most interested about, birds.

The Birdwatchers

These people go about bird watching by only observing with their eyes. They may also opt for binoculars but aren't really focusing on the technology. They wouldn't care if their apparels are not the latest in the market, they can even go about without those gadgets. What's important is that they get a sense of fulfillment from what they are doing, they get to relax, see the birds and enjoy the sights.

The birdwatchers couldn't care less where they do their stuff. They would even do it on their own backyards or just go to nature reserves nearest to them. If they happen to be on vacation, they can do it wherever they are, whenever they please to do it. These people has the love for the birds but don't really want to take that feeling further by going the scientific route, because by doing so, they might miss out the fun that they intend to have.

The Right Time

Bird watching on regions that have temperate weather are most active in the spring and fall migrations. During such time, the widest array of birds could be seen as these birds relocate northbound or southbound in trying to find nesting sites.

For the hobbyists and professionals, it is advisable to do the act in the early morning where the birds are looking for food. This way, observation can be done at a lengthier time and you can see them easily while they are onto their task.

Seawatching

This type of bird watching is for people who would go near coastal areas to find watch points like the headland to be able to see the birds flying over to the sea. The birds that can be observed from such are called the pelagic kinds. The pelagic species of birds can also be observed when one is aboard a seagoing vessel.

Proper Etiquette

Whether you're a birder or a birdwatcher, you should always look out for the wellbeing of the birds and also have some positive notes on what you are doing. You can lead the way to promote cleanliness of the environment so that the natural habitat for this kind wouldn't be harmed. Also, you should be vigilant about the latest technology when you use them as part of the activity, that it won't affect the birds in a negative manner.

Bird watching may just be a hobby but one that must be done with passion and concern about the birds and their welfare.

Bird Watching Equipment

One of the best things about bird watching is you don't need a lot of tools to do it effectively. Most importantly you will need a quality pair of binoculars, a camera, a notebook, and a field guide. Here we will take a look at the details of binoculars, one of the most important pieces of equipment needed for bird watching.

Binoculars will be needed to effectively see birds from far distances. The best birders will often have the best binoculars. Beginners oftentimes use cheap binoculars that won't allow you to capture the detail needed to determine what type of bird it is compared to the more expensive binoculars.

There are a few important things to consider when purchasing a pair of binoculars for bird watching.

Make sure the magnification is at least 7-power. The power is the first number given in the numerical notation that describes binoculars. For example, a 7 x 35 pair of glasses will make objects appear as if they are seven times as close as they actually are. Seven-power binoculars are the minimum amount needed to see birds well enough. Any binoculars of a higher power may be too difficult for birders to hold steady.

Make sure the second number (35 for a 7 x 35 pair of glasses) is at least five times as large as the power (e.g.,7 x 35, 8 x 40, etc.). The second number describes the diameter of the lens in millimeters. The larger the lens, the more light the binoculars will be able to gather thus allowing you to see better in dim light conditions or on a dark-colored bird.

When the lens is held a foot away the large lens should reflect a bluish or purplish tinge. This means the lens is color-coated. This coating decreases the amount of internal glare and increases the amount of light that actually comes to your eyes.

When looking through your binoculars make sure the image is singular or clear. When you bring the barrels of the binoculars close enough together the image you see should merge into a single clear image within a single perfect circle. If not the binoculars may be out of alignment, which can lead to sever headaches and eyestrain.

The binoculars should not only be able to produce a clear image from far distances, but also close only 20 feet away. You don't want to miss any birds hiding in the nearby brush.

If you look at a sign with large lettering through your binoculars the letters close to the edge of the field of view should be as precise and well formed as the letters in the center of the field of view. Be aware cheap binoculars are known to have a problem with image distortion.

Louis Merz

Bird Watching Tips for Beginners

Bird watching can be a very fun and interesting activity once you are familiar with the thing that you need to know when doing it. The first thing that you need to familiarize yourself about bird watching is identifying the bird that you will watch.

This very task is quite challenging because it is not easy to identify them especially when they are so many feet away from the ground. Since birds are energetic and active animals, you need a clear and quick eye to be able to see as many details possible in such as very short period of time.

Aside from being too far away from you, other problems that you might encounter—especially if you are a first time bird watcher—is the dim light shaded by trees, the glint of sunlight that can affect your sight, and the hidden places where birds go to play. So, when you are into bird watching, it is always best to have a general knowledge on bird's attitudes and observe them carefully. You might not name them properly the first time but you definitely can the next time if you pay proper attention in observing them.

The following are just of the helpful tips that can help you in your very first bird watching session:

- Always keep on eye on one bird. Bird watching is more effective if one uses a binocular. When you are bird watching, try to spot only one bird that catches your attention. Once you have seen one, never take your eyes off it because it might fly to a place where you cannot see it.

In most bird watching centers, beginners are given a field guide in a form of a booklet or brochure so they can identify the bird once they have seen one. Once you know what is it, take time to observe its physical details as well as its behaviors and mannerisms. Make sure that you observe the bird's movements, markings, feeding habits, songs, color, and size so you can easily identify it the next time you see it.

- Make sure that you listen intently for the bird's calls and song. Although listening for a bird's song is easy, it doesn’t stay long in a person's memory. What you should do is to listen intently when the bird calls or sings and play the bird's song in your mind repetitively. Listening to a bird's call and song is important because it can help you identify the bird even without seeing it.

- Take time to estimate the bird's shape and general size. The average shape and size of the bird will give you a huge clue in finding out the family it came from. In bird watching, make sure that you assess its overall appearance and take note of its approximate size and shape. Once you can tell from the size and shape of the bird what kind is it, then you are doing good.

- Pay attention to the bill characteristics and facial markings of the bird in sight. This is one of the hardest things to do because the average of almost all birds are small. They also keep on moving so it will be hard to take note any unique markings on their faces. It is also equally hard to take note of characteristics of its bills because most birds keep on pecking all the time.

To get these details, spot a bird that doesn’t fly around that much. Once you found one, start observing it head by looking for any distinguishing hue patches or color strips. These can be present in their eye lines, crowns, napes, and arcs or in the rings.

The Importance of Keeping a Bird Watching Life List

The bird watching life list is a record kept by the birders. This also serves as a tracker device for the people involved in the activity and for those who are conducting related studies. And this is a very important tool for those who love the action and actually has the passion for such.

Bird Watchers
The people that are being categorized as bird watchers are those who are only starting out. Everybody who is into this activity first become a bird watcher or just a mere observer. Their curiosity actually lead them to look and then look more until they've developed a habit of looking farther to see what the birds are doing and how they do it.

For such type, a journal would be fine. This is where they jot down their observations for the purpose of not forgetting. These notes would actually be helpful if they take their hobby to a different level, by being a birder. But for now, let the simple note taking do it for them. Theirs is more simple task because what they see is far from scientific because they still don't have the equipment and the ability to see beyond what their naked eyes seem to tell them.

Birders
These are the more passionate people about the craft. They are not merely hobbyists, they do this to study and relate their observation with scientific research. This group would invest on materials to strengthen their claims. They are always on the lookout for the newest technology that could help them navigate more thoroughly. Birders go where the birds are.

Through research, they go the extra mile to travel where the birds that they haven't seen or haven't been seen by many are situated. The keep track of what happened on their journey. They take notes along the way.

Life List

This is what the electronic or written records contain. Such things can be done by the birders. As they search for the species, the venues in which they could find more types, and looking out for yet to be discovered kinds of birds, they contain it all in a life list.

The information in a life list should include where a certain type of bird was seen, classifying the bird and the date when it was seen. Noting what the bird's usual activities are and how they went on about such is also part of this.

The birders have variety and long list of this kind. It shows their history as an enthusiast of how far they have gone in terms of the activity and how much they have already seen and learned in the process.

They can always go back to this data to change or modify some information depending on their further observation. This is the reason why as days or years go by and as the number of life lists being made by a birder piles up the data gear more towards being scientific because more proofs are available when anyone tries to contest what was recorded.

Keeping a bird watching life list would also benefit people in the future. As the study about the different types of birds become more and more varied, people can always refer on the information provided by the birders on this list for further researches to become more and more accurate.

Ronnie Wilson

Finding A Good Pair of Bird Watching Binoculars

A good pair of bird watching binoculars is definitely a must if you are into bird watching. This is because this will help you view and observe birds better. For beginners, a good pair of binoculars is really one of the basic tools they need in order to get the hang of the activity. Aside from helping them see birds closely and clearly, a pair of bird watching binoculars will also help them to adjust in viewing moving birds.

Buying a good pair of binoculars

Bird watching is one of those activities that entail patience and keen observation. This is because you don’t need to do anything but to watch avian creatures in the horizon and do the thing they love the most—flying.

If you are new into bird watching, the first thing that you need to pay attention to is having a good pair of binoculars. In buying binoculars for bird watching, the major consideration should be the quality of the lens installed in it. The lens should provide you the best quality of image possible, no any distortions in the viewfinder, and should present the best color of the object being observed.

The average cost of a good pair of bird watching binoculars is around $500 to $1000 depending on the brand, size, and quality of lens installed in it. For starters, you really need not buy so expensive binoculars. To help you get the best binocular for your bird watching, here are some helpful tips for you:

1. Consider its magnification. This is very important because it will enable you to see the birds clearly. When looking for a pair of binoculars, choose those that have minimum magnification of 7x35. But if you can afford to buy binoculars with larger magnification such as those with multiples of 8x, 9x, up to 10x, it is better because these can definitely give you a larger image of the bird being watched.

Always keep in mind that a larger lens gets more amount of light, thus, can provide you an image that is sharper and clearer. (TIP: Binoculars with higher magnification tend to be heavier. It is best to look for a pair of binocular with high magnification but made of light materials so you can carry it.)

2. Check its flexibility. The flexibility of the binoculars can be tested if you move its barrels. This is very important so you won't have difficulties in holding it the way you want to. Make sure that the barrels are not tight so you don’t have to worry that it will break easily.

3. Test its focus. Most binoculars will not focus clearly when you test it inside the store because the environment tends to be dim. If you want to make sure that the binocular can focus clearly, try focusing it on a bright side of the room. If it has good focus, it will easily focus on the subject in sight. While checking the focus, you should also check if there are distortions in the image. If there is, don’t buy it because it is of poor quality.

4. Pay attention to its exit pupil. This should also be a major consideration because this will determine if you will see things clearly. The exit pupil refers to the diameter seen on the image once it leaves the lens' eyepiece. The exit pupil should always be bigger that the eyes of your pupil because the image will appear dark. The basic exit pupil should at least be 4 mm or higher to get the brightest image possible.

Beautiful Backyard Bird Watching

Bird watching has become a backyard hobby for many people and bird feeders are the best way to attract these birds. Different birds are attracted to different seeds. Acorns, for example, attract chickadees, jays, quails, and woodpeckers. Millet, on the other hand, attracts doves, finches, pheasants, native sparrows, and Carolina wrens.

Seeds from a black locust tree will attract quail while magnolias will draw in towhees, red-eyed vireos, and woodpeckers. Willows, on the other hand, will bring in grosbeaks, grouse, and redpolls. One of the newer technologies in bird feeding is the tube feeder. These tubes are easy to use and release seeds slower than other methods, so they save you money. Also, larger birds with bigger appetites do not use tube feeders. Solidified bacon fat, interestingly, will attract several species of birds including bluebirds, jays, and ravens. A collection of bird species love insects such as ants and an anthill can be a very attractive backyard feature.

Hummingbirds and orioles are drawn to aloes and agaves while amaranth attracts juncos and tree sparrows. On the other hand, bluebirds, catbirds, great crested flycatchers, jays, mockingbirds, tanagers, thrashers, thrushes, and waxwings like amelanchier (juneberry, shadblow, shadbush, and serviceberry) and make a good looking addition to any yard. Versatile and attractive, amelanchier species can be found anywhere in North America.

Both humans and birds like berries, especially ripening blackberries. The best time to offer these in your feeder is when they can't be found anywhere else. The winter season creates a demand greater than the supply. Strawberries will attract catbirds, prairie chickens, crows, grouse, quails, robins, and sparrows while raspberries will attract bobwhites, bluebirds, buntings, chickadees, orioles, band-tailed pigeons, titmice, and waxwings.

A bird-friendly backyard is likely to be attractive to birds looking to raise a family. The friendly attributes include sources of water, food, grit, and salt. Predator control includes keeping your felines away from the birds and keeping snakes, raccoons, and opossums out of your yard. Sufficient covering is needed for a roosting place and nest sites. If you have cats it is important to keep at least three yards of short grass around the bird bath so the bird can spot the cat and get away in time. From inside, cats can still enjoy the birds by perching on their favorite piece of furniture (available at www.catdograt.com) and viewing the feathered flyers without endangering them.

Bird baths are a successful way to attract birds, especially in the summer. These yard decorations have been popular for a hundred years. If you learn to chisel you can create baths from large rocks or boulders. A bird bath is a great place to focus your binoculars, if you have them. Bird watching is best if you can get one to feed out of your hand. Chickadees can be trained to feed from your palm. If you'd like to attract cardinals, grosbeaks, nuthatches, or titmice, get a sunflower. An excellent selection of bird feeders, bird houses, and bird baths can be found at www.decoryard.com.

Samuel Bryant