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

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

The Best in Bird Watching Binoculars

Trying to read and interpret all of the jargon about various bird watching binoculars can be a little difficult if you are new to it. You will probably find that all of the manufacturers think their product is the best, and that nothing else is worth looking at.

If you are like most consumers, you want a place to go where you can find an honest opinion and some accurate information. If you do not live in an area where you can just walk into a specialty optics store and ask, do not worry, there are some resources available.

There are several such guides available to those who are in market for bird watching binoculars. Bird Watchers Digest publishes a review of the latest models and improvements every year. Additionally, a number of Web sites publish product reviews on a regular basis.

Some sites even have entire sections devoted specifically to binocular reviews and evaluation. Check out BirdWatching site for one good example of Web based product reviews. Experienced birders offer their honest opinions about the products that they use on a regular basis and what they did and did not like about each one.

When researching bird watching binoculars, keep in mind several things that may affect which style will work best for you. If you wear glasses, then some binoculars may not work well for you. Do you wish to use the binoculars to focus on small things that may be relatively close?

There are models like the Pentax Papillo, which will work very well when trying to zoom in on things like butterflies. When considering any binocular, a bird watcher needs to give careful thought to how much magnification power they need. While many are under the impression that they need the most powerful binocular available to enjoy watching birds, often times the most powerful optical tools can be very difficult to keep focused and to hold steady enough to get a clear image.

Some people in the market for bird watching binoculars pay no attention to price and do not consider cost to be of any importance. For most people, cost does play a large role in their decision.

Do not get frustrated if at first all you see are slick catalogue pages full of extravagantly prices binoculars. You can, and will, find equipment from many reliable well-known manufacturers that is well made and quite affordable for the average bird watcher.

To ensure that you are pleased with your purchase, make sure that you do the research. As shown here, there are plenty of resources available outside of actually walking into a store. Bird watching binoculars will be your primary piece of equipment as you begin your bird watching hobby.

MIKE SELVON

Bird Watching in Africa - A Different Type of Safari Adventure

Although bird watching is an activity that can be done virtually anywhere on the planet, Africa remains one of the most popular destinations on the planet for a bird watch adventure. Specifically, there is a substantial portion of the tourism industry in Southern Africa that is meeting the needs of bird watching in Africa. Service providers recognize the needs and desires of bird enthusiasts and create safaris and adventures designed with the serious bird watcher in mind.

What Region is Best?

Bird Watching in Africa is also popular on the Eastern portion of the continent. The bulk of the tourism is in the South, but a larger number of species exist in the Eastern nations of Kenya and Tanzania than anywhere else. Boasting over 1300 species, bird watchers in Eastern Africa have the opportunity to see 15% of the world's bird population in one trip. While the number is not so striking in the South, it is still substantial at 920 species. This equates to about 10% of the world's known species.

The nations that make up the Southern bird watch areas are Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. South Africa specifically provides a number of government sponsored parks and reserves where avian life is abundant. Any birder who is interested in researching bird watching in Africa should be sure to look at Kruger National Park, Ndumu Game Reserve, Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, West Coast National Park, the De Hoop Nature Reserve, and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. These locations provide prime habitat for many of the countries' 900 species of birds, and ensure that your trip will include many varieties of bird watching opportunities.

When considering East Africa for bird watching, Kenya provides a diverse range of opportunities. From the Central Highlands, which are heavily forested, to the lower lying lakes region, Kenya is a haven for many of Eastern Africa's bird species. When considering Kenya, be sure to check out Aberdare National Park, Amboseli National Park, Lake Baringo, Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria, Mount Kenya National Park and the Kakamego Forest Reserve. Several of these parks also serve as the home to various species of primates that are sure to attract your attention as you keep your binoculars turned towards the trees searching for birds.

Make the Most of this Incredible Bird Watching Destination

As with any major investment, make sure that you know what you are getting before you put any money on the table to go bird watching in Africa. There are a large number of service providers who will be competing for your business, and you should make sure that you are getting exactly what you want. Research the outfitter you choose. Read reviews and don't be afraid to talk to other people who have used them. Do whatever is necessary to ensure that you get the most out of every precious dollar that you lay down for this once in a lifetime trip.

MIKE SELVON

Bird Watching and The Latest In Internet Technology

One of the thrills of bird watching is the discovery of a species you have never seen before. In the past, a bird watcher often had to wait for a long time to get help in identifying a bird that he or she may not have recognized. Programs, like the one at Cornell University, allowed those who bird watch to submit photographs and descriptions of things that they had seen. The experts and researchers at the university would then help them identify the bird. The internet however, has eliminated the hassle of waiting for the mail. This information is available instantaneously online.

The ability to come home from a day in the fields of Belize watching birds, or even after bird watching in Costa Rica, and to sit down in front of a computer has given birth to a completely new realm of resources. Bird watchers can visit sites such as Birding and Birding Guide to access information about what they have seen through their binoculars while bird watching that day. There are several benefits to websites like these and the photographic resources available on the web.

Aside from written descriptions, the internet provides a wealth of photographic information to bird watchers. Photographs that would add up to literally mountains of books could quickly be searched, organized, and selected for viewing online. The convenience is immeasurable. The ability to get information quickly and accurately makes the research process an enjoyable one for most bird watchers.

One of the features that bird watchers who are internet savvy might find of particular interest is the communities that exist on the bulletin boards of websites catering to bird watching. These forums allow users to start, and participate in, conversations concerning a wide variety of topics that relate to birding.

Some conversations, called threads, are global in their scope and may include broad topics like equipment, which are not geographically specific. Other threads may be very geographically specific and give local bird watchers a place to share individual information about sightings and numbers in special locations that probably are not of interest to someone outside of that region.

In addition to the sense of community that bird watchers can find on the web, it also serves as a very useful tool for spreading information. Local chapters of bird watching clubs and conservation groups, such as The National Audubon Society, utilize the parent websites of their organizations to provide news of local interest.

They may also use this space to advertise upcoming events, seminars, conferences or group outings. A birder who wants to get involved and volunteer with an organization may also find opportunities to do so listed here. These websites are an ideal place to find a great deal of useful information.

MIKE SELVON

Backyard Bird Watching Is A Breeze

One of the best places for aspiring bird watchers to get their feet wet is in their own backyard. Backyard bird watching is an inexpensive and relatively easy way to get involved in birding as a hobby. While your interest may one day carry you to far away places in search of rare species, many find that they are more than satisfied by keeping track of the local bird life and enjoying the birds that live right under their noses.

You will want to do some research on what types of feeders are best for the birds that you are hoping to attract. Several styles meet the needs of many species. Some birds, however, require a specific type of feeder. You may find it best to construct your backyard bird watching area in a way that allows you to utilize several different feeders. Make sure you research how far away from each other the feeders should be.

Another decision that you will have to make as you are beginning your hobby of backyard bird watching is what to feed them. There is a wide range of feed available. Just like the feeders, the food that you select should depend in large part on what type of birds you are hoping to attract and where you live. Some of the more common types of bird feed are sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and thistle.

Often found in a mix, pour this type of seed into a hopper type feeder to meet the needs of several different species at one backyard bird watching station. If you hope to attract some of the more fickle species, like bluebirds, then you will need to do some research on what type of fruit or nuts make up the diet of bluebirds in your area.

When you are setting up your area for backyard bird watching, you should ensure that you have good view of the feeders from the area that you anticipate using for observation. If you have any low hanging branches that may block your view, cut them away before you begin your project. If you wait until you already have a contingent of hungry customers to do so, the sudden change in environment may disrupt the feeding and behavior patterns that they have established.

Now that you are ready to begin your observations, you will find that you need some kind of magnifying device in order to see the birds better. A basic pair of binoculars is usually sufficient for beginners, though you may find it better to mount a spotting scope near a bird watching picture window in your home. These optical devices will greatly increase your ability to identify birds and to get to them by their distinct markings and behaviors.

MIKE SELVON

Watching Birds Eases Isolation

The opportunity to set up a backyard bird watching station is ideal for many elderly and shut-ins who enjoy watching birds. Locating a feeding station in a place where it is visible from a large window creates a natural theater for nature lovers to observe, take notes on, and participate in the lives of the birds who come to depend on them for food. There are many benefits to be derived from setting up a bird watching station for the elderly and shut-ins.

Watching birds in the backyard is an excellent way to pass the time. For a shut-in, time can begin to creep. When one is unable to be active, seconds can turn into minutes and minutes can turn into hours. Since their bodies will not allow them to be out, they struggle to keep their minds busy. An activity like bird watching helps the ticking of those minutes and seconds and gives shut-ins a chance to enjoy a full day.

Another feature of watching birds that can be useful to shut-ins is the fact that it can, if they so desire, involve research. This research can help them to keep their minds sharp as they read, memorize, and track which birds are coming to their feeder. They may take a great deal of joy in keeping a notebook and beginning to understand the traffic patterns and behaviors of certain birds. Watching birds through a bird watching picture window with a pair of binoculars is much more mentally stimulating than staring at the television set all day.

Since many birds return to the same places to winter each year, and conversely, to the same spring and summer locations to nest, shut-ins may take a great deal of delight as they learn to identify the same birds that return seasonally year after year. By keeping a notebook documenting physical descriptions and behaviors, they will be able to track each bird's comings and goings and look forward to that bird's yearly return.

A problem that can plague some shut-ins is an over-riding feeling of uselessness. Setting up a bird feeder and building a community of birds that comes to count on it for food can eliminate this feeling. If a shut-in knows that the birds are counting on them, then the shut-in may feel as though this project is suddenly bigger than just watching birds. It has suddenly become a responsibility. Typically, that is a good thing.

If you are serious about creating a backyard space that is devoted to bird watching, do not be afraid to look to your local clubs and societies for advice. You will find that most bird watching enthusiasts are eager and willing to share their information if it will be helpful to others.

MIKE SELVON

Arkansas Bird Watching Beats All!

There is a multitude of prospects for Arkansas bird watching. There are over 400 documented species of birds in the areas that surround the Ozark Mountains. In addition to the birds, there is also a large variety of butterfly species that inhabit the state, creating additional opportunities for premium wildlife viewing.

The first, and probably the most practical reason is that it is affordable. Since Arkansas is centrally located within the United States, it is, with a few exceptions, just about a day's drive from anywhere in the country. This kind of access, coupled with the low cost of living in the area, makes a trip affordable. If you are coming from out of state or from the East or West coast, you will be delighted at the hospitable nature of the people who call the state of Arkansas home.

Another reason to consider Arkansas as your next bird watching destination is the availability of local resources. A bird watching club is easily found and there are Audubon societies in the area, and most are ready and willing to provide information that will allow visitors to capitalize on all of the bird watching opportunities that an area has to offer. If you are serious about heading to Arkansas to do some bird watching, make sure you check out birding Arkansas site. Here you will find a number of resources and links that will help you plan your trip.

The Ivory Billed Woodpecker recently made headlines and put Arkansas bird watching at the forefront of the North American birding community. This bird, which was thought to be extinct, was seen in the swamps of Arkansas. This discovery has led to a relative tourism boom in the small towns that surround the native habitat of the woodpecker. The economic boost that these additional tourists has provided is being used to further protect the habitat.

Bull Shoals State Park, DeGray Lake Resort State Park, and Devil's Den State Park each host bird watching festivals or events at different times of the year. These organized festivals and events allow bird watching enthusiasts from around the country to come together and share information and to enjoy the company of folks who share similar passions. Local bird watching club involvement is very active in supporting these events.

In addition to the festivals, some lodges and outfitters sponsor Arkansas bird watching tours. These tours can be a good way to go if you are unfamiliar with the area and want to be assured of the best opportunities to see rare species. The guides who lead the tours will have the latest and most up to date information about where the birds have been seen and will know the best ways to get there. Guided tours give you the chance to focus on bird watching and allow you to leave the driving to someone else.

MIKE SELVON