Saturday, May 18, 2019

Bird Watching Startup Guide for Dummies by Elizabeth Alsobrooks



Whether you’re a reader/writer or a reader,  you enjoy at least one activity that is essentially sedentary. Though the first directive of being a good bird watcher is to stand still, you can also use bird watching as a fun, active way to get off your bum and clear your head.  Though many of us who enjoy birds have feeders in our yards, some of the best bird watching is done in their natural habitat, outdoors. Parks are a great place to find and watch birds and having a nice hike to get into the thick of things is a great way to get some exercise.  Once you’re there in the great outdoors getting some fresh air and exercise, here’s some tips for what to do next.

Five Bird Watching Tips (For Idiots)
1.       Shut up and stand still
2.       Listen
3.       Use your eyes first
4.       Wear the right clothes
5.       Know your habitat

Here’s a video from a professional who explains those steps so that even I, an amateur bird watcher, can understand.


Using Your Binoculars

Binoculars are actually tricky to use.  Here is a great guide on how to adjust them to your eyes.

An Online Guide
See a bird you want to identify?  Here’s an online photo guide from Bird Watcher’s Digest, which you could also subscribe to.

Listening to Birds

Did you hear a bird you want to identify?  Here’s a handy online bird song guide.



Have Your Guide with You-A Free Ap

Carrying a book around with you everywhere isn’t very practical. If you are going to go bird watching, sure, but you can be prepared for bird identification anywhere.  Most folks carry their phones, and here’s a FREE bird ap for your phone, from the experts at the Audubon Society!

Best Bird Field Guides (Books)

Not sure what bird identification book is best? Here’s an article that helps you decide. This site also contains such useful information as which hummingbird feeders are best, what to do if you find an abandoned baby bird, and much more.

I hope you find this little resource guide I’ve put together useful. It’s mating season, so happy bird watching!

5 comments:

Nightingale said...

Very interesting post, Elizabeth. Never thought of bird-watching before but it sounds fun.

Maureen said...

Thanks for sharing! I never knew much about bird watching- until today :)

Diane Burton said...

My father-in-law was an avid bird-watchers, from his little deck off his condo. He had a great book to identify the birds. I used to think we didn't have very unique birds--robins, of course, cardinals. And then there are the ducks and geese that inhabit our neighborhood pond. Lately, I've seen a little bird with yellow and black markings, so my curiosity is up. Love the bird songs, too. Thanks for the interesting post, Elizabeth.

Nancy Gideon said...

We may not have my favorite Quailians in our backyard but I love watching the woodpeckers and various colorful song birds come to our feeders. And yes, it's a wonderful stressfree hobby, especially when you add a porch glider and a fresh cup of coffee.

Lea Kirk said...

This is something I've thought about doing for years. I do enjoy listening to the woodpeckers getting their breakfasts on spring mornings. Funny little birds. Thanks, Elizabeth!