Some Questions And Answers About Birdwatching

Birdwatching in North America is on the rise, as people try to find different ways to enjoy nature and connect with wildlife. Birdwatching comes across as a hobby that's mostly about sitting around in the bush waiting for hours, but there's much more to it than that. Observing the beauty of birds and learning about them can be a pleasant experience. The following are some common questions about birdwatching that people often ask and will give you answers to get you started with a new hobby.

What's the attraction of birdwatching?

There's plenty of attraction in birdwatching, and a lot of people enjoy seeing birds in their natural habitat, or the peace and quiet of sitting still outdoors for a time. Others enjoy trying to sight new species of birds they've only seen in books, and some like to study birds and their behavior. Those who enjoy being closer to birds and observing them are sometimes trying to learn to identify different species from the way they act or behave. Discovering something new is pretty exciting, and even birds have plenty to offer.

What's so appealing about birds in the first place?

Birds have one thing humans don't - the power of flight. We've long envied the ability birds have of soaring high, swooping down, or flitting from branch to branch; and the closest we can come to actually flying like birds these days is in an airplane. Watching birds fly in their natural habitat instills a sense of beauty and grace that everyone enjoys.

Why should I get into birdwatching?

There are a lot of benefits from going out to observe various birds. First of all, you're getting outdoors, something many people don't do very much anymore. You're getting some exercise, as you'll most likely have to walk a bit to get to a likely spot to see some birds. You're interacting with nature, which tends to slow down the heart rate and helps people relax. Birdwatching is something anyone of any age can do, so if you have children or grandparents, you can bring your family closer by doing the activity together. Learning is also beneficial, and discovering the differences between species or colorings of birds is fun. Every person finds something personally fulfilling about birdwatching, so the only way to know why you should get into the hobby is to go out and discover the reason yourself!

Is there any special equipment that I need?

Not really. You can go out and observe birds with nothing at all, using only your eyes and senses to catch sight of different species. If you do want to get a little fancier, a good set of binoculars is a nice thing to have handy. You don't need to buy the most expensive ones, either, unless you really want to get close to see fine detail of feathering or colors. A field guide or book about bird identification can be fun to look through, and you can pick up a good one for less than $30 at a book store. Make it a challenge to see how many birds described in the book are ones you spot out in the wild.

Do I have to go anywhere special to do some birdwatching?

Birds are free-willed creatures, and they have the ability to land just about anywhere, so wherever you'd like to settle down for a while is fine for birdwatching. Your back yard is just as good as the thick of the forest. You'll see different species of birds in different locations though, as one type of bird might prefer cityscapes while another hides in the woods, so if you're hoping to see a specific species of bird, branch out from your usual places of birdwatching and try to find new ones for better chances.

Should I wear any special type of clothing?

A hat is a good thing to wear when you're out birdwatching. You don't want to catch site of some special bird you've been waiting hours to see, only to have it flit over to a branch directly in the sun's path. Hats can provide some shade for your eyes, but make sure the hat you choose doesn't interfere with your binoculars. A field vest or jacket with lots of pockets where you can tuck in some insecticide, a pen and notebook, and your binoculars will be something you'll appreciate while you're outdoors.

While I was out birdwatching, a baby bird fell. Should people help birds in that situation?

Most of the time, nature knows best and while learning to fly can be rough, the baby probably didn't get hurt and its parents will help it find a safe hiding spot in the brush or shrubs nearby. Leaving the nest is a good thing and part of a bird's development and young fledglings can live quite a while out of the nest and on the ground, and very well at that. They'll have food close by and shelter from wild animals. So don't worry, and be glad you were close enough to have experienced a step in a young bird's life firsthand!

What kind of flowers can I plant in my garden or backyard to attract birds?

Daisies and Zinnias are good flowers that provide seeds for birds, if you don't deadhead them once the flower has faded. Hummingbirds love red flowers, and especially those with sweet nectar. Hybrid flowers have been developed for color, but some of the heirloom flowers available in seed packets contain plenty of nectar for these tiny birds. Of course, the more natural your outdoor area, the more birds you'll attract. Any kind of plant, shrub, flower, or greenery will end up attracting some kind of bird or another.

Is it okay to teach birds to come eat seeds from my hand?

The experience of having a tiny creature fly down to light in your outstretched hand is a wonderful one, and there's no reason why you shouldn't try to have birds land in your hand to peck at seeds. Doing so doesn't take away any of their instinct to be wary around threats, and it may build a special bond you'll enjoy memories of forever. Having birds trust you enough to come land in your hand does take a lot of patience, but you can start slow by setting down seeds on the ground and stepping back, then moving a bit closer each day until you finally achieve your goal.

Where do I find groups about birdwatching?

There are plenty of associations and groups devoted to bird observation and birdwatching in general. Start by looking in your local phone book to see if there are any groups near where you live, or use your computer for an internet search on birdwatching groups in your areas. Sharing your experiences with others can be fulfilling, and those with more experience under their belt can provide you with some helpful tips or advice to make your own time with the birds even better.

What should I look for in a field guide or birdwatching book?

Colorful, detailed pictures or photographs are pretty important to help you differentiate species of birds that may look similar in size, shape, and coloring. A book that shows what the birds look like while they're young, maturing, or mating is best, as the feather coloring changes while a bird develops and matures. Other good information is locations of where the birds like to live, preferred habitats, size and length, preferred foods, and migration paths. Basically, the more complete a book seems in providing description and photography, the better it may be. Guides endorsed by reputable societies usually are good purchases.

So develop a broader sense of birding. Bring birds around more often and dance to the tune of their music while you get and keep them in your area longer with bird feeders.

Learn a lot more: The “Everything You Want to Know About Birdfeeders” Guide