Birdwatching 101

Birding and birdwatching mean the same thing? the activity of watching birds in the wild. This outdoor activity is something you can do in your backyard, nearby park or trips. Getting hooked to birdwatching does not require any complicated equipments nor does it entail expensive gadgets.

Why go birding? Birds were once considered omens in telling the future. Today, it should be known that they are indicator species--- they forecast environmental condition. The more the number becomes, the healthy the environment is! Health-wise, it engages you outside and in walking. But it's effortless, because your attention is on the birds. Birding is also an ideal social activity.

Getting Started

For beginners, one needs to go with someone who experienced birding. Likewise it is also recommended to join groups that engage into it. Here in the Philippines, the Wild Bird Club would be a best choice. There are also good books and magazines available in bookstores. Internet would also be a good source since various interest groups have websites that provide tips and field guide.

What to bring:

Bird Guide. In using bird guides (books/magazines), take note that the good ones have clear color pictures for easy recognition, Good guides should tell seasonal color changes, similar appearing characteristics and other tips on how to tell them apart from other birds in the field. Recommended books: The Macmillan Field Guide to Bird Identification (Harris, Tucker and Vinicombe), Birdwatcher�s Pocket Guide (Hayman), Birds of the Philippines (Kennedy).

Binoculars. Bad binoculars cause eye strain and headaches so choose your first pair carefully. "7 X 35" (image magnified 7 times, 35 mm objective lens) or "8 X 40" binoculars are a good size to start with Every birder has to have his, or her, own binoculars. Sharing means one person doesn't get to see the bird before it flies away. Today's technologies come at a price and they provide crucial benefits in wildlife viewing. One can use tripod for image stabilization. Some binoculars have features that include anti-fogging, low-light viewing and wide-view characteristics. Additionally, binoculars with built-in digital cameras enable you to identify birds once you get home. These benefits will definitely enhance your bird watching. A great pair of binoculars will turn a mediocre experience into a great one.

Notebook. Bring notebook. For your birding, you need field notes. It lets you record what you see. It actually helps you to see, because when you try to write a description of a bird that encourages you to observe carefully.

Hat A hat will shade you eyes. Any old hat will do. Remember, birding is not a fashion contest.

Birding Ethics. The following are tips taken from various bird clubs and testimonials from experienced birders.

Have patience and keep trying. Birding requires skill and, like any other skillful activity, learning it takes time. Don't despair - even experienced birders often have difficulties in identification.

See, birding is not taxing! So, why not try yourself? Birding is a fast growing outdoor activity in the United States. In fact, a survey done by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 51.3 million Americans report that they watch birds. We Filipinos might want to explore our own birds. The endemic Philippine Eagle and the critically endangered Chinese egret are by the way fast becoming tourist attraction! Foreigners have explored our treasures. How about us?

References:

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/adv/birding/beginbird/beginbird.htm

http://www.birdwatch.ph/faqs.html

http://www.sideroad.com/Birdwatching/birdwatching-tips.html

http://www.wildflorida.org/wof/tips_for_beginners.htm