So, here is the skinny....Birdwatching is a hobby. In fact, it is the second most popular hobby with over 50 million people actively participating. So, what is the big deal about birdwatching? I think that birdwatching goes far beyond simply watching the birds. It is two parts bird watching and one part enjoying the outdoors. It gives many people a reason to actually get outside, do some hiking and at the same time to actually learn a little. And with so many species out there, ranging in habitats from the very cold to the very hot (and everywhere in between), there is all sorts of reasons to go out there and discover something new.
Why bother even getting into birdwatching?
Well, like I said before, there are so many birds out there that this can be a fun learning experience for most. Plus, considering that most people don't bother getting outside as much anymore, this is a great excuse to "just do it". The emotional and physical benefits of being outdoors are well documented.
Do I need special equipment for birdwatching?
Actually, you really don't need anything although binoculars and scopes are what most birders use. The best part of using binoculars is you get to see the colorful feathering of the birds up close. Of course, you most likely are going to want to know what you are looking at and therefore may want to pick up a bird field manual as well, which you can do for around $30 at your local bookstore...(I personally highly recommend one. One of the best things about birding is actually identifying the species).
What Should I look for in a field manual?
Like I said in the previous answer, if you are planning on bird watching on the cheap, you will be best served to grab a bird watching field manual. The best field manuals will group bird species by locale and will have large colorful pictures that will aid you in locating the bird in the wild. It is even better to find one that will show what a species will look like throughout its life as well, from young to old as well as show the differences between the males and females. I have seen bird watching field manuals that show the migratory paths for the birds that migrate (great for locating a bird that happens to fly through your area twice a year at a certain time), as well as the feeding habit of each species. The bottom line is the more detailed of a handbook you can find, the better off you are in the long run...so don't skimp!
Do I need to go somewhere special to bird watch?
Absolutely not. A lot of people can simply open up the back door to their backyard to view birds but if you live in a more urban setting (like I do), you may want to pack up for the day and head to a national park. There are also wildlife refuges that offer all sorts of bird viewing as well. And of course, if you are very adventurous, you could always go to a locale far away, like the bahamas or Aruba to get a really good taste of the "other" species that you normally wouldn't find in your locale. A lot of these bird conservatories actually offer birding tours for bird watchers.
What Should I wear?
Actually, you can wear anything you like although I suggest you wear a hat that can shield your eyes from the sun. Remember, you are going to be looking up for the most part and nothing is going to stink more than if you find a bird species that you were hoping to see only to lose it to the sun and sky. If I just want to bird watch from my backyard, is there anything that I can do to attract birds?
Obviously, a bird feeder would attract birds the best. However, if you are into gardening, there are certain plants and flowers that will naturally attract birds. Flowers such as Zinnias and Daisies are both very much liked by birds (just don't prune them when they start to wilt). Also, hummingbirds are very fond of flowers that are the color red and obviously the ones that have the sweet nectar. Also, if you have lots of shrubbery, plants or any type of greenery, this should attract some type of bird from your area.
I want to join a birdwatching group...where can I find a list?
There is something to be said for joining a birdwatching group. Not only will you be around like minded folks who love the same things as you, you will likely get more out of bird watching and most of these groups go out on expeditions from time to time. That said, the best place is probably to look for groups locally through the yellow pages or simply go to a pet store and ask around. I found a wonderful group in my area via the internet though. There are tons and tons of associations world wide that are devoted to bird observation and bird watching.
I know bird watching doesn't sound like a lot of fun right off-hand. However, for those who want a hobby that has a nice mix of light exercise and is educational, I can't think of a better hobby.
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