In the rapidlyincreasingfascination with birding, there are lots of factors that can affect which birds you spot or if you even see them at all.  A beginner’s field guide of your spotting area will give you a better idea of which species you can expect to oberve, and in which season to see them.  A field guide may also help you identify any birds that you wish to identify.  Some of the greatest field guides known to bird watchers are the Peterson field guides.  There is a Peterson Field Guide for Eastern birds and there is one for Western birds, both have numerous details about the birds you can expect to see in local areas.

A notebook and pencil are an essential addition to a bird watcher’s gear, as they will grant you to write down notes and sketching pictures of the birds you have seen.  It is a common mistake to resort to your field guide the minute you spot a bird.  Instead, spend as long as you can observing the birds and their colors, beak colors and features, flight patterns, song notes, “chirp” patterns, size, and leg length.  Scribble these findings down on your notepad, and identifying the bird will become much less strenuous than just flipping through through your field guide and guessing by looking at photographs.  

Another essential piece of gear for any bird watcher is a high quality binocular, such as Nikon Monarch ATB binoculars.  As many bird watchers will tell you, the main difference in quality between a $50 binocular and a $700 binocular is amazing.  You want to be able to notice every possible detail about a bird once it is seen, and a high quality binocular can be the difference between
viewing what you think may be a cardinal, or easily identifying a cardinal at first sight.  With a high resolution, it will make identifying birds more simple, and you will be able to more finely observe fine details and even the eating habits of the species.

the ability to hear well can also affect the number of birds you are able to spot on your bird watching adventures.  be sure to listen for calls and songs, as these can be huge clues to what species the bird you are observing really is.  One cool thing about your senses is that they all may be used at the same time, therefore listening to a bird while observing it is very possible, and quite enjoyable.  Look for beak and throat movements to ensure the bird you are observing is the one you are hearing.  There are actually many aided hearing devices used by bird watchers that can amplify the natural sounds around you in very high definition, and mute sounds as loud as a clap to protect your hearing.  These may make it much easier to hear distinct call patterns and songs.

One of the most important things in birding is to have fun!  Go out and join a group or club dedicated to birding and go on adventures with people with similar interest in bird watching.  Take photos of the birds that you have seen and keep them in a photo album.  There is no doubt fellow bird watchers will love seeing these pictures as well as sharing their knowledge with you, making birding that more pleasant.  Once you have been bird watching for a while, you will be able to identify a bird just by viewing a glimpse of it flying by or by hearing a few chirps.  Remember to always be kind to nature and the animals that live in it, and nature will be kind to you in return.

Bird watching is a fantastic pastime. It not only gets you you out into the fresh air, but it gets you plenty of exercise as well – all while enjoying your hobby at the same time. And it gets you closer to nature. In order to have the best time, however, there are a few birding necessities that you should consider.

As a bird watcher, you should be prepared to spend the day outdoors with your bird friends. To do this, you’ll need the following minimum supplies:

– You’ll want to have a sunscreen with a minimum of 15 SPF. This will provide moderate protection from the sun. For extended periods of time, go for an SPF of 30+.

– Water. You lose lots of water while hiking which can lead to dehydration. Take a canteen or bottled water. Drink lots of water before you start your hike and take periodic sips along the way.

– Insect repellant. If you want the best possible protection against mosquitoes, bugs, and all sorts of other annoying insects, apply the insect repellant to both your skin and your clothing, according to the label instructions. Some forms of netted clothing can also help if you don’t like putting insect repellant on your skin.

– Footwear. You’ll be doing lots of walking and hiking and you’ll want the most comfortable boots possible. In addition, if there’s the possibility that you will be trekking through marsh or extremely damp conditions, you should take along a pair of knee-high rubber boots.

– Rain gear. Weather conditions can change quickly so you want to be prepared for possible rainfalls. A lightweight, waterproof, breathable piece of rainwear could be indispensable.

– Snacks. The treats aren’t for the birds, they’re for you. Find some high energy store bought or home made granola bars, fruits, and nuts and you’ll be good to go.

If you survive and enjoy your first outing and feel that you’ll definitely be doing this again, then the manufactures of birding supplies will love you as you will undoubtedly be back in their stores to buy cameras, recorders, and other high priced items in preparation for your next trip.

Ken Lawless writes articles concerning blue bird houses, wooden birdhouses, and bird feeder kits which you can find on his website.