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Be a Birder

Why is birding a hobby or career that interests millions of people? Some enjoy the challenge of locating and identifying birds and seeing new places. Others see their birding time as a form of exercise and an opportunity to be outdoors. No matter what the reason, birding is a FUN activity that can be done year-round and anywhere. It costs little and getting started is very easy. You can start by looking at birds on a bird table in your garden, remember to offer a variety of feed to attract seed-eaters, provide suet in the winter to attract meat-eaters. Keep a daily record of the birds seen at your feeder.

Many careers are available to people interested in birds. Ornithologists are people who study birds. Biologists and naturalists study the connection between birds and people. They help people understand and learn to identify birds. Birds are the subjects for many famous artists and nature writers. Details can be found by looking at some other ornithological websites easy!

Your senses of sight and hearing are extremely important tools in birding. Observe the bird. The five basic characteristics used to visually identify birds are shape and posture, plumage and colour, behaviour, habitat preference and voice. Listen to its call or song.

Spend time outdoors watching birds. Learn to move quietly and slowly. Wear comfortable shoes. Take a field guide, sketchbook, pencil and binoculars. Birds can be found almost anywhere. Look in parks, woodlands, your garden, school grounds, around a pond or wetland. The best times to look for birds are in the morning or afternoon during their feeding times. This is when they are most active.

You may want to attract birds to your garden so that you can observe them for long periods of time. Feeding and watering stations placed near your house will attract a variety of birds. More information at:

www.bto.org | www.rspb.org.uk | www.the-soc.org.uk | www.wwt.org.uk