While it is hard to believe, bird watching is the number one spectator sport in North America; not baseball, figure skating or golf but, bird watching. That’s right, more people are watching birds than football and hockey combined. The idea of seeing or hoping to see a bird they have never seen before, has made this hobby one of the most exciting.
Below are a few tips for getting the most out of your birding experience.
Get to where the birds are!
Research and follow are the key, sounds a little obvious, but many birders spend a majority of their time and energy on poor locations.
Some folk have the advantage of looking out of their windows into their back yard to observe nature’s best, but for the rest of us with less breathtaking views, we need to get moving. I would highly recommend visiting a National Wildlife Refuge. There are over 500 of them across the United States.
To find one near you, visit http://www.fws.gov/refuges/
Know What Species to Expect
There are approximately 900 species of birds in the United States and recognizing each of them is nearly impossible. So when you visit an area, do a little research first. You may find that perhaps only a few species actually inhabit that particular area. With a little preparation, you will be able to more readily identify the different types of bird species.
Keep a list of successfully viewed species
Get a Great Pair of Binoculars
Spending time and money to get to the right place is wonderful but making sure you have the right gear is even more important. A good pair of binoculars is a must-have, If you are already investing in a trip then please be sure you have invested in your binoculars. A great pair of binoculars will turn a mediocre experience into a great one. You can count on it!
If you have an inexpensive pair of binoculars you are not getting the most out of your bird-watching experience. Today’s technologies come at a price and they provide crucial benefits in wildlife viewing. For instance, image stabilization will keep your view from shaking, very important when watching from a long distance. Other cool features 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 experience.
Practice Before You Go
A key to viewing wildlife, and especially birds, is to have the ability to quickly focus your binoculars on target. Many people have difficulty obtaining great focus at first; learning to focus on a bird in a bush or track a bird in flight is not an easy task. Like photography, birdwatching takes a little practice.
Practice this exercise a few time – lower your binoculars to your side and very quickly raise them to find and follow a jet liner across the sky. After only a few attempts, you’ll get good at quickly acquiring your target. Quite often, birds are visible for only a few seconds, practice to become proficient.
The best part about wildlife viewing is that you the viewer, control almost every aspect of the experience.
Life is always better when shared, take Someone with You Not only do you get to spend time doing something you enjoy but you could reap the added benefit of sharing a piece of you with someone you care about.
Pass the birding excitement to a child.
