So, you've decided to try bird watching, have you? Well, there are just a few things that you should know before heading out into the wide world of birds, and the following tips can make your bird watching adventures more worthwhile.
Where are the birds? That may seem like a silly question, but bird watching is not as easy as one may think.
There are some places that you may see rare species, and other places where you may not see any birds at all, so choose the right spots.
To start, try contacting a local bird club (you can find them on the internet), and join a bird watching group.
You can greatly benefit from the experience of others, and if you aren't able to join the group you can always head to the same spots by yourself.
If you can't seem to find any bird clubs in your area, you may also contact the Audubon Society to ask where the best bird spots are in your area.
Now that you know where to find the birds, you might be wondering when you should head out with your bird watching gear.
Although most birders love to head out into the wild when the weather is nice, birds tend to migrate in land when storms are brewing.
If you live near the coast, you may find that visiting a nearby beach when prior to a storm may provide you with the best bird watching opportunities.
Also, different birds tend to be visible during different hours of the day, so research the type of bird that you want to investigate and head outdoors during that time.
Of course, when you are out there bird watching, you are not the only animal paying close attention.
Birds often notice humans, but they are not usually bothered by people unless there is a loud noise.
Try not to talk too much; move too suddenly; or make any sort of quick gestures.
Your goal should be to study a bird in its natural habitat, so be as "cat-like" as possible.
Birds will "freeze" if they hear a loud noise, and if you notice this sudden posture you may want to look around you for other animals that could be nearby.
Lastly, you may think that what you wear doesn't matter to the birds, but there are some materials that you should stay away from.
Do not wear any reflective or crinkly materials that may frighten the birds; avoid loud colors; stick with earth tones; wear protective layers; and always dress your feet comfortably.
Bird watching does not require immediate talent, but it does require a bit of know how.
Keep all of these bird watching tips in mind, and you will be out there spotting species like a pro in no time.
Where are the birds? That may seem like a silly question, but bird watching is not as easy as one may think.
There are some places that you may see rare species, and other places where you may not see any birds at all, so choose the right spots.
To start, try contacting a local bird club (you can find them on the internet), and join a bird watching group.
You can greatly benefit from the experience of others, and if you aren't able to join the group you can always head to the same spots by yourself.
If you can't seem to find any bird clubs in your area, you may also contact the Audubon Society to ask where the best bird spots are in your area.
Now that you know where to find the birds, you might be wondering when you should head out with your bird watching gear.
Although most birders love to head out into the wild when the weather is nice, birds tend to migrate in land when storms are brewing.
If you live near the coast, you may find that visiting a nearby beach when prior to a storm may provide you with the best bird watching opportunities.
Also, different birds tend to be visible during different hours of the day, so research the type of bird that you want to investigate and head outdoors during that time.
Of course, when you are out there bird watching, you are not the only animal paying close attention.
Birds often notice humans, but they are not usually bothered by people unless there is a loud noise.
Try not to talk too much; move too suddenly; or make any sort of quick gestures.
Your goal should be to study a bird in its natural habitat, so be as "cat-like" as possible.
Birds will "freeze" if they hear a loud noise, and if you notice this sudden posture you may want to look around you for other animals that could be nearby.
Lastly, you may think that what you wear doesn't matter to the birds, but there are some materials that you should stay away from.
Do not wear any reflective or crinkly materials that may frighten the birds; avoid loud colors; stick with earth tones; wear protective layers; and always dress your feet comfortably.
Bird watching does not require immediate talent, but it does require a bit of know how.
Keep all of these bird watching tips in mind, and you will be out there spotting species like a pro in no time.
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