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I'm not much of a gambling person but I'd wager that if you looked out your window right now, very closely, you'd likely spot a bird. It might be a turkey vulture soaring in the sky, a junco perching on a fence, or a pigeon cooing on the ground. That is the magic behind birds: the fact that they are so diverse and simply everywhere.
Bird-watching has materialized that magic into a popular hobby. You not only become aware of birds. You actively want to find them. But how do you enter a space occupied by millions of birds and birders alike? This is a beginner's guide to help you spread your wings and get started.
Step One: Ready your Equipment
Binoculars
A professor once told me, "Any good scientist has a decent pair of binoculars." You might confuse that with meaning an expensive pair of binoculars. But this is not necessarily the case.
This Vortex pair of binoculars are the only ones I've ever bought. For $150, they've done everything I need! They're lightweight, easy to adjust, and come with a harness case (that also happens to be the perfect backpack for my reference book too!) Perhaps the best part of the Vortex brand is that they come with a lifetime warranty. This means that if your binoculars ever become damaged, Vortex will repair or replace the equipment at no charge. It's a deal that amateur and seasoned birders just can't beat.
Field Guide
A trusty pair of binos is the first essential item. A solid field guide is the next. In the world of birding, there are two names you will often stumble upon: Peterson and Sibley. Both are ornithology giants that popularized bird-watching with their hand-drawn field guides. Both of their field guides are also amongst the most common books for birders on the market (and yes, the book you choose will be part of your birder identity).
I happen to be a Peterson girlie using this field guide, but the Sibley books are also excellent and the choice really comes down to preference. The most important thing is that your field guide is portable and easy to navigate quickly (birds don't tend to stay still after all!)
Field Notebook
You've spotted a bird, identified it, and now it's time to record it. Unlike with field guides, a field notebook is different. It is uniquely yours. You decide what to record and how. Some people will keep lists in a simple composition book. Others will create full illustrations in sketchbooks. And even others will purchase books with pre-formatted journal entries and life lists.
Apps
If you prefer digital record-keeping, there are tools for that too. The Cornell Lab's E-bird and Merlin's bird ID are amongst the easiest ways to identify and track your avian observations. Merlin uses sound and photo ID to determine the species you see while E-bird keeps checklists of your bird-watching adventures. Those checklists can then be submitted to help scientists track bird populations around the globe. It's a win-win!
Regardless of how you choose to record, one thing is certain- it should be fun! Don't keep detailed journal entries if you hate writing or download E-bird if you want less screen time. Bird-watching should empower and enliven you above all else!
Step Two: Identify Local Species
You got your gear- nice! There's just a bit of bad news. It's not the gear that makes you a birder- it's your enthusiasm and ability to identify birds that do.
Don't panic! There is an upside to all this. And it's that you probably know some birds already. Picture five birds in your head, right now. Even if you weren't sure of the names, you could likely tell me the sizes, colors, and regions of those birds with confidence.
That's great! Now picture 5 birds local to your area. Set a goal to learn 5 new birds every day. After just one week, you'll be able to go outside and identify many of the common birds in your area. Studying species doesn't have to be tedious either. Someone gifted me this deck of backyard birding flashcards when I first started bird-watching, and they've been an invaluable tool ever since. Hands-on practice is also incredibly effective. Set out on some birdseed, grab your field book (and maybe a cup of coffee), and see who flies by.
As a side note, you'll often hear birds rather than see them. While it takes some extra practice, listening to songs and calls is a great way to expand your birding abilities.
Step Three: Set a Goal
Some people want to keep serious checklists where they stop and identify every bird they see or hear. Others enjoy a more casual approach. There is no right or wrong way to bird but you should aim to set yourself up for success in whatever you do. That means knowing what your goals are before you begin your outing.
I'll use an example. When I first started birding, I would go on these long walks with a whole backpack's worth of stuff on me. It seemed like I would've been well-prepared... except I hardly got to ID any birds! I'd fumble so long with my backpack, taking my binoculars in and out, that I missed the birds completely. Not to mention that I'd get tired of carrying everything and eventually lose the energy to bird at all.
A better move would've been to take only the above essentials with me or just sit in one spot. Knowing the extent you want to bird-watch is important for making sure you get the most out of the outing.
Step Four: Practice and Patience
It's cliche but true; even in birding, practice makes perfect. Most people can tell the difference between a crow and an eagle. An amateur birder can tell the difference between a crow and a raven. Only an expert birder can tell the difference between a Fish Crow and an American Crow. Like any hobby, these leaps in competency take time. Have faith that with every moment you spend birding, you get better.
You're ready to take flight! Happy birding!
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