Birding – The Relaxing Hobby

What is bird watching?

The term ‘Bird Watching’ was utilized first by an author in the early 1900s. His book was among the first ones to account birds for aesthetic purposes. These provided people that birds are not just sources of food but can also offer entertainment. Since then, this activity was supported by communities.

In the Victorian period, people gained interest in collecting bird eggs. Bird watching was also practiced by collecting the skin of exotic bird breeds.

When the 20th century came, this activity was brought to the Eastern part of the seaboard of the United States. Communities that support bird watching also continued to create groups. Nevertheless, there were also protests against it due to concerns of the capture and invasive study.

In today’s time, bird enthusiasts sprung from different parts on the globe. Some people even go to less traveled areas in the world just to perform bird watching. Since traveling via air became more affordable during the 60s, people led an international push for bird watching.

The field of Ornithology opened the chance for a more advanced way of watching birds. Nowadays, camcorders and binoculars were utilized by devoted participants on bird watching. Because of this experience, birds were further classified all around the globe.

You may find a little difference between bird watching and birding, which is just another name for bird watching.

There might be no direct semantic different when comparing both. Moreover, people tend to utilize them interchangeably. Nonetheless, people who actively engage in bird activities can determine unique features on each.

In simple terms, you may consider birding as a sport while bird watching is known as a pastime. As an example, should you just look out in the wild and observe birds, you are a bird watcher. On the other hand, if you utilize equipment to locate a bird warbler, you can be a birder.

There is a thin line between birding and bird watching. You can utilize a standard test to determine if you are guilty of birding. Here are some items you may look into.

• What do you call a bird watcher? When traveling, you are a bird watcher is you just notice birds. Should you travel just to see the birds, you are birders.
• If you easily recognize hawks, you are a bird watcher. On the other hand, if you recognize differences with types of hawks, you may be a birder.
• A bird watcher can identify the species of a bird but a birder can even identify its age.

Another great example would be, talking a walk and appreciating birds for entertainment are for bird watchers. Should you veer them off and chase the birds towards their shelter, you are a birder.

Casual bird watchers may improve their knowledge by identifying the type and names of birds. On the other hand, birds work on making their skills better by going on tours, field trips and walks.

Wherever you are in the world, you can perform birding provided that the location offers preferable features. It is helpful to look into the following when finding a location to go birding.

#1 Geography

The activity patterns of birds depend on the geography of a location. For example, Shorebirds tend to be active on low tide. During this period, foraging becomes easier.

#2 Week Days

On certain birding hot spots, it is important to go on the day in a week with few visitors. In general, there are fewer visitors in the middle of the week. This is also beneficial for the birds as fewer people will disturb the natural activities of birds.

You can also consider the best time of the day where birds fly most. You can check out the best outdoor watches to make sure you keep track of time.

#3 Climate

Birds tend to be less active in locations with poor weather. If there are storms or potential high winds on the location, it is preferable to cancel your trip. As the bad climate passes, birds shall be active again compared to normal.

#4 Festivals

There are numerous birding festivals around the world whole year round. These periods shall provide a number of birds roaming around the area.

The most essential thing to consider is to conduct a proper observation of birds always. We recommend observing birds at various hours of the day.

In this way, you can be more familiar with the way they behave.

As you participate in bird watching and birding, you need some equipment to aid you.

Here are some of our top picks for Birding gears.

Birding Optics

You may utilize binoculars to watch birds on a distance. We recommend finding one equipped with neck straps to secure them in place when not in use. Moreover, you can get one with unique features and lenses. Nevertheless, these tend to go on a higher price point.

Bird Guides

There are several field guides and birding apps that can help you identify certain bird species. These are great additions to your birding gear especially if you are in a less traveled location.

Bird Feeders

You may find a number of bird feeders in the market. We recommend finding a top-rated one that is made especially for the bird type you want to observe. There are also bird feeders who offer squirrel proof features.

When planning for your next trip, we suggest you bring along these important bird watching or birding equipment. These can help you improve your skills and make your experience more enjoyable.

So, are you convinced that bird watching and birding are the activities for you? If you are just starting, here are some tips you can consider.

• Gather or borrow decent binoculars for long distance viewing
• Equip yourself with basic knowledge by reading books and online resources
• Download applications including field guides in your mobile device
• Connect with local birders in your area
• Learn the pertinent rules as respect to other bird enthusiasts
• Equip yourself with proper clothing and gear
• Master the components of proper bird identification

These are just some of the things you can remember as you partake on these bird-related activities. We recommend getting appropriate knowledge before you participate.

With this, you can improve your skills and enjoy birding or bird watching activities.

Birding and Bird Watching are activities that you should not miss out if you like our feathery friends. We suggest you consider our beginner tips to help you get started. Moreover, you can check out our recommended gear for these activities.