Bird Watching Basics
How get the best views
Birding or bird watching means to observe wild birds. Birds in cages or captivity don't count! Birdwatchers observe wild birds in their natural habitat, and learn to identify birds and understand their behavior.
Bird watching is something you can do anywhere, including your own back yard, perhaps in a birdfeeder or birdbath. If you enjoy traveling, though, bird tours are a fantastic way to see birds in other environments than your own. You can plan your own trip to watch birds and perhaps combine it with other outdoor adventures. Booking a group tour is beneficial as you have the guidance of a knowledgeable leader.
Bird watching is great even for the inexperienced. If you are new to it, you may wish to learn a bit before you travel as it will enhance the experience. You could join a local birding club and walk with other birdwatchers, read birding magazines or watch some videos on bird watching. Search the web too - there are literally thousands of sites offering information relating to birds and bird watching. You will definitely want to get a good bird book or field guide to help you identify the birds you see. Some guides are general; many others are specific to a particular region.
Birding is fun and helps you connect to nature. It gets you into the outdoors and walking around, and you will feel great satisfaction in finding and being able to identify birds. Bird watching is great for people of all ages, and can be a fantastic family activity. You can bird watch alone for the quiet solitude, and with others as a social activity and to share knowledge.
Birding fulfils the quest for knowledge, as it is not about birds' names, but also about their songs, behavior, and how they relate to the rest of nature. Even some amateur birders have contributed to the important scientific study of birds, called ornithology.
