Being a birder is more than owning high-quality binoculars and a field guide – it comes with being insanely enthusiast about nature and looking for ways to be close to the environment as often as possible.
But if you’d like to take up birding as a hobby and you don’t know where to begin, then here are some tips you should follow.
First of all, the timing must be ideal when it comes to observing birds, but you’re in luck – May is the best month there is. Expert birders would tell you that late spring offers the most opportunities to find new birds.
You also must remember that binoculars could be seen as intrusive by people around you. When you are in parks or at the beach, make sure you tell the people around you why you’re using the binoculars so you don’t get in trouble.
The beauty of birding is that it doesn’t matter the age you start learning about this hobby; teens, children, middle-aged persons, and older citizens can all be birders.
All you need is good eyes and ears; they should help you begin your adventure. To get yourself started, make sure you keep close to other expert birders you might meet.
They know the best spots for viewing the birds and the best times of the day. But nobody can give you the secret ingredient to making sure you fully enjoy the experience – patience.
Birds are flimsy creatures; even though they have their routines, you cannot predict when they will simply fly away, leaving you frustrated. You need to be calm and always looking.
However, beginners would do well to take part in an event for birders. Look up to see if there are any in your area, and go learn something about this new hobby you want to take up.
According to Kimberly Kaufman, the director of the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, people don’t realize how many bird enthusiasts are out there until they attend an event. Last year, more than 77,000 people from 22 countries and 47 U.S. states joined the event organized by the observatory.
You must remember that birding isn’t a competition; it’s an experience that anyone can enjoy. Also, always be considerate of other birders.
Image Source: Birding Is Fun