An introduction to birding: Reasons, Excellent Advice
An introduction to birding: Reasons, Excellent Advice – By starting my first blog post, I would like to give you an introduction, my new passion, and addiction.
Are you ready to spread your wings and dive into the exciting world of birding? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, it is a fascinating hobby that allows you to connect with nature in a whole new way. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what birding is all about and why it’s a hobby worth exploring.
It is a form of wildlife observation whereby the observation of birds is a hobby or citizen science. It is also known as birdwatching, is the practice of observing and identifying birds in their natural habitat. It’s a popular pastime for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and outdoor lovers alike. Birders often use binoculars, field guides, and birding apps to help them identify different species of birds and learn more about their behaviors and habitats.
What is birding or birdwatching?
Why Birding?
It offers a unique opportunity to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. It’s a peaceful and meditative activity that can be enjoyed alone or with friends and family. Whether you’re exploring a local park or embarking on a birding trip to a far-flung destination, it allows you to connect with the environment and gain a deeper understanding of the delicate balance of ecosystems.
How is it done?
If you’re interested in trying your hand at birding, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First and foremost, invest in a good pair of binoculars and a field guide to help you identify different species of birds. Next, find a local hotspot or nature reserve where you can start practicing your skills. Joining a club or attending a birding festival can also be a great way to connect with other birders and learn from experienced enthusiasts.
Glossary
In 1969 a Birding Glossary appeared in Birding magazine which gave the following definitions:
Birder. The acceptable term is used to describe the person who seriously pursues the hobby of birding. May be professional or amateur.
Birding. A hobby in which individuals enjoy the challenge of bird study, listing, or other general activities involving bird life.
Bird-watcher. A rather ambiguous term used to describe the person who watches birds for any reason at all, and should not be used to refer to the serious birder.
How are birds recorded?
Many birdwatchers maintain a life list, that is, a list of all of the species they have seen in their life, usually with details about the sighting such as date and location.
How many birders are there?
According to Wikipedia, About 4% of North Americans were interested in birding in the 1970s, and in the mid-1980s at least 11% were found to watch birds at least 20 days of the year. An estimate of 61 million birders was made in the late 1980s.
According to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service study, birdwatchers contributed $36 billion to the US economy in 2006, and one-fifth (20%) of all Americans are identified as birdwatchers.
But why can someone get hooked on birding?
From my own experience: After watching the more common birds in my backyard, I wanted to hear and see other birds. So, I wondered of to my nearest park and yes, there is a bird that is not found in my garden. Then I purchased a bird book of what and how many birds can be seen in South Africa. It mentions more than 950 bird species in SA.
I started to photograph these birds and recorded each new species on my blog. As the different types of birds got less in my area, I started to travel a bit further. And all of a sudden I became a twitcher as I also wanted to see and record a rare bird.
What are the best times for birding?
Many birdwatchers occupy themselves with observing local species (in their “local patch”), but may also make specific trips to observe birds in other locales. The most active times of the year in temperate zones are during the spring or fall migrations when the greatest variety of birds may be seen. On these occasions, large numbers of birds travel north or south to wintering or nesting locations. Early mornings are typically better as the birds are more active and vocal making them easier to spot.
I hope that you found this brief introduction to birding informative and you can look forward to my bird-watching journey.
Tips for Success
As you embark on your birding journey, remember to be patient and observant. Birds can be elusive creatures, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t spot a rare species right away. Take the time to learn about bird behavior and vocalizations, and practice your identification skills whenever you can. Above all, remember to have fun and enjoy the beauty of the natural world.
In Conclusion
Birding is a rewarding and enriching hobby that can bring you closer to nature and provide a sense of peace and wonder. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, there’s always something new to discover in the world of birding. So grab your binoculars, head outside, and start exploring the fascinating world of birds today!
Content creator of an introduction to birding.: Petrus Albertus van Tonder
You might also be interested in Birding books for sale.
Here is an inspirational blog post by One Earth Conservation that I hope would also inspire you:
https://www.oneearthconservation.org/post/birding-for-life
Do you have any bird-watching stories and photos you would like us to publish in the magazine? Here is a link for more information:
https://www.wwbirds.co.za/dir/articles-invitation/
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I publish Talking Birds, the monthly emailed magazine for Australian bird keepers. I would like to get in touch to see if we can assist each other. Regards, Lloyd Marshall.
That would be great Lloyd. Please use the e-mail address I have sent to you with the magazine or you can use the e-mail address in the magazine. Hope to hear from you soon.
This is great!! I love to watch birds in the wild and photograph them! I’m trying to see an up-close (but not too close) snowy owl. I would love to photograph one in the wild! They are so beautiful and have started to frequent where we live over the past couple of years so it is super exciting! Thanks for sharing your new passion!
Hi Kim, thank you very much for your comment 🙂 Snowy owls, wow, they are amazing. They are not here in sunny South Africa. If you do manage to photograph one, please email it to me then I can publish it in the magazine.