Birdwatching Tips

• Get a good pair of binoculars. They will help you get a close-up look at birds. The best binoculars for bird watching have a power of seven or higher. This means that objects you view will appear seven times closer than they actually are.
• Find a bird field guide to help you identify the birds you see. See if you can find a field guide for your area. Become familiar with how your field guide is organized.
• Most field guides group birds by order, then family, and then genus. This means all the ducks will be together, all the sparrows will be together, and all the owls will be together. For many bird species, male, female, and immature birds may not look the same. Also, keep in mind that some birds, like the common loon, look different depending on the season.
• Dress for success. Make sure you are dressed for the weather. Layers are good because you can take off one layer at a time if you get too warm. Wear comfortable shoes. You may have to do some walking.
• Bring a journal or notepad so you can record what you see.
• Bring a camera so you can take pictures of what you see.

Start close to home. Your own yard, neighborhood, or schoolyard can be a great place to begin birdwatching. Many common birds live near people, so you might be surprised by how many species you can spot without going far.

As you gain experience, try exploring other habitats. Parks and hiking trails often have a mix of trees and open spaces that attract a variety of birds. Lakes, ponds, and riverbanks are great for spotting ducks, herons, and other water birds. Wetlands and marshes are especially rich in bird life because they provide food, water, and shelter. Meadows and fields are good places to look for birds that prefer open areas, such as sparrows and hawks.

Different birds live in different habitats, so visiting a variety of places will help you see more kinds of birds.

No matter where you go, remember to move quietly, be patient, and bring binoculars if you have them. Birdwatching is all about observing and enjoying the natural world around you.

Learning more about basic bird shapes, size, bills, plumage, behavior, and habitat can help you identify birds. For example, you are not going to find a crow swimming in the ocean, and you will not find a swan sitting in a tree.

Pay attention to movement in the trees and bushes. Know which birds you are likely to find in the area and where those birds are likely to be. Is the bird a ground-dweller or is it more likely to be found in the tree canopy? When is the bird active? Does the bird usually travel in flocks, small groups, pairs, or alone? Is the bird a migrant? What time of the year is it most likely to be found?

Sometimes bird watching is really about bird listening! Listening for bird calls and songs can not only help you locate birds, but can also help you identify birds. Many species of birds look very similar and the easiest way to tell them apart is by their calls and songs.

Think about ways you can attract birds to your yard. Providing food, water, and shelter for birds can turn your yard into a bird haven. Is there a place where you can put up a bird feeder? Are there plants in your yard that attract birds?

For example, sunflowers will attract many bird species that feed on their seeds. Bushes with berries will also attract birds.