birds help

Do you just so happen to be an expert in wild bird identification? No, well we weren't either, until we realized what a great hobby it was. We enjoy seeing those new wild birds that we have never saw before, taking those lovely bird trips to get more in touch with natural and of course, we enjoy practicing our bird identification skills. For us, bird watching is about the beauty of nature as well as the fun of the hunt. Not the hunt to kill them, the hunt to take pictures of them and see birds that we have never saw before.

Are you new to bird watching? Do you know where the best place to start classifying those birds would be? Your very own back yard, right at the bird feeders you put up. We assume you know what a Blue Jay looks like or an American Robin. You probably learned the names of those birds as well as many others because you saw them often, even as a little child. Knowing the names of a couple of birds in your area is a good place to start.

Why is wild bird identification so important? Because it will make it easier to learn about them from reference books. If you are keeping a list of the wild birds you saw, then it will also be more helpful to know the names of them. You may even want to brag to your friends about the rare birds that visited your area. The latest addition to our list is the Northern Shrike, that is definitely a bird that is worth bragging about.

By knowing the names of the wild birds that are visiting your feeders, this will help you be able to learn more about them. You can easily research their mating habits, what they prefer to eat, their migration patterns and many more. This is going to make it possible to attract more critters to your own yard.

What are some things you need? You will need a pair of binoculars, a good field guide, a pencil and note pad. You may also want to take a camera along with you, but that is not necessary. For your computer, you can also find bird software available, which can help you with identifying the critters you come across.

If you follow a process, wild bird identification will be a lot easier. Take note that no two bird field guides will be the same. You should start by practicing in your own backyard with the birds that you know. How fast can you find a blue jay, cardinal or chickadee in the field guide?

Backyard bird watching is somewhat different in intensity and style than going out into the field to view the birds of the area. The equipment is usually of a more permanent nature. You will be able to use equipment that is more complex, since you won't need to carry it with you to use it. Depending upon the area where you live, there may be a wide variety of birds that naturally visit your back yard, with others, you will need to do some enticement.

If you want to be able to watch birds in your backyard, you need to find a good location where you can see what is happening without unduly upsetting the birds who will visit there. Viewing through a window will probably be the most comfortable for you while you are watching and identifying the birds who visit. Other options are using a gazebo or porch or other place where you can be seated.

Building and siting of the bird feeder will be an important consideration for backyard bird watching. Birds who want to feed usually prefer a certain type of feed and an arrangement that will allow them to feed in safety. This means keeping the feeding space protected from marauding squirrels, cats and neighborhood dogs. Different feeding styles can be accommodated by design elements in the feeder. Adding a bird bath will bring other birds with different activities going on.

Having a discovery scope obtainable close to where you sit to look at the bird feeding position helps in identification, particularly if you are some space from the feeder. Choosing a scope that has the potential to collect the utmost amount of light with the outer lens allows you to view birds even with the light faint, such as at dusk. Keep your scope accessible and incorporate a notebook or laptop to record the viewings.

A suitable quality camera is another example of equipment that a majority of bird watchers will require to have handy. If you want to document the images, look for zoom lens and swift shutter speed capacity. You can relish stills or video images for recording your hobby sightings.

Backyard bird watching is a pastime that can be appreciated by children as well as adults. Since you don't have to be technically fit to watch birds from your armchair, its a remarkable hobby for those who have difficulty walking or hiking. The expenses to get involved with bird watching are much less expensive than with other hobbies.

Birds Help is a great resource for those interested in Birding, Bird Watching or just to learn more about birds! Come join us at Birds Help Today! .

Perhaps one of the most important things you will need when you take up the hobby of bird watching is the binoculars. Bird watching binoculars can make the difference between seeing a flurry of movement and identifying a rare species to add to your list. The best equipment can be a costly item, but you don't need a lot of other equipment to fully enjoy your hobby, so finding the right binoculars is worth the price.

If you've wondered about the numbers that are used in descriptions of binoculars, they are quite simple. The numbers will look something like 8x42 or 7x35. The first number is the amount of magnification. A 7x lens makes items look seven times closer. 10x binoculars make birds appear ten times closer. Many birders, particularly those who use the tool in varied conditions will choose an 8x set.

The second part of the number is the diameter of the larger lens expressed in millimeters. Larger lens allow more light to enter the instrument so that you can see detail more clearly. Choosing a much larger lens means a heavier and bulkier set of binoculars, so they may not be as desirable for a backpacking trip. The preferred range is between 35mm and 50mm.

Two main types of prism design are available in bird watching binoculars. The porro prism has the outer lens offset from the eyepieces, so the light path follows a z-shaped pattern. These binoculars are wider but less durable than the roof prism type. Roof prisms are placed so that the binoculars are very streamlined. They are also significantly more expensive. Veteran birders usually recommend purchasing the roof prism design if you can afford the cost.

Ease of focusing the binoculars is very important when you are changing viewing distances. Birds can move very quickly and you want to be able to follow a flight path without the necessity of turning the focus more than one full revolution. The focusing screw should be located between the eyepieces so that it can be operated with the one index finger

Advanced technology has made it possible to find quality, lightweight binoculars. Usually a few ounces won't make much difference in the comfort of using them. Be sure that the binoculars you choose are well balanced front to back or you will notice wrist strain after lengthy use.

These are just a few of the major features in a good pair of bird watching binoculars. You should also check the lens coating and the comfort of the eye cups. If you have special vision needs, you may need a higher priced model in order to be able to fully enjoy your hobby.