Bird Watching Excursions
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Points to Remember on a Bird Watching Excursion
Birds have strong eyesight and good hearing. As they are under constant threat from predators, they are always ready to fly off at the first hint of danger. Therefore, to see them well, the birdwatcher has to be very careful and very clever.
You Spotted Me!
Keep your eyes peeled
If you want to see birds, don't stroll along talking and looking at the ground. Keep looking around. You will spot birds by noticing tiny movements, hearing small sounds, even seeing the shadows for birds overhead. Look around, look behind you, and look up. Watch and Listen
Grackle and Mourning...
Eastern Towhee
Hummingbird at work
Mourning Dove
birdie
birdie
Keep Quiet
Bird Watching is fun and fascinating and going out to watch birds with friends is safe and enjoyable. However, laughing and talking as you get close to the birds will scare them away. Necessities
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Selecting a Pair of Bird Watching Binoculars
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When I look out my window and watch the birds flutter around the birdfeeder, I really don't need a pair of binoculars or a scope to enjoy the sight. I frequently stop by the window and watch the birds for a minute or two between household tasks. (Occ...
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Selecting a Birdwatching Field Guide
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Watching the birds in your backyard is both fun and relaxing. You may have already put up a birdfeeder and even recognize some of the regular visitors. You've reached the point where "watching the birds" is not enough. You want to know the name of th...
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Identifying Birds
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Spotting a bird is one thing, identifying it is another story. With over 10,000 species of birds in the world, no one is an expert right from the start. It takes time and practice. Follow the steps listed below and you will be on your way!
Anticipate
If you see a break in the landscape, get ready! Birds are often found at the edge of woods, or where a trail passes through a forest. Whenever you walk up to an edge of any kind, such as a meadow or stream, go very slowly, quietly, and look both ways. If the birds fly off as you approach, settle down in the best position you can find and wait. The birds will come back. Don't Forget Your Field Guide
Use Cover and Keep the Sun to Your Back
Birds have excellent eyesight. Use whatever cover is available to make yourself less visible. By crouching down by a bush or backing up to a tree, your shape is less likely to stand out. Leaning on a tree will also help you steady your binoculars.Most birds will look black against a bright, sunlit sky. Whenever possible, put the light behind you. The colors will be truer making the bird easier to identify.
Schooner Bank Hat
Sun Protection Hat - Schooner Bank Hat
Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 07/10/2009)
Some prefer a Schooner Bank Hat. It protects both the neck and the face.
Keep Still
Birds notice movement. If you keep still, even the sharpest-eyed bird may not see you. Make the slightest sound, and the bird may take off.Keep your binoculars steady by propping a finger or thumb against your face or chin. When it is windy, squat or sit with your elbows resting on your knees.
Binoculars are vital
Nikon 7216 Action 8 X 40mm Binoculars
Amazon Price: $55.89 (as of 07/10/2009)
I like my Nikon but if you don't have a pair of binoculars, I suggest you check out Choosing a Pair of Bird Watching Binoculars before making a decision. You want a pair you're happy with.
Don't Try too Hard
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When birding with others, you may not be the only one watching a particular bird. If you try to get too close, you may scare it away. You lose the opportunity and you may lose a Birds Watching companion. America's 100 Most Wanted Birds
America's 100 Most Wanted Birds
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
If you want to see a gyrfalcon or a fork-tailed flycatcher, this resource might be your best help in spotting them. Mostly for serious birders intent on adding species to their life lists, America's 100 Most Wanted Birds provides detailed strategies for locating 100 of the most uncommon-to-rare bird species in the United States.
Are you ready to move your bird watching beyond your backyard?
JaguarJulie wrote...
So Lizzy, I am pretty dog-gone sure that I've seen every one of your lenses -- did I miss any? ;)
Posted May 14, 2009
Joan4 wrote...
Oh yes, I must do this one day or two or three! Sounds great! Your bird lenses are an education all by themselves! Great!
Posted January 04, 2009
JaguarJulie wrote...
Ah, if you ever get the chance, bird watching in Hungary around Lake Balaton and in the countryside is remarkable. Driving through the smaller town of Hungary on the way to the Romanian border it was common to see nests on the top of street poles for ostrich! In Lake Balaton we saw the most amazing 'gaggle' of beautiful swans. If I had the time, I would love to do bird watching excursions!
Posted October 26, 2008
About the Author
Lensmaster ElizabethJeanAllen, aka Lizzy Jean, has been a member since March 16 2008, has rated 3,690 lenses, favorited 454, and has created 165 lenses from scratch. Lizzy Jean donates their royalties to Squidoo Charity Fund. This member's top-ranked page is "The Mallard Duck". See all my lenses
The Ultimate Bird Watcher
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John James Audubon (1785-1851)
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Since his death in 1851 John James Audubon's name has become synonymous with wildlife conservation and natural history. Audubon had a talent for drawing and an interest in birds. He spent thirty-five years wandering around his adopted country capturi...
by ElizabethJeanAllen
I tell my students to Learn from the Past, Live in the Present, and Plan for the Future. With Squidoo I can do all three.
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