Birdwatching 101: The Ultimate Advanced Guide for Starting Out

←Back to blog

Getting Started with Birdwatching

If you’re interested in exploring this hobby, you’ll be pleased to know that birdwatching can be done almost anywhere and at any time, often without requiring any initial financial investment. It can be an activity purely for enjoyment or a way to keep track of the species you encounter. Here’s how to dive into birdwatching:

Step outside.

The simplest way to start birdwatching is to step outside your front door. Many birds inhabit backyards, streets, and parks, so you don’t need to venture far to see them. Consider setting up a bird feeder to attract more feathered friends. Black oil sunflower seeds are highly recommended for attracting a variety of birds, making your backyard a vibrant hub of activity. Once you have your feeder in place, take a seat and observe the bustling life around you.

Learn to Identify Birds.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of birdwatching is learning to identify different species. Many birds have unique songs and calls, and you might be surprised by how many you already recognize. To enhance your identification skills, you could consider investing in a good field guide. Two excellent resources are “National Geographic’s Complete Birds of North America,” which features over 1,000 species, and “Sibley Backyard Birding Flashcards,” which focuses on common garden birds.

Invest in Binoculars.

While birdwatching can be enjoyable without binoculars, having a good pair can significantly enhance your experience. Binoculars allow you to observe birds more closely without disturbing them. When selecting binoculars, look for ones that offer brightness and clarity. A helpful tip from birdwatching expert Sharon Stiteler is to point the binoculars at the darkest corner of the store and gaze through them. This will help you assess their brightness and clarity, ensuring you can catch glimpses of even the smallest or fastest birds, whether you’re out on a sunny day or during less ideal weather conditions.

Explore different locations.

While you can enjoy birdwatching in your backyard, venturing to different locations can provide exciting new opportunities to observe diverse species. Here are some of the best birdwatching locations around the world:

1. Everglades National Park, Florida: This unique ecosystem is home to a wide variety of bird species, including herons, egrets and a multitude of songbirds. Other animals can also be found here, such as the endangered American crocodile. 

2. Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas: This region is a migration hotspot, particularly for birds from Central America. Species like the Green Jay and the Black-throated Sparrow can be observed here.

3. Point Reyes National Seashore, California: This coastal location is a haven for birdwatchers, where you can find migrating seabirds, shorebirds, and numerous resident species. In total Point Reyes covers 70,000 acres, in which 490 species have been observed.

4. New York City: Urban birdwatching is surprisingly rewarding, with Central Park and other green spaces attracting a diverse range of species. Birdwatching clubs often organize group outings here.

5. Papua New Guinea: For the adventurous, this location boasts some of the world’s most unique bird species, including the Birds of Paradise, making it a dream destination for birders.

6. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland: This refuge is known for its diverse bird populations, including migratory waterfowl and a variety of raptors.

While these locations are fantastic, don't overlook local parks. You can often find a surprising diversity of bird species in your own community. Connecting with local birders can be immensely beneficial; many states have birding clubs or Facebook groups where you can share information and learn from experienced birders.

Best Times for Birdwatching. 

Timing is crucial when it comes to birdwatching. Most birds are most active in the early morning when they are out foraging for food and are more vocal. Early mornings, particularly during spring and summer, offer the best opportunities to see and hear a variety of species. Midday, on the other hand, is typically when birds are least active, as they often seek shelter from the heat.

Engage with the Birdwatching Community.

Joining a community of birdwatchers can enhance your experience and provide valuable insights. Participating in local birdwatching events, festivals, or competitions can be a great way to meet fellow enthusiasts. Many organizations, such as the Audubon Society, offer resources and programs for birdwatchers of all skill levels. Engaging with these groups can also provide access to guided birdwatching outings and educational workshops.

Identifying common bird species.

As a beginner, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with common bird species in your area. Here’s a list of some easy-to-identify birds that you might encounter:

1. American Robin: Easily recognizable by its orange-red breast and melodious song, the American Robin is often seen hopping around lawns and gardens. This species can be found from Alaska, USA all the way to Oaxaca Mexico.

2. Northern Cardinal: Male cardinals are bright red with a distinctive crest, while females are a more subdued brown with red accents. Their clear, whistled songs are a delight to hear. This species can be found from the east coast of Canada and the USA to Central America.

3. Blue Jay: Known for their striking blue and white feathers, Blue Jays are intelligent birds that often mimic the calls of other birds. They are social and can often be seen in groups. These birds can be found in all of Canada’s provinces and Eastern and Central United States.

4. House Sparrow: A common sight in urban and suburban areas, House Sparrows are small, brown birds that are often found around people. Their cheerful chirping is a familiar sound in gardens and parks. These birds reside along much of North America, with them residing in almost any human settlement. 

5. American Goldfinch: These small, bright yellow birds are often seen flitting around in gardens and fields. They have a distinctive, melodic song that is easily recognizable. It spans through the entire USA, most of and most of Canada.

6. Mourning Dove: With its soft cooing call and slender shape, the Mourning Dove is a common bird found in many backyards. Its muted colors allow it to blend in well with its surroundings. This bird capsules from Central America to the prairie Provinces of Canada.

7. Red-tailed Hawk: This large bird of prey is often seen soaring in the sky or perched on trees. Its distinctive call and reddish tail make it a favorite among birdwatchers. They are present within most of Canada, the mainland United States, the Caribbean and most of Central America.

A successful birdwatching experience.

1. Be Patient: Birdwatching requires patience. Birds may not always appear when you want them to, so be prepared to wait quietly and enjoy the surroundings.

2. Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes, especially if you plan on walking or hiking to find birds. Consider dressing in neutral colors to blend in with the environment.

3. Practice Quiet Observation: Birds are easily startled, so practice quiet observation. Move slowly and minimize noise. This will help you get closer to birds without scaring them away.

4. Use Binoculars wisely: When using binoculars, bring them slowly to your eyes to avoid startling the birds. Focus on the bird, and practice tracking them as they move.

5. Take Notes: Keeping a birdwatching journal can enhance your experience. Note the species you see, their behaviors, and the locations where you spot them. This will help you track your progress and develop your identification skills.

6. Respect Nature: Always respect wildlife and their habitats. Avoid disturbing nesting birds and be mindful of your surroundings. Leave no trace and clean up after yourself.

Conclusion

Birdwatching is a fulfilling and enriching hobby that connects you with nature while providing opportunities for relaxation, learning, and discovery. As a beginner, you can start birdwatching without significant financial investment by stepping outside, observing your surroundings, and learning to identify common species. By investing in a good field guide and binoculars, exploring different locations, and connecting with fellow birders, you can enhance your birdwatching experience. Remember to be patient, practice quiet observation, and respect the environment. As you immerse yourself in this hobby, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate relationships between birds, their environments, and the vital roles they play in maintaining the health of ecosystems. Happy birdwatching!

More helpful resources can be found here: 

• Bird Watching 101: A Guide for Beginners | Audubon New York

• Birdchick

• The World’s Best Places for Bird Watching

• Birding For Beginners (U.S. National Park Service)

• How to Start Birding | Audubon

• How to start bird-watching when you have no idea where to go | Vox

This marks the end of the post. Please spread the word to other students who you think may find Bird2Branch's resource hubs and other elements useful! Be sure to check out other parts of our website, as they're sure to help.