Learning about Birds

Anyone can see a bird and think of its beauty or gracefulness, but it takes a birder to truly see the bird for what it is. It is also possible to see a bird, such as the cardinal and know exactly what you are seeing, but then have another type of bird come around and be clueless about its name. As a birder, you look at the world of birds a little differently. You will have done a lot of learning about birds and know what specific traits make it one type of bird instead of another.

Recognizing Birds

Bird watching is interesting, but most want to know what they are seeing. Therefore, it is important that you learn a little about the birds in your area before you go in search of them. Knowing someone who watches birds in your area is helpful, but if you do not know anyone, you can learn some of the same things from a field guide for birders.

Listen to the Sounds You Hear

As you start bird watching, you will perhaps figure out how to match up a particular sound to a specific bird, but in a new area or where you are surrounded by a lot of different birds, it may be more difficult. Therefore, some devoted birders choose to search for different ways to recognize bird calls and songs. You can get an idea of how most sound through the internet, but there are also courses available that you can take to learn different calls. This is a great way to further enhance your birding experience as well.

Create a List

Many people suggest that you keep a record of the birds you see in your area or in areas that you go bird watching in. Many of the birders in your area probably have lists that go back to when they first began their search. They have life-lists and many of those are compiled of smaller “annual” lists. If you want to add to the list, you have to remember to search as often as possible. However, you must also learn to “see” if you want to succeed at birding.