#birding 101

[ultimatebirdwatching-blog]

Check out our new birding info Ultimate Bird Watching

Check out new bird photos and tips on http://ultimatebirdwatching.com/how-to-get-started-with-bird-watching/

How to Get Started with Bird Watching

With thousands of birds across the globe, it might seem like a herculean task to get your feet wet with birding. Well, fret not, coz its really not as daunting as it seems ! With easy bird identification tips, your handy field guide and a set of good binoculars, you can get started with your new hobby in no time.

Here are some pointers to get you started with birding -

1. Birding Supplies – Unlike many other hobbies, birding is pretty simple and a whole lot of fun. The best part is you don’t really need any hi – fi gear or a truck load of supplies when you first start out. As long as you have a basic bird guide and a decent pair of binoculars, you are good to go Seasoned birders might also need, a good telescope, several birding guides, good walking shoes, hat , jacket, a good camera, tape of bird sounds etc.. to help them in the field.

2. Familiarize yourself with local birds – Its always a great idea to get started in your own backyard. Go for a walk with your guide and binos, you will find many common and local birds. Then, look them up in your field guide and try to identify them. Learn how to quickly identify birds and the common characteristics to watch out for. Check other birds in your area (in your guide) and try to locate them by checking out their habitats and trying to spot them. Also, keeping water and bread crumbs in your backyard to attract more birds.

3. Connect with fellow birders – You must connect with fellow birders online or offline. You can do so on popular birding facebook pages, birding websites, joining birding tours, events and more. You can even organize local birding tours/walks in your area itself with other beginners. Learning together is always fun.

So with these tips, you can easily get started with your new hobby.

[ultimatebirdwatching-blog]

Check out our new birding info Ultimate Bird Watching

Check out new bird photos and tips on http://ultimatebirdwatching.com/what-is-bird-watching/

What is Bird Watching ?

What is bird watching, or birding, as we fondly call it ? Well, for some avid birders its not a hobby or a pass time but more of a passion.

Birding is the art of spotting and identifying birds through naked eye or by listening carefully to their sounds. A bird watcher should  possess the ability to identify quickly by hearing the sounds different birds make. More often, the bird sounds are heard before one can spot it in the dense jungles.

It is important to have a keen sense of hearing as well as spotting through the naked eye or using binoculars and telescopes.

There are some important things you should keep in mind when you start bird watching -

1. Get a birding book or guide – It is utmost important to have a bird guide with you at all times. Buy a book , depending on the area you are scoring. Many a times you will find area specific books which focus only on birds found in that region. Makes it easier to identify birds.

2. Go with other birders – Always find other keen birders around – You can do it online in various online birding groups,local events, birding sites or even free classifieds. Its always better to have an extra pair or pairs or eyes and ears to help spot and identify different birds.

3. Get a good set of binoculars – Many birds perch on high trees or fly at heights. You don’t want to miss those. Sometimes, birds perch on dense trees as well and even if are able to spot them, a good pair of binos is a MUST have. You have to look through them to be able to identify the bird correctly. Even slight change of colors can mean  you had identified it all wrong in the first place .

4. Make a list – Make a list of all birds you have spotted. First find them in your guide book, check with other birders to ensure you got it right, then jot it down. Its very important to write down every bird you spot – It would be a good idea to write a one line description of the bird as well.

5. Early bird gets the worm – As its truly said. Get up early if you want to get some good bird watching action. Birds usually feed and search for water early mornings. So get your birding gear , supplies and get started as early as you can.

Photo Courtesy Sarah Cartwright and Antony Grossy

[ultimatebirdwatching-blog]

Check out our new birding info Ultimate Bird Watching

Check out new bird photos and tips on http://ultimatebirdwatching.com/bird-identification-basics/

Bird Identification Basics

As birders or budding enthusiasts, we would all like to be informed of some birding & identification basics. Lets get started.

The task of correct bird identification  can prove to be a daunting one, to say the least. As a bird watcher one of the basic characteristics that one must posses is a quick eye and body agility. Birds are energetic and always on the move. As a watcher, the trick lies in actually spotting them in a fraction of a second and identifying them. Added to that there might be situational constraints like dim light, bushy hedges and so on that makes the task difficult. So , it is important to be aware of a few basic bird watching tips that will aid you in your quest.

Stay glued to the Bird: Most bird lovers spot a bird and immediately flip through the pages of their guide book in hand to identify them. This sound of page flipping is actually enough to make the birds cautious and they fly away. The trick is not to lose the moment. Keep your sight on the bird , so that you can notice the small nuances like how it moves, it’s colors and habits. These observations will later come handy in identifying the species. You might be tempted to jot down a few points but do not get overboard with it.

Listen to the bird: Another important basic rule that a bird watcher must follow is that, they should listen to the bird. This is the best way to identify the bird, so listen carefully to the unique vocalization of the bird .So while you are making mental notes on the way the bird looks, and ensure you also hear out its vocalization.

Make estimations: When we spot a bird, the biggest mistake we make is to actually try and figure out the specifications. Instead, it is prudent to only look out for estimates. Try and figure out whether the size of the bird is similar to a sparrow or is it bigger than a turkey. Keep these approximations in mind, which will help you gauge the correct bird name.

Make notes on Characteristics: Each bird is different from the other in terms of looks. Small factors like markings on face, shape of the bill, shape of the wings and tail and so on. These are unique identification marks that will help you find the perfect bird name.

These are small basic rules that make the job of identification easier for bird watchers.

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Great Hornbill clicked by – Lip Lee

Paradise Fly Catcher by – Sandeep Baraskar