BOURBON COUNTY (BCN) — Bird watching can be a fun and interesting activity once you are familiar with what you need to know when doing it. The first thing that you need to familiarize yourself about bird watching is identifying the bird that you will watch.
DETAILS IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME
This task can be quite challenging because it is not easy to identify birds especially when they are far away. Since birds are energetic and active, you need a quick eye to be able to see as many details possible in a very short period of time.
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
Aside from being too far away from you, other problems that you might encounter—especially if you are a first-time bird watcher—is dimly light areas shaded by trees, the glint of sunlight that can affect your sight, and the hidden places where birds go to play. So, when you are into bird watching, it is always best to have a general knowledge on bird’s attitudes and observe them carefully. You might not name them properly the first time, but you can the next time if you pay proper attention in observing them.
HELPFUL TIPS
The following are just a few tips that can help you in your very first bird watching session:
- Always keep an eye on one bird. Bird watching is more effective if you use binoculars. When you are bird watching, try to spot only one bird that catches your attention. Once you have seen one, never take your eyes off it because it might fly to a place where you cannot see it.
- In most bird watching centers, beginners are given a field guide in a form of a booklet or brochure, so they can identify the bird once they have seen one. Once you know what it is, take time to observe its physical details as well as its behaviors and mannerisms. Make sure to observe the bird’s movements, markings, feeding habits, songs, color, and size so you can easily identify it the next time you see it.
- Make sure that you listen intently for the bird’s calls and song. Although listening for a bird’s song is easy, it doesn’t stay long in a person’s memory. Listening to a bird’s call and song is important because it can help you identify the bird even without seeing it.
- In bird watching, take time to estimate the bird’s shape and general size. The average shape and size of the bird will give you a huge clue in finding out the family it came from. When you can tell from the size and shape of the bird what kind it is you are doing good.
- Pay attention to the bill characteristics and facial markings of the bird in sight. This is one of the hardest things to do because almost all birds are small. They keep on moving so it will be hard to take note of any unique markings on their faces. It is also hard to take note of characteristics of their bills because most birds keep on pecking all the time.
MAKE IT EASY
To get these details, spot a bird that doesn’t fly around that much. When you find one, start observing its head by looking for any distinguishing hue patches or color strips. These can be present in their eye lines, crowns, napes, and arcs or in the rings.
Whether you look out the window, walk to your car or go hiking, birdwatching is the perfect hobby you can do anytime, anywhere.
What about you? Do you like to go birdwatching?
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