Can you name the sport that most people in North America watch? It's not baseball, skating, or racing. It is looking at birds. Yes, more people watch birds than both football and hockey put together. Since so many people want to see a bird they've never seen before, it's not surprising that they want the latest tips and tools to help them do it. Here are my five best tips for getting the most out of birding.
1: Go where the birds are! This seems like a no-brainer, but many birdwatchers spend most of their time and energy in bad places. Some people are lucky enough to be able to look out their windows into their backyards and see nature at its best. The rest of us have to move. I really think you should go to a National Wildlife Refuge. There are more than 500 of them in the US.
2: Know what kinds of animals to look for. In the United States, there are about 900 different kinds of birds, and it's almost impossible to tell them apart. So, before you go somewhere, you should learn a bit about it. You might find that only a small number of species live in that area. With a little work, you will be able to tell different kinds of birds apart more easily. Keep a list of the species you were able to see. This is tip number two and a half.
3: Get a good set of binoculars. If your binoculars aren't good enough, it doesn't matter how much time and money you spend getting to the right place. If you have cheap binoculars, you're not getting the most out of what you see. The technologies of today cost money, but they help us see wildlife in important ways. For example, image stabilization keeps your view from shaking, which is very important when watching from far away. Other cool features include not fogging up, being able to see in low light, and having a wide view. Also, binoculars with digital cameras built in let you identify birds when you get back home. These advantages will definitely make it easier for you to watch birds. With a good pair of binoculars, a good experience can become a great one. It's a sure thing.
4: Get ready by practicing. To see wildlife, especially birds, you need to be able to quickly point your binoculars in the right direction. People often have trouble finding a full moon through binoculars, but focusing on a bird in a bush or following it as it flies is easy for someone who has practiced before going out. Try this before you leave: put your binoculars on your side and quickly raise them to find and follow a jet airliner across the sky. After just a few tries, you'll get good at getting to your target quickly. Most of the time, birds are only visible for a few seconds. Practice will help you get better. Bring someone along. Sharing makes everything better. Not only do you get to spend time outside with someone you like, but they might also tell you about the "Number One Sight of the Day." Tell your friends and family about the birds you've seen. Give a child the thrill of birdwatching.
The best thing about watching wildlife is that you, the viewer, can control almost every part of the experience. The more you are ready for your time in our backcountry, the more you will enjoy it.
You'll Get It Right The First Time if you use this information. Get Outdoors!
