Written by Scott W. Holland
Birding is not just bird watching, but rather it’s being in tune with nature while appreciating the complex dynamics that surround us. In North America, there are approximately 150 million people aged 16+ who self-identify as birders. For those getting started into birding there are a few suggestions that could help make the experience even more enjoyable.
1. Find a Good Spot for Viewing:
The place you choose should be comfortable and provide wide sightlines. As Audubon describes, “when first setting out to discover birds, it’s important to stop, look and listen.” A good spot is important and can improve your experience exponentially.
2. Keep a Journal
A journal can help increase self-awareness, reduce stress, improve memory and provide a safe space to process your thoughts and emotions. Recording your encounters can also be useful in referencing past engagements and comparing them to current interactions.
3. Identify the Size and Shape of the Bird:
When I started birding, I would reference new birds I saw against known ones. This helped me to compartmentalize my sightings and have a frame of reference from which to draw.
4. Identify Colour Patterns:
As a beginner, stick to the basics and look for dominant colours or patterns on the head, body, wings and tail. The more birds you encounter, the more detailed your descriptions will become.
5. Begin Recognizing Different Bird Songs:
In paying attention to the various songs, I was surprised to learn just how many different songs and vocalizations one bird could have, each with their own pitch and meaning. When you start to recognize different songs in the same bird, it can feel like you’ve learned a new language!
6. Field Guides:
Just like a program at the ball game, your experience can be significantly enhanced when you know the players on the field, and birding is no different. Field guides are helpful and provide meaningful information.
According to Cornell Lab: All About Birds, some of the top Birding Field Guides available are:
1. The Sibley Guide to Birds.
2. The Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America.
3. The Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America.
4. National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America.
While field guides are valuable, some can be quite large and cumbersome to take along on walks or hikes. Take your time and select the one that’s right for you.
Birding is an inclusive activity that supports key functions such as patience, mindfulness and mental recall while reducing stress and anxiety. Birding can be a lifetime of fun and discovery, but it is best approached leisurely. Start small, set realistic goals and continue building your skills. As the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. Take your time and enjoy the journey.