Birdwatching Basics

Birdwatching can be so relaxing, so much fun and really rather enjoyable. Off course it really helps you you have the right gear.

1. A bird feeder (or two). Birdwatching can start out right in your own yard. If you supply the food and water (birdbath), the birds will come, and you can watch them for hours!

2. A lawn chair. This item is for sitting in your yard and watching the birds and squirrels.

3. A bird guide. There are many of them out there. Audubon and National Geographic have guides. I own Peterson Field Guides. One broader book that covers Eastern and Central North America, and one that covers Eastern North America. It has less birds, but is more specific to where I live, and is easier to use. Then, to get even more specific, I have a book called "Birds of Ohio Field Guide" by Stan Tekiela. It contains only birds specific to Ohio (where I live) and also contains two audio CDs to help me learn the calls as well as the field marks. What you do depends on how far you want to take your birdwatching.

4. Binoculars. I own a pair of Nikon Sport Optics that work well for me. Again, the binoculars you choose will depend on how far you want to take your birdwatching.

5. Comfortable clothing. If you are going to travel (even to a town park) to birdwatch, make sure you have clothing that is not too tight and uncomfortable, but gives coverage if you will be in a woods or near bugs.

6. Good shoes. Specifically: good shoes for walking or hiking. Again, backyard birders can wear whatever, but those who go beyond the backyard in pursuit of birds should wear good footwear.

7. Notebook and pen. These are for writing down the birds you see, where you see them, how many of them at a time, and when you see them. You can become a 'budding' scientist by keeping this information and then inputing it into eBird or another scientific birdwatching site. It's also good for your personal use.

8. Bug repellent and Sunscreen. If you will be in places where bugs (mosquitoes) are, or out in the sun, make sure you are fully protected. A hat is also a wise investment for those of you who birdwatch in the sun.

9. A camera. Any will do, but if you're serious about photographing, you will need one that takes pictures rapidly and has a zoom lens.

10. A small tape recorder (or phone with recording in it). You can take a tape with certain bird calls/songs on it, and play near an area to see what happens. You can also record your own bird calls while you are birdwatching. This will also help you identify the birds you are hearing.

11. Have fun, take a friend, go as a family. Birdwatching can be fun and educational, so spread the love and enjoy your new addiction!