So, you want to be a backyard birdwatcher?
Birding Basics
Birdwatching, or birding, is an activity you can enjoy all year long. You can even watch birds right from your very own yard, deck, or patio!
The best way to start birding is to simply observe your surroundings. Pay attention to which birds come to your yard. What do they look like? What sounds do you hear? Which birds are regular visitors? These are all good questions to ask yourself to become an observant birdwatcher.
Pop quiz
Do you know how many species of birds there are in the world? According to the folks at the American Museum of Natural History, there are over 18,000 different species of birds. This includes birds you’d see in your backyard and other types of birds.
Identification
If you’re interested in identifying certain kinds of birds, a field guide that lists common birds and their features is a great starting place. This will help you to compare colors, sizes, and other distinguishing features to the actual bird itself. Some birding enthusiasts find it helpful to have binoculars to see birds from a farther distance.
Lastly, don’t forget to give your backyard birds a red-carpet experience. Having a camera to snap photos of your feathered friends is a fun way to enhance your birdwatching experience. You can even start a notebook to keep track of which birds you’ve seen.
So, what do you say? Interested in becoming a backyard birdwatcher? We’re happy to help you get started! Have a question about birdwatching for Busi? Ask away here.
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