{"id":14533,"date":"2022-03-11T09:00:05","date_gmt":"2022-03-11T08:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.discoverwildlife.com\/?p=2632"},"modified":"2022-03-11T11:00:24","modified_gmt":"2022-03-11T10:00:24","slug":"how-to-get-into-birdwatching-7-top-tips","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/rss_feed\/how-to-get-into-birdwatching-7-top-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"How to get into birdwatching: 7 top tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Dr Amy-Jane Beer\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Friday, 11 March 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Where do I start birdwatching?<\/h3>\n

Start wherever you are! Birds are everywhere if you take the time to notice them. Begin by trying gardens, parks, local reserves or woods. Find a spot you know well, ideally somewhere birds are easy to\u00a0see \u2013 with feeders, perhaps. This is where you can get your eye in and become familiar with a good selection of species.<\/p>\n

How do I find the birds?<\/h3>\n

Use your full range of senses. Your peripheral vision is highly sensitive to movement (an adaptation our ancestors used to detect both predators and prey), so try to tune into what\u2019s going on in the corners of your eyes. Listen, too \u2013 you\u2019ll need to stop moving about to do so properly, though you can hear even the quietest calls if you listen hard enough. Loud bursts of chattering song or clicking calls close by are warnings that birds have seen you \u2013 but can you see them?<\/p>\n

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A European robin singing in spring. \u00a9 Sander Meertins\/Getty<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

How do I learn to identify birds?<\/h3>\n

There\u2019s no substitute for experience, so just get out there and practice! Joining an organised session or asking a regular birder to help you is really useful \u2013 they will help you see more, and point out important features in real time. This is much more effective and memorable than learning from books or websites, though the latter becomes more useful as your own ability grows.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re able to take photographs or sound recordings, share them on social media sites and ask for identification help. The majority of people are more than happy to help a beginner get to grips with the different species.<\/p>

What kit do I need?<\/h3>\n

Binoculars<\/a> not only help you see details you\u2019ll need to identify birds \u2013 they allow you to enter their world, and see individual feathers shifting as a bird turns its head; the puff of steamy breath as it sings on a cool morning; and the precise movements of beak and claw. Be warned: these exquisite details are how birdwatchers get hooked.<\/p>\n

Take a notebook and pencil to record your experiences as they happen \u2013 don\u2019t assume you\u2019ll remember everything. You may also wish to buy a field guide such as\u00a0the tough, waterproof charts for different habitats from\u00a0the Field Studies Council.<\/p>\n

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