Bird watching can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With only a few essential items and a minimal investment, bird watching can be enjoyed by you too. We'll discuss the History of Bird Watching, Bird Watching Equipment, including Bird Watching Binoculars, Bird Watching Guides, Choosing a location, and more.

History of Bird Watching

Documented bird watching actually began in the 1800's when several noted individuals initiated and conducted studies of birds, migration patterns, and their habitats. One of the most noted names associated with bird watching is John James Audubon. He along with Henry David Thoreau wrote about the birds they saw. This was over one hundred years ago. In 1880, Wells B. Cook actually is given credit for organizing groups of people to track and report on bird movements for the Department of Agriculture and he published reports regarding bird migration in 1888.

In the early 1900's, several publications of bird watching were introduced but the greatest achievement of the times was A Field Guide to the Birds, published in 1934 by Roger Peterson, who simplified the identification and enhanced the enjoyment of bird watching for everyone.

Bird Watching Equipment

    Although equipment is not necessary for watching birds, a few basic items can enhance the enjoyment of the sport.

   Boots - If you plan on moving from one location to another, or need to walk through any rough terrain of    fields, forests, etc., a good pair of  lightweight hiking boots may be best. There are many ankle high styles on the market that are comfortable, sturdy and fashionable. A good pair of boots can make the difference of accessing just the right spot you are trying to get to or having to go home early.

    Bird Watching Binoculars - One of the most important items is the bird watching binoculars. There are many available and I would highly recommend researching them before making a purchase if you haven’t bought a pair before. Some binoculars can even reduce your enjoyment to a bird watching application so be certain of your requirements of how and where you will be using them. The best way in my opinion is to of course try them out in person. Many quality sporting goods and specialty stores carry high quality binoculars and you can try each one out and compare their different features that will satisfy your requirements.

    When buying binoculars, one thing to look for is adjustable eye cups. If you wear glasses, this is a priority, and can increase the field of view by 50 percent. If adjustable, this allows your eyes to come closer to the binocular lens. Be sure the binoculars lenses are coated. This will help in loss of transmitted light and the ultraviolet coating will reduce haze.

    Resolution is a key factor. This will give you the close up details of the bird your looking at. When comparing different binoculars, pick a small object far away and see which model gives you the finest details.

    A simple test when comparing models is the Exit Pupil Test. Hold the binoculars up the the light about 12-15 inches away. Look at the shape of the light coming through the eyepieces. If the shape is round, this will indicate better optics rather than if the shape of the light is polygon. This will also help in giving you the fine details required in bird watching.

    Most quality binoculars will have a central focus wheel between the two optical lenses. Also, a right eye adjustment is usually available. Another consideration should be the weight of the binoculars. Keep it lightweight, otherwise after a few hours of holding the binoculars up to the eyes can become rather tiresome.

    A note regarding the use of a spotting scope. These can be excellant when used in a defined bird habitat where you may have bird feeder stations, bird houses, or bird baths. They are excellent in the fact that they can be set up on tripods within your house, focused on your most popular feeders, bird houses, etc. They are also available in high power models which provides excellent bird watching beyond the limitations of binoculars.

    Backpack - Another accessory that is recommended is a lightweight backpack. They are excellent if you plan on being out for a day trip. this way you can carry your camera, food, water, field guide, first aid kit, and even a rain coat if you get caught in a sudden down pour.

    Bird Watching Guide - Once you know how to identify birds, it will give you the information to be able to learn the characteristics and habits of the different species. One of the first publications that simplified the identification of the different species is Roger Petersons A Field Guide to the Birds. Rather than an exacting, technical and scientific description, it gives a specific method of quick field indentification. We would highly recommend this type of field guide as it keeps things easy and quick to reference. It teaches us to recognize specific markings, shapes, size, and song of the birds.

    There are some very good field guides on the market today. In choosing one, the basics of identification should be easy to understand and include steps and techniques for quick reference and interpretation. There is no single technique to using a field guide and with continued use, you will gain more experience and skills and actually develope your own technique of identification.

    A good field guide will teach you the silhouetts of the different species, illustrations of male and females in different plumage in all seasons of the year. Range maps will be included and details of the birds habits and habitat will be given. The actual topography of a bird showing the anatomy and markings will be very helpful in each birds description. My best advice is to study your field guide even before you go out. Learn how the data is presented and familiarize yourself with it totally so that your identification process will be quick and effortless.

Record Your Sitings

Many people will keep records of the different birds they see. Some will record only those they see in their backyard while others will record those species seen on different trips. You can keep track of the different species year to year or day by day. An excellent way to record your birds is to not only keep record of them, but to photograph each one as well. This can become quite a challenge but that's what makes the sport of bird watching so much fun.

Choosing a Location

Many bird watchers will seek out wildlife sanctuaries, parks, forests, beaches, or even their own backyards. Yes, your own backyard can be made into an ideal bird hapitat. Knowing the essential elements of creating a bird habitat is the key to attracting birds. I have written an extensive article on this subject and its only a click away. "Have Fun Building a Bird Habitat" will show and tell you everything you'll need to set up your own bird watching station and how to attract birds to your own backyard. If your interested in setting up bird houses, bird feeders, bird baths or ponds , be sure to visit our shop for some of the highest quality bird products available today. We even include a Birdhouse with Video Camera where you can watch the birds on your television from the comfort of your home.

Bird Watching is for Everyone

In summary, the sport of bird watching can be enjoyed by children and people of all ages.Young and old alike, this worldwide passion has evolved from a few interested individuals who provided us with some basics of identifications to innumerous groups, organizations, universities, and governmental agencies that provide us with information on birds and their habitats. With only a few essential items and a minimum investment, bird watching can be enjoyed by you too.

Enjoy!