Birdwatching Basics
Why should I watch birds?
Did you know there are around 50 million birds on our planet? Thats six birds for each human! There are so many different species and types, from waterfowl like your local ducks and geese to the grandiose birds of prey like the bald eagle. And believe it or not, many of these species can be easily observed just by going out into nature with a pair of binoculars and looking around!
| Tool | Purpose | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Binoculars | While birdwatching without binoculars is possible, being able to get a close up view of the birds without scaring them off is essential. | Binoculars range in price, from the lowest end being around $10, and much nicer ones going up all the way to $500! With the higher end, night vision and better resolution and comfortability is noticable. |
| Proper Clothing | A hat, proper footwear, and suitable clothing for the temperature outside is all to be considered. | Anywhere from thrift stores to high end malls and such, you can find hats, shoes, and clothes good for going outdoors and watching birds. |
| Field Guide | Having a field guide with a list of birds and references to go off of is incredibly helpful when you are out watching birds. I use a field guide app on my phone for free; Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Merlin Bird ID. | Field guides are often free at your local parks and government websites! Also, there are many apps that can be found that even identify birds based on sound! |