I first came to know the joys of birdwatching in a small house with an experienced, avid bird watcher. He had a bird bath strategically positioned near the kitchen window. The trees ringing around the bird bath were filled with bird houses of all sort, many lovingly fashioned by the bird watchers own hand.
He knew the habits of the birds that came to visit those houses, the bird bath, his bird feeders, and to build their nests in nearby trees. He could identify them by the sound of their songs and twitters. I enjoyed watching him watching the birds.
Bird watching is an easy hobby that can provide hours of delight for young and old. It can be a wonderful way to connect across generations - and a wonderful way to connect with nature in all her glory.
As a child you probably loved to feed ducks or pigeons, watching them scramble for the tiny morsels you tossed them. Many birds are just as easily found as those hungry feathered friends from your childhood. They're found in cities and in the country. No matter where you go, there is some kind of bird that is living and thriving there.
You don't need much to get started with bird watching. In fact, you really don't need anything! You'll get more enjoyment from your hobby if you get to know a little about the birds you're watching, however.
Pick up a guide to the birds in your area. You'll be able to find a good book at your local bookstore or library. Many places have a guide tailored specifically to the area. If not you can find a regional guide that will cover the birds you see outside your window.
Get a guide with colored pictures so you can learn to identify the birds by their colors. You'll enjoy paging through the guide the find the newest beauty spotted outside your window.
Another purchase that can help you get your hobby started is a CD of bird songs. These CD's can be found almost as many places as a bird guidebook and will help you get to know the songs of different birds in your area. You'll soon find yourself identifying the birds you hear about you.
Consider setting up places birds will enjoy in your yard. A bird bath, birth houses, and bird feeders are all good ideas for attracting feathered friends.
Then you just sit back and watch. You can keep a journal of the birds you see, or take pictures. You can even add sketches to your notes. But most of all just sit back and enjoy the birds that come to your yard, and those that you spot on your travels and adventures. You'll get years of enjoyment from this simple hobby, and you'll find yourself connecting with and enjoying nature.
Kristen loves writing, and she's especially fond of anything baby. Visit her newest site which covers how to use a baby food mill and how to pick the best baby food jars.
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