Bird Watching How To Start

How to Start "Bird Watching"

Bird watching is a unique hobby, akin to collecting stamps or cultivating orchids. The first step involves cultivating awareness of the existence of birds and a curiosity about their lifestyles. Begin by researching common garden birds in your area through the internet, familiarizing yourself with their names and characteristics, such as Bulbuls or Orioles. Read about them and ask yourself if their traits are intriguing.

Create a simple list of birds you have seen in your garden and expand your knowledge by searching for names of birds not on the internet's garden list. Visit a nearby park to spot different birds, making notes or sketches if needed. Familiarize yourself with the expected birds in the park by using the internet as a guide. Soon, these birds become your friends, and your personal bird database expands.

Consider investing in a photographic guidebook or, if affordable, a bird field guidebook for your region. As your bird list reaches 25 in the park, evaluate your feelings about the hobby. The next step involves a significant investment in either binoculars or a camera. However, bird watching can still be pursued without additional equipment, as about 70% of birds can be observed with the naked eye and 30% through smartphones.

When exploring new birding spots, understand the basics of bird habitats, types, sizes, and lifestyles. Avoid the pitfall of chasing a prepared targeted bird list too hastily, known as "twitching." Malaysia, with its 832 recorded bird species, provides ample opportunities for bird watching.

Crossroads in the hobby may arise, such as the pursuit of numbers or the demarcation between photography and bird watching. Be cautious of the number game, as the goal should be sustained interest rather than rushing to exhaust birding spots. Focus on learning about bird habits and trends, and evaluate your own physical condition, financial ability, and time disposition to sustain the hobby in the long term.

Bird watching is a personal journey, and the key is to find a sustainable approach that aligns with your interests. Pause and ponder at each crossroad, deciding where you want the hobby to take you. Joining interest groups can enhance the experience, but solo bird watching is also possible. This hobby is not easily shared, but the road ahead may become clearer with these insights. Happy bird watching!