All About Twitching When Bird Watching
January 29, 2008
The art of “twitching” may seem like an odd pursuit, but if you are a bird watcher twitching is actually a fun activity. Bird watching is becoming quite a popular activity, and twitching is now at the heart of every bird enthusiast — amateur and expert alike.
Although, technically, the term “twitching” hails from British bird watchers, younger American bird watchers are starting to pick up the term as well. The object behind twitching is to mark as many birds in your journal as possible. A person that has numerous species on their “twitch list” is likely to be known in bird watching circles as something of a bird guru. In fact, some bird watchers have taken it upon themselves to create twitching competitions, in which the person with the most birds on their list gains a certain famed notoriety.
Twitching is more popular throughout Europe than it is within North America due to easy flight schedules and quicker travel routes, but this popular pastime is really becoming a reason to travel within North America as well. Twitchers tend to travel in packs, since they are all after the same rare species, and some popular spots tend to become quite crowded with twitchers during optimal bird watching months.
Though twitching may seem slightly humorous to those outside of the bird watching world, this sport is actually quite a serious thing. So serious, in fact, that some twitchers within the United Kingdom have developed an entirely vocabulary based upon twitching. “Twitcher’s vocabulary” is surprisingly well organized and thought out, but it is also entirely confusing to those not accustomed to it. If you plan on attending a twitching competition, you may want to brush up a bit on your twitching terminology.
There are a few popular twitching competitions that happen throughout the year, but be prepared as some of these events take quite a bit of time and money. Hundreds of twitchers show up for events such as “Big Day” (where teams must sit for 24 hours in order to list as many species as possible); “Big Year” (you guessed it - individuals must track and record birds for one year); and “Bit Sit” (participants are expected to view birds from a 15 foot circle).
Attending your first twitching event can be both thrilling and exhausting, but make sure that you have a proper journal in hand along with a large cup of coffee - some of these gatherings can last well into the evening hours. Twitchers often come largely prepared as well, so grab your best binoculars; your hiking shoes; and some warm clothes - the birds await your arrival!
Rick Chapo writes for NomadJournals.com - makers of rugged and fine bird watching journals for life lists.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Chapo
Eight Reasons Why Bird Watching Is So Popular
January 29, 2008
On any given day, millions of people across the country are watching birds. They are watching via bird watching clubs that they are members of. They join bird watching tours not only in their own city, but in cities and sometimes countries far away. Those really into it, plan holidays and family trips around the migration path of their favorite bird species. For these people, bird watching is addictive. Once you start, and discover the joys in it, you’re hooked.
So what’s the draw? Why are people doing this? For one thing, it’s inexpensive. All you really need to begin your bird watching hobby is a pair of good binoculars. Then maybe in a month or two, you’ll invest in a quality camera to capture for all time the birds you’ve seen.
Secondly, bird watching is a great excuse to spend time outdoors. Too many of us spend the year either closeted inside our homes or in a job cubicle. We’ve forgotten what it’s like to breath fresh air and commune with nature. We’ve forgotten that we’re not the only creatures blessed to live on this planet. We’ve forgotten that it’s natural to be outdoors.
Third - bird watching can be very convenient. What’s more convenient than watching birds in your very own back yard? You can go down to your local garden center, purchase a bird house and some feed, and have a bird sanctuary in your back yard in one afternoon. If you’ve done your homework correctly, your newfound bird friends will love you. If you’re industrious enough and handy with a hammer and saw, you can even build a custom bird house.
Fourth - it provides you with your own private animal reality show. You’ll quickly find yourself involved in the bird family pecking order. Who’s dominant? Who’s selfish? Who’s nurturing? Who’s a bully? You’ll start to recognize distinct personalities. And those among us with slight psychological problems will start to name them.
Fifth - bird watching is a relaxing activity. No matter how stressed out your day has been, once you sit down with your binoculars and aim it towards your bird friends, you’ll notice a sense of calm and tranquility coming over you. It’s inevitable and can’t be stopped. It’s impossible not to feel your blood pressure dropping and the stresses and worries fleeing from your mind.
Sixth - you’ll be helping nature by helping the species to survive. In many parts of the country, the natural habitats of the native creatures, including birds, have been destroyed. In modern society, new industrial or housing development trumps nature every time. With your bird watching hobby, you can help restore some of the habitat balance by providing nesting places, shelter from predators, and food for the birds that you enjoy.
Seventh - bird watching is a great social activity. Finding people who love the same thing as you do and spending time with them allows you to re-connect with your humanity. Instead of spending hours in front of the television, you can form friendship bonds that will stay with you the rest of your life.
Eight - It’s great exercise. Hardly a day goes by without us hearing some newscaster talking about the obesity epidemic and how we Americans are getting fatter and fatter by the day. We all know that we should exercise more, but very few of us actually do it. Bird watching is a great way to exercise and have fun at the same time. Following and tracking birds through forest settings will give you plenty of exercise and help to keep you in good health.
For all these reasons, and more, bird watching is an activity that becomes more popular each year. In truth, it surprisingly has become one of America’s most popular pastimes.
Ken Lawless writes articles on bird houses - where to buy them and how to build them.
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The Best in Bird Watching Binoculars
January 29, 2008
Trying to read and interpret all of the jargon about various bird watching binoculars can be a little difficult if you are new to it. You will probably find that all of the manufacturers think their product is the best, and that nothing else is worth looking at. If you are like most consumers, you want a place to go where you can find an honest opinion and some accurate information. If you do not live in an area where you can just walk into a specialty optics store and ask, do not worry, there are some resources available.
There are several such guides available to those who are in market for bird watching binoculars. Bird Watchers Digest publishes a review of the latest models and improvements every year. Additionally, a number of Web sites publish product reviews on a regular basis. Some sites even have entire sections devoted specifically to binocular reviews and evaluation. Check out www.birdwatching.com/optics.html for one good example of Web based product reviews. Experienced birders offer their honest opinions about the products that they use on a regular basis and what they did and did not like about each one.
When researching bird watching binoculars, keep in mind several things that may affect which style will work best for you. If you wear glasses, then some binoculars may not work well for you. Do you wish to use the binoculars to focus on small things that may be relatively close? There are models like the Pentax Papillo, which will work very well when trying to zoom in on things like butterflies. When considering any binocular, a bird watcher needs to give careful thought to how much magnification power they need. While many are under the impression that they need the most powerful binocular available to enjoy watching birds, often times the most powerful optical tools can be very difficult to keep focused and to hold steady enough to get a clear image.
Some people in the market for bird watching binoculars pay no attention to price and do not consider cost to be of any importance. For most people, cost does play a large role in their decision. Do not get frustrated if at first all you see are slick catalogue pages full of extravagantly prices binoculars. You can, and will, find equipment from many reliable well-known manufacturers that is well made and quite affordable for the average bird watcher.
To ensure that you are pleased with your purchase, make sure that you do the research. As shown here, there are plenty of resources available outside of actually walking into a store. Bird watching binoculars will be your primary piece of equipment as you begin your bird watching hobby.
Mike Selvon owns a number of niche portal. Please visit our bird feeder portal for more great tips on bird watching binoculars.
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Costa Rica Bird Watching Vacation
January 29, 2008
Costa Rica has long been famous among serious bird watchers, but many people who would never consider the activity at home quickly have become interested in the country’s spectacular avian diversity.
With almost 850 species of birds -more than total of what North America has- packed into an area half the size of Kentucky, it’s hard not to become enthused about the variety of feathered creatures one encounters in Costa Rica. And we can provide us experienced nature guides who make any costa rica bird watching vacation an educational experience.
One of the reasons for Costa Rica’s extraordinary bird life is the country’s great variety of habitats: rain forests, mangrove swamps, beaches, cloud forest, rivers, etc. And any two of those ecosystems, with their resident bird species, are often only a short distance apart.
Birders from North America who enjoy their Costa Rica bird watching vacation during the northern winter invariably recognize familiar faces in the forest, since many species of warblers, flycatchers, vireos, orioles, etc. migrate to Costa Rica every winter.
The country’s exemplary System of National Parks and Protected Areas provide more than ample stomping grounds for birders, but just about anywhere you look in Costa Rica, you spot interesting avian species. Even some of the hotels in the San Jose area have such colorful critters as blue-grey tanagers, great kiskadees and crimson-fronted parakeets in their gardens.
However, those interested in bird watching will want to see the resplendent quetzal, which lives in the cloud forests of Monteverde, Los Santos region and the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, and the equally spectacular scarlet macaw, which can be seen on the Osa Peninsula or the area around the Carara Biological Reserve.
Cano negro wild life refuge is other destination for your Costa Rica bird watching vacation. Cano Negro is a sweet water lagoon, not to deep, with an extension of 800 hectares. The lagoon and the nearby areas, are some of most important and vital biological areas that support environment quality in the north side of the country. The Cano Negro refuge is an important source of food to migratory birds from the north. There are also several species of plants and animals not found anywhere else in the country, birds and fishes for the human consume.
About The Author
Find amazing Costa Rica birdwatching packages in http://www.mytraveltocostarica.com
whart@hotmail.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Hart
Bird Watching Journals - Preserve Your Bird Watching Experiences
January 29, 2008
Bird Watching is a great way to escape the rat race and be one with nature. Alas, your bird watching experiences can fade with time. The best way to prevent this is to keep a bird watching journal for your sightings and trips.
Bird Watching Journals
Take a minute to give some consideration to your most recent bird watching experience. What sticks out in your mind? Now think about the first time you ever went bird watching. Undoubtedly, you remember few things about the geography, people you went with, every bird sighted and so on. The experiences you’ve forgotten are lost to time. If you had kept a bird watching journal, this wouldn’t be the case.
There are famous instances of people keeping journals throughout time. Of course, Anne Frank’s Diary is the best example. In her diary, Anne kept a running commentary of the two years her family spent hiding from the Nazis. While your bird watching experiences better be more lighthearted, keeping a journal will let you remember them as the years pass.
A good bird watching journal combines a number of characteristics. First, it should be compact so you don’t have to take up unnecessary space for other things. Second, it should have a case to protect it from rain, spills and so on. Third, the journal should contain blank areas to write your notes. Fourth, the journal should contain cue spaces to remind you to keep notes on specific things. Cues should include:
1. Who you went birding with,
2. Where you stayed and if you enjoyed it,
3. Who you met and contact information for them,
4. The geographic and weather conditions, and
5. The birds you sighted and added to your life list.
At the end of the trip, you should be able to get the following from your journal:
1. Contact information for other bird watchers and people you met,
2. Enough detail to provide you or a friend with a guide if you travel to the location a second time.
3. Memories to reflect upon years later, and
4. Something to pass on to your children and grandchildren.
To get the most out of your bird watching journal, you should write in it during and immediately after birding. Every sighting brings new experiences even if you’re just sitting in your backyard.
Bird watching is a great way to commune with nature. Make sure to preserve the experience.
Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com makers of diary and writing journals for bird watching. Visit NomadJournalTrips.com to read more articles on bird watching and the great outdoors.
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Bird Watching Trips - India A Bird Watchers Paradise!
January 29, 2008
Of the 8650 species of birds (migratory and originating species) in the world, India is home to as many as 1200 (roughly 14%), out of which 141 are endemic to this region.
While the number of birds is huge and enough to satisfy any bird watcher, it is the amount of rare birds to see that makes India such an exciting destination for a bird watching trip.
India is also a country that takes eco tourism seriously and provides a number of protected wildlife sanctuaries, that are secluded and perfect for bird watching.
bird watching trips and a variety of stunning scenery and wildlife
India is such a diverse country in terms of its geography which ranges from the mighty Himalayas bordering Tibet in the north, to lush plains, desert and jungle surrounded by thousands of miles of beaches.
This diversity is of landscape is of course, reflected in its wildlife.
Bird watching trips in India give an opportunity to see birds, but you can combine a bird watching trip with a safari, or holiday package and see elephants, tigers, lions and rhinos, or take in some of the thousands of years of cultural history.
India is perfect for bird watching trips, but for the adventurous traveller offers much more, in terms of the variety of wildlife and stunning scenery.
Bird Watching, tigers, elephants and much more!
North India offers a wide variety of bird watching trips including the Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur) a world heritage spot and considered one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world.
There are over 350 species of birds found and the habitat varies from shallow lakes to flooded forests and barren earth.
The rich collection of birds in Corbett National Park, India’s first tiger reserve is another bird watchers paradise. Here you can go bird watching in open-air jeeps, or on elephants.
The setting is superb and the sheer variety of bird life astounding, with 580 species of birds to be found in the park.
Bird watching in some of the best wildlife parks in India
South India includes some of its most famous wildlife parks and some great bird watching destinations.
Nagarole national park for example, is counted among India’s best wildlife parks and has a large elephant and bison population, as well as great bird watching, with approximately 250 species of birds to be seen.
On its northern confines is the Kabini River and on its southern fringes is the Bandipur national park. During the dry season, February - June, the lakes and rivers of the park attract a large number of animals, making it an ideal spot for bird watching and taking in the other diverse and exciting array of wildlife.
Indian bird watching trips find out more
India is one of the best holiday destinations in the world for bird watchers.This report only scratches the surface of bird watching trips in India, so to read more about bird watching in India go to http://www.raptoradventures.co.uk/articles-sitemap.html
For FREE reports and newsletters and much more!
To give you ideas for holidays in one of the most beautiful countries on earth, go to:
http://www.raptoradventures.co.uk
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Bird Watching & How To Attract Birds To Your Home
January 29, 2008
What is the most valuable tool for bird watching? That’s simple, a bird feeder. Just as the name implies, a bird feeder is a device that is placed outdoors for the purpose of dispensing food to birds. This type of product is usually installed for the purpose of bird watching, which is a very popular hobby. The ultimate success of a bird feeder is determined by it’s placement, the types of seeds provided and the design of the feeder itself.
To begin with, a bird feeder must be large enough to accommodate the nearby species. Birds need to be able to get to the seeds easily if they are to continue to use the bird feeder. In addition, the feeder should be placed somewhere convenient and easily accessible for both the birds and for bird watching. Most bird feeders are located in a tree that birds are known to frequent. In some instances, individuals may also opt for hanging a bird feeder on their porch, which will allow for a real close up view for bird watching enthusiasts.
The type of bird that you wish to attract will ultimately determine the type of food that you supply in the bird feeder. For example, while most food is made in the form of seeds, hummingbirds prefer liquid nourishment. This is a very important distinction as bird feeders are created for bird watching and, without the proper food, there may not be any birds to watch.
Many people around the world enjoy bird watching and some even record their experiences on video. Some individuals use webcams, while others use a regular camcorder to capture their birds on film. Photographers often enjoy bird watching for fun and profit. As birds get close enough to enjoy the food in their feeder, photos can be snapped in hopes of capturing their beauty. With all of the bird food in your yard, don’t be surprised if you happen to catch a squirrel in your photographs. These little critters love bird food and are often drawn to areas where it is readily available. The best way to remedy this problem is to put a separate squirrel feeder outside to deter squirrels from snatching all of the bird food as it falls to the ground.
A bird feeder is easy to find at any retail or online store, but the many choices available may make the decision a difficult one. Ultimately, the size of the feeder and it’s design will be the most important consideration. The next thing to consider will be your bird watching budget because, as we all know, cost plays a large role in every purchasing decision that we make.
To get more facts about bird watching, check out our website at http://www.bird-watching-guide.info for lots of free bird watching information and reviews.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Perry
Bird Watching For Elderly People - Helping To Keep You Young At Heart
January 29, 2008
There are a vast number of people who are wild about their bird watching hobby. Bird watching for elderly people is a great hobby to get involved in because it is a rewarding and relaxing pursuit. It is a well liked activity by many elderly people. Bird watching for elderly people does not require a great deal of energy to be spent hiking around many different terrains throughout the world. In fact, bird watching for elderly people is often best enjoyed right in your own backyard. In the backyards of friends and bird watching group members could also be a locale for bird watching for elderly people.
Making New Friends
Bird watching for elderly people is one of those hobbies that can be a way to enjoy the company of others. In most cities and towns you will find quite a few other bird watching enthusiasts. A wonderful way to get introduced to others in the area who are also elderly people is to take up bird watching. As a member of one of these groups you can help to plan outings which are suitable for the different people in the group based on interests and abilities. There will be some who will want to stay close to home to bird watch. And those with a little more energy and desire to bird watch farther away can do so, too.
Bird Watching For Elderly People Brightens One’s Day
The various bird species provide wonderful sights and sounds for elderly people to enjoy while bird watching. All the different birds are beautiful in their own way and the sounds that they make are very enjoyable to listen to. For elderly people wanting to stay closer to home to bird watch, considering a garden which is designed to attract birds would be a good idea. A water feature, such as a bird bath, will help to attract birds to your yard. Throughout the day birds are hunting for food and will fly to the areas that provide them with food to eat. Putting up a couple of different types of bird feeders will help to attract many species of birds. As well, bringing birds to your yard will be greatly enhanced by having different types of trees and shrubs.
Bird watching for elderly people can often be enjoyed in the comfort of one’s own backyard by making it an inviting space for the birds. Getting your binoculars, journal, guide book and a cup of coffee out while sitting in your comfortable lounge chair is a great way to enjoy bird watching. You may even find other bird watchers knocking on your door to bird watch with you once they discover that you have made a very inviting place for the birds to enjoy and live.
Interested in learning more about birds and birdwatching? Visit http://www.about-birds.info an instructive website that provides birdwatcher advice, tips and resources including information on birdwatching binoculars, clothing, tours and equipment for birdwatchers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_Murray
Bird Watching Life Lists - Keeping A Record
January 29, 2008
If you’re a birder, you want to keep a list of sightings when you bird watch. Your life lists should be kept in a bird watching journal.
Life List
A life list is a record of the species of birds you’ve sighted over time. Typically, the list is kept in a journal. Each entry notes the bird species, the date, location and any notes you want to add. Depending on your particular bird watching exploits, you can keep one global list or separate lists as you see fit.
For many bird watchers, one life list simply isn’t enough. So, how can you break down your lists? Here are a few ideas:
1. House Lists – A list of birds sighted around your home.
2. Yearly Lists – A list for each year you bird watch.
3. State Lists – A list for sighting by particular state.
4. Trip Lists – Journals for particular bird watching vacations or tours.
5. Wish Lists – A list of birds you haven’t seen, but hope to. You simply cross them off as sightings occur.
Computer Life Lists
You can purchase computer life list programs or use online variations. Each program is different, but most come in a checklist format. You enter information and the program spits out your list.
The problem with using computer programs is…well, the computer aspect. Unless you are willing to lug a laptop around with you, there is going to be a delay between sightings and your journal entries. Using a computer program is also troublesome if you want to keep a collection of sketches of particular species you’ve identified. For most birders, a computer list is a supplement to a good journal, not a replacement.
Bird watching is an extremely personal passion. If you’re just starting, you may think you don’t need to keep a life list. The problem with this approach, of course, is you will regret the decision if you later decide to do so. All those sightings will be gone with time…
If you’re going to start bird watching, make sure you keep a life list journal from the outset. As I like to say, “Preserve the experience!”
Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com makers of diary and writing journals for bird watching. Visit NomadJournalTrips.com to read more articles on bird watching and the great outdoors.
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The Great Salt Lake Bird Watching Festival in Utah
January 29, 2008
Coming up on its eighth year, the Great Salt Lake Bird Watching Festival is good get away for birders. Of course, a chance to visit Salt Lake City isn’t so bad either.
Great Salt Lake Bird Watching Festival
The Great Salt Lake Bird Watching Festival is both a mouthful and a great event. Close to Salt Lake City, but actually centered in Farmington, Utah, the festival is put on by the Davis County Tourism agency and typically runs for five days in the last two weeks of May each year.
As with many birding festivals, the Great Salt Lake Bird Watching Festival offers workshops for kids and adults. Workshops include everything from building bird houses, birding for kids, and lectures on a variety of bird species with physical birds present.
Of course, field trips are the key to any bird watching festival and Great Salt Lake Bird Watching Festival doesn’t disappoint. Traditional sighting trips can be taken on land. The added bonus, however, is the fact birders can rent kayaks to float about the lake looking for new life birds.
Common Sightings
While each year will present variations, a birder can expect to see a variety of bird species at the Great Salt Lake Bird Watching Festival. A variety of Heron, Pelican, Grebe and Cormorant species are plentiful. White-faced Ibis and Snowy Egrets are also often seen as are a variety of geese and ducks. A variety of falcons and hawks are surprisingly plentiful, but there is one prize sure to make it on you life list.
The rare American Bald Eagle lives in the area. Due to low population numbers, there is no guarantee you’ll see one, but at least four sightings occurred at the 2004 festival.
Whether you attend for the chance to see a bald eagle or the chance to meet other enthusiasts, the Great Salt Lake Bird Watching Festival is a good time.
Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com makers of diary and writing journals for bird watching. Visit NomadJournalTrips.com to read more articles on bird watching and the great outdoors.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Chapo
