Benefits of Bird Watching - A Hobby For Everyone
January 29, 2008
Bird watching is becoming ever more popular across the globe. In both Europe and the USA there are many hundreds of groups that have been created for bird watchers. Whilst some of these groups are smaller meetings of like-minded people, others are extremely large and well organized.
Bird watching is not only a simple and effective stress-reliever it is also intellectually stimulating. There are so many different kinds of bird that the bird watcher has the opportunity to have a new experience each and every time he/she takes time out to go bird watching.
Some of the most beautiful creatures on the planet are to be found close to your home. The graceful nature of birds makes bird watching one of the most rewarding hobbies you can choose. Furthermore, bird watching can be combined with taking exercise and experiencing the beauty of the countryside.
If you are looking for a hobby that the whole family can participate in then bird watching must surely be on your list. Birds pose no threat to children and getting your kids involved can turn your next holiday into an experience that builds ever-stronger bonds within your family unit.
If you feel passionate about our world and the environment, then bird watching can be an effective way to combine a fascinating hobby with action to preserve our planet. By spending some time learning about the patterns of behavior and migration of different types of birds, bird watchers are able to make a significant contribution to the body of knowledge that helps wild life organizations protect and preserve the natural environment.
Discover More On The Benefits Of Bird Watching
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_S_Smith
Bird Watching - Writing What You See
January 29, 2008
No bird watcher is complete without his or her bird watching journals. When you go bird watching, you need to keep your life list.
The Life List
If you are or become an avid bird watching enthusiast, you’re going to need to keep records. The reason for this is you want to keep a running list of the various bird species you’ve seen. Since there are a zillion species, the list can become quite long. Frankly, it becomes a life long project that is very enjoyable. Trust me, you’ll start planning vacations and trips around it. A business trip will soon evolve into a chance to see new species.
Part and parcel to your bird watching life list is your journal. Some bird watchers combine these two while others keep them separate. The bird watching journal is used to fill out your sightings. Information kept in the journal includes things like where you were, whom you were with, the weather conditions, the lighting, time of day and your overall impressions from the sighting.
When keeping your journal and lists, you are going to have sightings of species you’ve seen previously. Most bird watchers will add such sightings to their journals, but not their life lists. The reason for this is there may be peculiar or significant factors in the sighting. Perhaps the bird is not typically found in the area in question or perhaps it is exhibiting some unique characteristic.
New Sightings
When it comes to bird watching, there is no greater joy then sighting a bird you have never seen before. Often called “life birds”, the sighting can be added to your life list and is a feather in your cap. When you first start watching birds, you’ll obviously have a lot of new sighting. As time passes, however, they will become less frequent and you will come to enjoy and value them even more.
Bird watching is an addictive hobby. Part of the thrill is watching your life list grow and reading through your journal of sightings.
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
Bird Watching Vacation - Make Costa Rica Your Next Destination
January 29, 2008
Costa Rica is attracting more and more bird watchers to it’s beautiful and delightful landscapes because of it’s diverse array of bird species that make this area home during different times of the year. There are well over eight hundred species in this small country, which makes it more abundant than that of the United States and Canada combined. Many people wouldn’t even consider bird watching anywhere else. It is for this reason, among many others, that you may want to make Costa Rica your next stop for a bird watching vacation.
Even though it is a very small country, enjoying a bird watching vacation in Costa Rica offers many benefits. Each year sees a greater number of tourists head there to bird watch and to learn more details about the different species of birds. The clay-colored robin is Costa Rica’s national bird. As a bird watching vacation destination, it is perfect.
Bird Watching Paradise
There are many reasons that have blessed Costa Rica with being a bird watching paradise. One of those reasons is that there is a great diversity of habitats for the birds to live in. The Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other side offer habit for many sea and migratory birds. The rain and cloud forest habitats offer many different species homes. And, the many areas around lakes and rivers offer even more habitat for other species, too. Another reason that this little jewel of a country is a bird watching paradise is that the various habitats are very close together.
Also, over a quarter of Costa Rica is designated as protected forests, reserves and parkland which are excellent for bird watching so wherever one is in Costa Rica, the varied species of birds available to view will make this an ideal location for a bird watching vacation.
Migratory Birds
The winter months are very popular for North Americans to visit Costa Rica. During this time they can see familiar birds because many migrating birds from North America make this home at this time of year. Some of those species are hummingbirds, swallows, teals and sandpipers.
Even in the towns and cities the quantity of bird species that one can see is incredible. You may see a macaw, blue-crowned motmot or a buff-throated saltator in the trees and gardens in and around the hotels and homes of each of the towns and cities that you visit, in addition to many other birds that make their homes in them, too.
However, for the bird watching vacation to be the best that it can be a trip to Tortuguero National Park is in order. This is a National Park within the Tortuguero Conservation Area. It has over 370 species of birds including kingfishers, toucans, blue herons, peacocks, and parrots, as well as more than 400 species of trees and approximately 2,200 species of plants for one to see. In spite of the fact that the only be way to reach it is by airplane or boat, it’s the third-most visited park in Costa Rica.
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 beginners to experienced birdwatchers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_Murray
Bird Watching Gifts For The Bird Watching Enthusiast
January 29, 2008
Bird watching has become a very popular hobby because it’s not only interesting and fun, but because it is an educational experience that the entire family can participate in, too. If a friend or family member you know likes this hobby, then the list below will help you find the perfect bird watching gifts for them when you are looking.
Bird Watching Gear
Because bird watching can be done throughout the year, there are pieces of gear that would help guard you from the sunshine in the summer and the cold in the winter. One particular piece of bird watching gear would be a hat or cap to guard your head. Long pants with lots of pockets, such as cargo pants, so that bird watchers would have places to put their hobby’s various items would be another great piece of gear that is important.
Bird Watching Binoculars
The majority of bird watchers usually own a pair of binoculars. However, with the variety of binoculars that are available there is certain to be an upgraded version that the bird watcher would love to have. If the upgraded type of binoculars are too expensive, as they certainly can be, you may consider purchasing them a new case to protect their present pair of binoculars or a new strap to keep their binoculars more comfortably close to them rather than bouncing around when out walking.
A bird watching journal is another one of those great bird watching gifts. It is where a bird watcher can record information about the types and numbers of birds that they saw. A bird watching book or guide is also a wonderful bird watching gift. Every bird watcher loves to get a good guide that shows the pictures and lists the characteristics of the many different birds.
Digital cameras and video cameras are great bird watching gifts. With the various models that are available, you are sure to find one that will be suitable for your bird watching friend. Bird baths and bird feeders are other bird watching gifts that you may want to consider if they don’t have these already.
Bird Watching Vacation
If the person that you are buying the bird watching gifts for is someone special to you, such as a spouse or family member, you may consider a bird watching vacation to an exotic location like Costa Rica or to watch Bald Eagles and Trumpeter Swans on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.
To make the bird watching gifts seem even more special, especially if it is an expensive item, you will want to make sure that the person does not already possess one of the items already.
All ages of people find that bird watching is not only relaxing but it is also entertaining. If you haven’t tried it yet yourself, go into your backyard or a nearby park and just watch the birds for a few minutes. You’ll probably find that this is a fun and addictive hobby and the next bird watching gifts that you buy might just be for you personally!
For more bird watching tips and a free subscription to my bird watching newsletter, just go to http://www.greatbirdwatchingtoday.com an instructive website that provides birdwatcher advice, tips and resources including information on birdwatching binoculars, clothing, tours and equipment.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_Whitely
Bird Watching Binoculars - Critical Bird Watching Equipment
January 17, 2008
Avid bird watching enthusiasts often look like pack mules hiking to a gold rush in the west. Bird watching binoculars are one of the critical pieces of equipment they carry.
Binoculars
There are a lot of issues when it comes to choosing binoculars for bird watching. Optics and personal preference seem to be the foremost, but here is a list of issues you should consider.
Bashability
Bashability isn’t really a word in the English language, but it certainly applies to bird watching. The bashability of binoculars refers to how tough they are. For instance, if you drop them on the driveway while loading the car, will they hold up? What if you drop them off a small cliff? I, err…”a friend” once did this on the cliffs above Torrey Pines beach in San Diego. More than a few people have been surprised to learn that binoculars go out of whack when bashed. Now, I realize you would never drop them or subject them to anything but the finest treatment, but just check them for me.
Costs
I like wine. I drink wine. Unless I am standing at the cash register, I can’t really tell the difference between a $10 bottle of wine and one selling for $100. Bird watching binoculars seem to run along the same lines.
You can buy bird watching binoculars for as much as $1,000. Heck, Victoria’s Secret or Neiman Marcus probably have diamond encrusted ones for $100,000. Do you need to spend this money? No. My personal experience has revealed binoculars in the $200 to $400 range perform well and I’ve never missed a sighting because of their quality.
Obviously, you can spend whatever you wish, but keep in mind you don’t have to go overboard. Plus, binoculars without diamonds tend to still be on the beach once you make it down from the cliff.
Feel
This may sound obvious, but you need to buy binoculars that are comfortable. Ideally, you are going to lug these babies around for 10 or 20 years. Make sure they “fit” your face and spacing of your eyes. Also, make sure they don’t weigh too much. After a few hours of birding, this can become an issue.
If you’re going to be a birder, you’re going to need binoculars. Like wine, you can go overboard on them, but don’t need to.
Binoculars For Those Bird Watchers
January 17, 2008
Are you one of those that love to bird watch? When you find that special bird species that you have been looking for, it will set you on top of the world to know you found it alone. The best equipment that you can get for bird watching needs to give you a great line of weight from where you are standing. You should be able to see your bird in a clear and clean way. not to mention the fact that you should get a quality view and also a long range view that is very clear. The item that you choose should be easy for you to carry around with you. You will be outside and you will not want to be carrying a lot of things with you.
If you will take the time to talk to others who adventure out to do some bird watching, you will hear that the equipment they choose is the biggest thing that they are interested in for their journey. This is the one thing that binoculars that are designed for bird watching should be carefully chosen before hand. The features have to have the minutest details so you can see every slight color on the birds you are watching. You will also need to factor in the sun and what it may do to the view that you are coming after.
These binoculars that you choose for watching the birds need to be able to make it through any time of situation. You will be taking them in many different and rough places where they can be exposed to any type of weather or situation. You would not be absent in preparing what is necessary for yourself and you should also do the same for the item that will bring the hunted to you. Even if the binoculars will not be exposed to anything that is harsh, you will need to be prepared for the future when your bird hunting skills take you to other places not traveled.
When looking for birds with your binoculars, you need to try the binoculars first. You can not take the advice of the other people when it comes to the magnification you need. This is also true for the size and weight of the binoculars themselves. What is good for others may not be good for you. You may think that they are too heavy for you and others may see them as just right. If you also wear glasses, you should find the right pair of binoculars that fit your special vision and not those of another person.
It is so important for you to understand how the pair of binoculars that you choose for your bird watching operates. they may be very high tech and you will need to start with the first steps that are the basis so you can ease yourself into the rest. Knowing how to use them is the important step in giving you the ability to use them properly. to be able to take everything in about the binoculars, you can compare it to how a telescope works. The basics of the magnification of the objects you are looking at will become easier when you start to work with small projects and get used to it.
You can also find more information at Hunting Binoculars and Night Vision Binocul
Birding - The Technical Name For Bird Watching As A Serious Birder
January 17, 2008
For a person who cares about nature and the natural world, you probably like to spend time out in parks and other nature areas. One of those activities that you may partake in while out in nature is birding, the technical name for bird watching. When you spend time in these areas, nature probably feels closer to your heart and soul. By being in these areas birding, you are sure to learn more about the birds and their habitats. In addition to it being an educational experience, you are sure to enjoy time just watching the birds go about their day.
Birding has been a growing hobby for many people throughout the world. Many enthusiastic nature lovers spend much time on weekends and holidays watching and photographing the different birds that they come across on their excursions. Birding many be the technical name for bird watching, but most people just enjoy watching the birds in their habitats, whatever it is called. It is just enjoyable to spend time observing the many birds.
Bird Watching Or Birding
Bird watching, or birding, is observing and studying the different bird species by either the naked eye or with the help of binoculars or scopes. The scientists who study bird watching as a profession are called ornithologists. Birders or bird watchers usually are either casual or dedicated about this hobby and engage in it for personal interest and often to spend time with others who are interested in this endeavor, too.
Birders often try to distinguish themselves from bird watchers as being more dedicated to this hobby and knowledgeable about the different bird species. Some of the things that birders are more knowledgeable about are the small details of the bird’s habitats, migration patterns, breeding habits and physical appearance. As well, many serious birders will often travel great distances to see the birds. Bird watchers on the other hand usually watch the birds closer to home in nearby parks or even their backyards.
Groups To Join
If you find that you are intrigued by learning more about bird watching as a hobby, you may want to go out with a few different bird watching groups. There are many groups and clubs around the world that are focused on birds and there is probably a local or national group nearby to you. In addition to meeting other people who share your interest, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the many bird species and their various differences. In addition, you will learn about what equipment will enhance your experience and find out about the different birding competitions that are held in different locations.
In Canada and the United States you may like to attend a National Audubon Society outing to watch the birds and meet some new friends. If you are in the British Isles you may want to check out the British Trust for Ornithology or Royal Society for the Protection of Birds to learn more about birds and birding. As well, on a global scale, you may be interested in learning more about or joining BirdLife International which operates in over one hundred countries and territories throughout the world. It is a is an alliance of nature groups that works towards conserving birds, their habitats and biodiversity all over Earth, and working with humans for a sustainable use of the environment.
Bird Watching and Technology
January 17, 2008
One of the thrills of bird watching is the discovery of a species you have never seen before. In the past, a bird watcher often had to wait for a long time to get help in identifying a bird that he or she may not have recognized. Programs, like the one at Cornell University (www.birds.cornell.edu), allowed those who bird watch to submit photographs and descriptions of things that they had seen. The experts and researchers at the university would then help them identify the bird. The internet however, has eliminated the hassle of waiting for the mail. This information is available instantaneously online.
The ability to come home from a day in the fields of Belize watching birds, or even after bird watching in Costa Rica, and to sit down in front of a computer has given birth to a completely new realm of resources. Bird watchers can visit sites such as www.birding.com and www.birdingguide.com to access information about what they have seen through their binoculars while bird watching that day. There are several benefits to websites like these and the photographic resources available on the web.
Aside from written descriptions, the internet provides a wealth of photographic information to bird watchers. Photographs that would add up to literally mountains of books could quickly be searched, organized, and selected for viewing online. The convenience is immeasurable. The ability to get information quickly and accurately makes the research process an enjoyable one for most bird watchers.
One of the features that bird watchers who are internet savvy might find of particular interest is the communities that exist on the bulletin boards of websites catering to bird watching. These forums allow users to start, and participate in, conversations concerning a wide variety of topics that relate to birding. Some conversations, called threads, are global in their scope and may include broad topics like equipment, which are not geographically specific. Other threads may be very geographically specific and give local bird watchers a place to share individual information about sightings and numbers in special locations that probably are not of interest to someone outside of that region.
In addition to the sense of community that bird watchers can find on the web, it also serves as a very useful tool for spreading information. Local chapters of bird watching clubs and conservation groups, such as The National Audubon Society (www.audobon.org), utilize the parent websites of their organizations to provide news of local interest. They may also use this space to advertise upcoming events, seminars, conferences or group outings. A birder who wants to get involved and volunteer with an organization may also find opportunities to do so listed here. These websites are an ideal place to find a great deal of useful information.
The Best in Bird Watching Binoculars
January 17, 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.
Bird Hiking-What Equipment Do You Need
January 17, 2008
Go Watch The Birds
Watching birds is a very popular and growing hobby in north America as well as the rest of the world. Bird watchers usually refer to it as going bird hiking. A great benefit of this great outdoor activity is that going bird hiking is an inexpensive activity that can be done practically anywhere. The equipment you buy to make it more enjoyable can be as expensive or in expensive as you choose. Going bird hiking is one of the most enjoyable ways to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty mother nature has to offer.
What Equipment Needed
Equipment is entirely optional and is not required to have a great time bird hiking. Identifying every bird you see ma not be your objective, but if you choose to identify different species then a good bird field manual is recommended. To save money you can get specialized field manuals that only have species native to the area that you do your bird hiking. Although very interesting, a complete world bird guide is extremely expensive and would be to heavy to carry with you.
Because Bird hiking is often times done in wooded areas you may come across mud, water and other rugged terrain so you will need good, sturdy, comfortable footwear. Although if you are just taking a walk around your neighborhood or through a park then a pair of tennis shoes will probably be fine..
binoculars are not a requirement but make watching birds more enjoyable, especially for near sighted hobbyists. You do not need the best pair to watch birds effectively and enjoyably, basic pair will do. With a little practice you may even be able to look through the binoculars will bird hiking on the move, adding a new level of fun to the activity!
If you live in a hot area then a good hat and sunscreen to shield you from the sun is a requirement, nothing would make bird hiking less enjoyable then a sunburn! A small backpack that you can carry a bottle of water, snacks and a small first aid kit in is also a nice piece of equipment to carry your gear while bird hiking.
Bird hiking is a great way to get out enjoy nature and get some exercise at the same time. Its a inexpensive simple activity to participate in but keep in mind it is done outdoors and the weather may not always agree with your plans!
