North Dakota Trails for Bird Watching
January 29, 2008
When looking for some of the best birding in North America, look no further than North Dakota. Many bird enthusiasts travel on North Dakota birding trails to experience the large numbers of unique bird species seen here.
North Dakota is considered to be one of the best birding locations in the US. It has a large number of wildlife refuges as well as many state parks and forests. These are great areas to see many rare birds. In fact, North Dakota is home to 365 species of prairie birds. Many people also delight in seeing the whooping crane, which is the tallest bird in North America.
Not only does North Dakota have a large number of bird species, but it also has many birding trails which makes bird watching here even more ideal. Birding trails are basically routes which one can drive down to see many bird species. Birding trails come in many varieties. Some are more developed than others, with more features such as maps which give information on the area and descriptions of the birds which can be seen. Birding trails are a relatively new phenomenon. The first were started in Texas in 1996. They have increased in popularity as many see them as a way to promote bird watching while at the same time educating people on their responsibility to the environment.
North Dakota birding trails are a great way to become introduced to birding here, not only because they help direct you to the best spots for seeing birds, but also because you are likely to meet up with other bird enthusiasts along the way. Birding tails in North Dakota are also referred to as birding drives, and there are many to pick from. One of the most popular is the Steele Birding Drive. It goes through Kidder country, which is known as one of the top 10 places to see birds in North America. The Steele Birding Drive includes three wildlife refuges, making it a great place for birding as well as for seeing many other animals.
For those interested in history as well as birding, the Bismarck-Mandan Birding Drive is an excellent choice. It follows the path that Lewis and Clark traveled on as they went up the Missouri River. This birding trail has a tremendous amount of diversity in the birds you will see. From songbirds to majestic eagles, you can see it all on this trail.
Beginners would enjoy the Medina-Chase Lake Birding Trail located in the central part of North Dakota. The trail was designed to show a wide range of habitats that are present in North Dakota. Because of this, over 300 species of birds have been spotted here. Birds from all over North America migrate here, and this is an ideal place to visit from early spring through the fall.
Get great bird watching gifts at NomadJournals.com.
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Bird Watching Sightings - The Hummingbird
January 29, 2008
Bird watching is one of the fastest growing popular hobbies. One of the reasons is it so easy to do since you can sit in your backyard and watch birds such as the hummingbird.
When you think of people going bird watching, one tends to get visions of a person standing out in a canyon somewhere. They have a vest, binoculars, writing journal, and so on. While this is certainly a possibility, you don’t have to venture far to become an avid bird watcher. In fact, there is an entire segment of this hobby known as backyard bird watching. You simply sit in the backyard, relax and start paying attention. One of the birds you may well see is the hummingbird.
Hummingbirds are part of the bird family Trochilidae. Obviously, they get their name from their unique habit of hovering in place. The hovering action creates a distinct humming noise in the air and gives rise to their title. What do you know? A name that makes total and obvious sense!
To the surprise of many, hummingbirds are only found in the Americas. There are some 338 species found from North America to South America. 16 are found in North America with most maintaining habitats more towards the tropical areas of the equatorial line. There are no hummingbirds in Asia, Africa or Europe, where their niche in the ecosystem is filled by other birds.
If you watch a hummingbird, you will note it flaps its wings at an insanely quick pace. This is a bit of a misnomer. The hummingbird actually has very short wings that act more as hands from a structural standpoint. They bones are aligned such that the “wings” can be flapped at a pace not seen in other bird species. It is the equivalent of wagging your finger up and down versus kicking your leg back and forth. You can move your finger much, much quicker.
Given the pace of their action, hummingbirds burn energy quickly and are in constant need of fuel. The average human needs a few thousand calories to get through the day. A hummingbird needs over 150,000! To fuel their fire, hummingbirds look for sugar fuel sources such as those found in the pollen of flowers and fruits.
To view hummingbirds, your best shot is during warmer months of the year. If you have flowering plants in your backyard, they should drop by every once in a while. If you do not, add some flower landscaping and you should see them soon. If you are hummingbird crazy, the best place to see them is in southern Arizona where the largest populations can be found.
Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of bird watching journals. Visit us to read more bird watching articles.
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Bird Watching - Eyes That Catch The Wings
January 29, 2008
Flight has always captured people’s attention. Whether it is a propelled machine of human technology, or the soaring of feathered creatures, people, with feet planted firmly on the ground, will crane their heads upward, as they are in awe of the marvelous power of flight. However, it is the beauty and majesty of the birds that display the greatest shows to those in admiration, as it is these species of nature, which are the truest of aviators.
The truest admirers of birds take delight in their natural abilities and marvels of flight, with absolutely not a single desire to cage, confine, coop, or hunt them. These connoisseurs of such natural splendors of these fascinating and inspiring originators of winged flight are drawn to what is referred to as Bird Watching.
Men and Women of all ages, as well as children, can easily and accessibly become involved in the activity of Bird Watching. Birds can be observed from any outside environment and in all locations and settings. All that one needs to become avidly involved are the accouterments of binoculars and a hat. And, for serious bird watchers, the supplemental enhancements of a map, a guidebook to reference the different species of birds, and a notebook to jot down the different birds viewed, along with possibly a digital camera.
A recent survey conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service revealed that Bird Watching is the most rapid growing activity among Americans seeking an outdoor activity. Therefore, the fledgling bird watcher is in good company. For camaraderie, interested individuals can enjoy the social aspects of a bird watchers or birding club, with locating such a group being as simplistic as getting online or through the local chamber of commerce.
The rewards and benefits of Bird Watching are considerable. In today’s society, it is definitely a Green Activity. For the budget minded, it’s an interest or hobby of minimal cost. From the aspects of health, it provides plenty of fresh air, along with a degree of exercise at a relaxing, varying and modest pace. Observation of these incredible winged gifts of nature constantly increases one’s knowledge of the habits of birds amid various habitats, as well as the considerable variety of species, which amounts to eight hundred in North America alone. As a natural antidote to the hectic and stressful pace that presently confronts so many individuals, the watching of birds can offer immense solitude. Families can also foster and derive shared interest, along with spending valued quality time together. Forget the instrumental tunes of the I Pods, portable DVD players and the like, and take pleasurable contentment in the natural songs of the feathered musicians. Watching birds can be a sport enjoyed by one’s self, with a family, or in a group.
In ancient times, birds were regarded as omens by various civilizations, as it was once believed that these winged creatures could forecast future events, on the observations of their directions of flight and variations of sound. Presently, the health of a particular environment can be partially determined by the significance of scientific study. Hence, the study of birds can provide us with a prospective view of nature in comparison to ecological effects, as a conduit between society and nature.
Katya Coen provides information on bird watching through many bird watching tips for For the Birds - Your Guide to Attracting Birds.
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Bird Watching in the Adirondacks
January 29, 2008
Upstate New York is known for the fun and beauty that can be found in the Adirondacks. Bird watching in the Adirondacks is excellent and a combination of all the things that make the Adirondacks great.
Bird Watching in the Adirondacks
The Adirondacks are a mountain range in northeastern New York State. It is best know as a popular winter resort area with a long history of entertaining celebrities of a sort. Less well known is the fact that the area is a great place to pick up additions to your life list.
During the summer of 2005, Hamilton County held the first Adirondack Birding Festival to honor the birds whose habitat lie within the region. The festival encouraged the participation in hikes, canoe trips and nature walks to watch over 100 species nest in Adirondacks’ Hamilton County, home to the Bicknell’s thrush, a rare songbird only found in mountaintop forests of the Northeast. Other birds that can be seen during the festival include the Common Raven, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Golden-Crowned Kinglet to mention only a few.
The Adirondacks are home to many boreal bird species. Some of them include the Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Palm, Blackpoll Warblers, Yellow-Bellied, Olive-Sided Flycatchers and other species. The boreal chickadee is also native to the Adirondacks, but lives in Hamilton County. While bird watchers can find birds like the gray jay or black-backed woodpecker throughout the year, the migrating birds are seen in June. To find them, just keep quiet and listen for their singing, which announces their arrival to the Adirondack region. Once the migration begins, the area is flush with a wide variety of species and sightings can be made while driving along. Try not to crash!
The Adirondack Regional Tourism Council has also developed a ton of information devoted to education on birding in the Adirondacks. The council provides detailed maps and information on 86 Adirondack’s birding sites and more than 300 species in the entire region including specialties such as the Bicknell’s Thrush and Spruce Grouse. Contact them for more information.
Bird watching in the Adirondacks is a great way to get out of the big city. With the wide variety of species and sighting points, your life list is sure to benefit.
Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of bird watching journals. Visit us to read more articles about bird watching.
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Bird Watching Gear - A Few Things To Carry All The Time
January 29, 2008
Having the right bird watching gear with you will help to give you a better bird watching experience and more enjoyment. It can mean the obvious difference between a fun outing and an unpleasant experience. Blue sky days will seem brighter and rainy days will be more bearable with the right bird watching equipment. A good pair of binoculars will certainly be the number one piece of gear that everyone will want to have with them to make the birds seem closer. Another couple of items to bring along would be a bird book and a journal to record your sightings.
Rain Gear Is A Must In Most Areas
Another item of bird watching gear that you will want to bring with you is a rain jacket to keep dry if the unpredictable weather turns nasty and starts to rain. By having the right rain jacket with you, you will be able to continue bird watching and keep dry in most circumstances. There are many types of jackets to consider. Many waterproof jackets are made of rubber or plastic and will keep the rain out but your clothes may still get damp anyways because they trap your perspiration inside the jacket. A more comfortable jacket to wear is a breathable rain jacket. These types of jackets let your body breathe and at the same time keeps out the rain. However, if it is a torrential downpour then the rain will some times leak through the jacket.
A comfortable and well supported hiking boot is preferable to wear for bird watching when you are out in the fields or climbing around the hills and mountains so that your feet and ankles are protected from twisting and straining. As well, the boots should be fairly water proof and have a good tread on them to give your feet traction.
Wearing suntan lotion and a decent pair of sunglasses will certainly help to protect you from the bright sunshine. Also, a hat is a must to have with you whether it is sunny or rainy. Keeping your maps and journals dry can be greatly enhanced by carrying them in water-proof pouches such as zip-lock sandwich bags. If you use a particular map on a regular basis you may want to have it laminated. You can do this yourself by getting a roll of clear mac-tac and covering both sides of the map with it. This is a great and cheap way to protect your maps.
Carrying a first aid kit with you is one of the little things that can make a big difference because being in the outdoors looking for birds will expose you to the amazing possibility of scrapes and bruises to various parts of your body. Having a few bandages, pain killers and tensor bandage in your backpack is a good idea. Putting on some bug spray before you go out will help to keep the bugs away.
Also, you will no doubt develop a bit of an appetite and thirst. For this, bringing along some snacks and bottled water will certainly be something to be anxiously looked forward to.
By being properly attired with sufficient bird watching gear you are sure to have a great experience. You will be able to protect yourself from the various weather and terrain changes and at the same time have with you what you need to find the birds.
Interested in learning more about birds and birdwatching? Visit 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_Murray
Bird Watching - Advice For Your First Time Out
January 29, 2008
Fall is a great time for bird watching. If you are going to give it a try for the first time, there are some guidelines you should follow to make sure you get the most out of it.
Avid birders [people who bird watch] are all about sightings and keeping a life list. A life list is simply a list of the birds you have personally seen over the years. Keeping a life list can become very addictive and more than a few people use their vacations to fly to odd parts of the world to see birds they need for their life list.
You should not worry about life lists nor should you worry about flipping through guide books to identify the birds you are seeing. It is your first time out, so just focus on the birds and take in their elegance and interesting activities. You can identify what they are later when you have time to reflect or the binoculars get a bit heavy.
The name “bird watching” is somewhat misleading because it suggests that one is only out there to view birds. An equally important part of your effort will be to listen to the little flappers. Each species has unique songs and sounds, so keep an ear out to see if you can notice the differences and match them to the particular birds you are seeing.
Take snack food and water. Bird watching is hardly a high calorie activity. That being said, you usually have to walk to and from the spot you will be viewing birds. Further, standing in the sun all day can lead to dehydration problems, so water should be consumed slowly throughout the day.
When you are watching birds, you will start to notice distinct areas of difference. The best areas to focus on are the body shape, the bill shape and the tail shape. The color of the birds is an obvious difference as well. By comparing and contrasting these four characteristics, you should be able to narrow down and identify the species you are seeing.
Perhaps the most important thing on your first birding trip is simply to enjoy yourself. The point is to have a good time, and the rest is just details. Have a great time!
Rick Chapo is with Nomad Journals - makers of life list journals that make great bird watching gifts.
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Bird Watching and Gardening Mixed
January 29, 2008
The weather may be frightful at the moment, but spring is not too far around the bend. If you love to watch birds, why not start your own personal bird garden?
Just as certain plants and flowers attract various creatures, birds are immediately drawn to certain types of flowers as well. In fact, one of the best ways to learn what types of birds are in your area is to plant a bird garden, and watch (notebook at the ready) as feathers of all colors flock to your yard. Starting a bird garden is easy, and there is no better time to start ordering your spring garden seeds than right now.
To begin, look to the simplistic daisy. Daisies may not be the first flower you think of when it comes to creating an elaborate garden, but birds love this flower for the seeds that it contains. Daisies are nutrient rich, and birds will immediately be drawn to these flowers once they have stopped blooming. Leave the seeds for the birds to eat, and you will see many different types of birds munching happily away amidst your garden in no time.
Another bird favorite is the zinnia. Zinnias are easy to grow; they are colorful and bright; and birds can’t get enough of them. Not only will your bird friends love these beautiful flowers, but butterflies seem to fall prey to their intoxicating aroma as well. Of course, if you want to attract the ever-popular hummingbird, a flower’s scent will do little to lure this swift bird.
Hummingbirds are sort of like the bulls of the bird world, they love the color red and they will charge at anything brightly tinted. Try planting some fuschias, coral bells, bee balms, hibiscuses, and petunias in your garden in order to catch a flash of a humming bird. If you have not had very much luck with any of the aforementioned flowers, try a sunflower.
Sunflowers seem to have a larger than life power that birds cannot ignore. The sunflower stands tall and beckons to birds from miles around with its large, yellow, petals, and deep, dark, center. Chickadees love to stand on top of a sunflower and peck away at the seeds inside of it for hours on end. Sunflowers are a sure bet when it comes to watching birds in your own back yard.
For long summer days full of bird watching delight, plant a bird garden and enjoy your own personal feathery show. Once you have learned about the types of birds that hang around your own garden, you will be able to spot these species from miles away while you are away from your home - almost like having constant companions wherever you go. Bird watching can take you to exotic destinations, but some of the best birds to watch are waiting right outside of your window pane.
Rick Chapo writes for NomadJournals.com - makers of rugged and fine bird watching journals for life lists.
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Grab Your Bird Watching Hat and Enjoy
January 29, 2008
Whenever you begin to think that you’re a “rare breed” just because you enjoy bird watching…think again. Over the years, I’ve met hundreds of amateur bird watchers who don’t have any particular claim to fame or expertise in observing our feathered friends.
Two Typical Bird Watchers
Take Ron Patterson. He’s just your average father who has been fascinated by birds for years. He grew up in rural Michigan on a farm, and he always found himself casting his eyes to the sky as he began mentally cataloging the tremendous variety of birds that passed through the area year after year. Now, 40 years later, he’s developed a passionate devotion to bird watching which includes quite a bit of reading and observations over the years.
Ron is no different than Judi Hunter. She’s just as committed to backyard birding as he is, and she taught herself everything she’s learned out of passionate adoration. Nowadays, she attracts a wide variety of birds to her yard (from hummingbirds to finches) using the techniques and tools she’s picked up over the years from countless hours of doing what she loves — watching birds.
How to Get Started
If you haven’t gotten in on the bird watching kick yet then there’s no time like the present to get started. Most amateur birders will tell you that the easiest way to get started is to set up a naturally inviting habitat in your backyard. It’s really not that hard to do if you follow these few steps.
First of all, create plenty of high vegetation. Long trees, rather than wide one, offer the best opportunity to see the birds that visit your yard. Consult your local nursery for suggestions. They should be able to steer you in the right direction. Then, place a few good feeders around the yard.
Feeders should be placed somewhere convenient and easily accessible for both the birds and for bird watching. You should look for the widest feeder for your visiting birds so that they feel less hemmed in.
Then, just sit back and enjoy. Plan a trip to your local library or bookstore so that you can begin identifying and learning more about the birds that visit you. Pretty soon, you’ll be among the “rare breed” of people who can’t get enough of these aviary wonders. And that’s pretty good company if you ask me.
John Davis has a free course on bird watching at BirdWatchingDirect.com
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The Bird Watchers’ Ethical Code
January 29, 2008
If you’re not a professional bird watcher or tour guide then there are a few things that you need to know before venturing out to start your new hobby. Believe it or not, you can’t just do what you like, where you like and there is a strict code of ethics, even for amateur bird watchers.
Right to Roam
In Britain nowadays, it would seem that the rights of many landowners have been eroded and that ramblers can go wherever they please. However, this isn’t always the case and it is, in any case, a common courtesy to seek the approval of the owner before you go trampling all over this property. If the landowner requests that you do not go through certain areas, then do observe his wishes and likewise if he asks that you keep to the edge of fields, etc. then do so. If, while bird watching on private property, your target bird moves off into forbidden territory, you’ll just have to let him go. Don’t think that because you’ve seen a rare bird, the landowners wishes can be ignored.
In addition, just treat the landowner’s property as you would wish your own to be treated; don’t drop litter, don’t be noisy and Use your common sense to guide you when bird watching on private property: don’t litter, don’t make any noise and don’t do any damage.
Care for the Environment
When you pack your rucksack to go out bird watching, be sure to include a plastic bag or two so that you can bring your rubbish home with you. Never, never drop litter out in the countryside (or anywhere else for that matter) irrespective of whether others have done so before you; you don’t have to follow their bad example.
Care for the Birds
Never do anything which can have an adverse effect on the birds themselves. They didn’t ask for you to be watching them and they have the right to carry on their lives undisturbed, so always check with yourself whether anything you’re doing could be upsetting the birds.
Photographing Birds
Don’t get too close to the birds when you’re photographing them, particularly if you’re using a flash as this could be very frightening for the birds and may interrupt their normal routines. Use a camera with a zoom lens with a decent magnification and if it’s very large, you’ll need a tripod too to prevent camera shake.
Parking Your Car
When you go bird watching, remember that you may be gone for some time so be thoughtful about where you park your vehicle. Never block gates or paths or indeed, any form of entrance.
Your Mobile Phone
It’s essential to take your mobile with you, in case of accidents or incidents while out bird watching. In addition, the owner of the land you’re using may need to get hold of you but do make sure that the ‘phone is set to silent mode with the vibrate feature on.
All the above just involve using a bit of common sense and consideration for others as well as for the birds, so remember this ethical code and enjoy your bird watching.
Liz Canham is webmistress of Worldwide Bird Watching.
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Best Times for Bird Watching
January 29, 2008
One you have the birding bug, you will want to maximize your experience when it comes to sightings. Put another way, you will need to know the best times for bird watching.
There is something to be said for the chase being most of the fun in life. If you have caught the bird watching bug, the chase is definitely going to be part of your task in gaining new entries for your life list. Simply put, there are good, okay and great times to seek out sightings. Understand these times and you will be on your way to some excellent sightings.
A common mistake when birding is to assign human emotions and behavior to the birds you are viewing. Birds may appear to react as such, but they are not following typical human behavior. Instead, they appear to be primarily reacting to stimulus. This means it is foolhardy to assume they will follow the same schedule as we do. Yes, there are some similarities, but not too many.
The old cliché is the early bird gets the worm. As with most clichés, there is something to this one. Most species of birds tend to be active early in the morning, much as humans are unless I haven’t had my coffee yet. No, birds don’t drink coffee, but many species definitely have a hankering for breakfast. Plan on heading out early if you want to sight a particular species in an active phase.
Ironically, one of the poorer times to pursue bird watching is in the middle of the day. Although birds are in view, this tends to be an inactive time for many species. A better time to catch them is in the late afternoon when activity picks up before the onset of evening.
Undoubtedly, you are thinking of a variety of species that do not fit within this general guideline and you are correct to do so. The simple fact is every type of bird has different patterns of activity. The obvious examples are owls, which certainly are not going to be of much interest during the day given the fact most species are sleeping. The lesson, therefore, is to take a close look at the particular species you are interested in and then tailor your viewing habits to its schedule.
The best times for bird watching can generally be said to be the early morning and late afternoon. To avoid the occasional disappointment, make sure to research the specific tendencies of any particular bird you wish to observe.
Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of bird watching journals. Visit us to read more articles about bird watching.
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