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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Chapo
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
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sabrina_Johnston
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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Chapo
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.
