{"id":10779,"date":"2022-02-07T17:10:14","date_gmt":"2022-02-07T17:10:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/?p=10779"},"modified":"2022-02-07T18:55:13","modified_gmt":"2022-02-07T18:55:13","slug":"bird-watching-a-healthy-happy-hobby","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/index.php\/en\/bird-watching-a-healthy-happy-hobby\/","title":{"rendered":"Bird Watching – A Healthy, Happy Hobby"},"content":{"rendered":"

Imagine a bounty of meadows and marshes, winding rivers and rushing streams, lush forests and hilly fields, right in your own backyard.<\/h2>\n

Driving slowly or walking along winding country roads, hiking nearby trails or peering into calm forests and marshes, you are about to discover \u2013 if you haven\u2019t already \u2013 the intriguing and satisfying hobby of bird watching.<\/p>\n

Probably 10 per cent of the people in the western world are already birdwatchers. Probably another 50 per cent know something about birds but haven\u2019t taken them seriously. The rest of you haven\u2019t really thought about bird watching because you don\u2019t know much about it. This post is addressed to the last group.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Snowy Owl observed in Alberta by drifter235.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

New to Bird Watching<\/h3>\n

Did you know that if it weren\u2019t for birds our whole way of life would be drastically different? How\u2019s that, you say? If it weren\u2019t for birds, insects would eat our crops and trees. Birds are very high up on the chain of maintaining a healthy balance in our ecosystems. Birds provide a beauty and movement of life that is vital to our own quality of life.<\/p>\n

Bird watching is an exciting and healthy hobby, done alone or in the company of friends. Bird watching is an introduction to our natural environment. It\u2019s easy to get started. Just make a list of all of the birds you already know. You\u2019ll be surprised to find you can recognize the robin, crow, chickadee, hummingbird, red-winged blackbird, Canada goose and blue jay. That\u2019s a good start. Whether or not you live in a city, town or rural area, birds are all around you.<\/p>\n

\"\"How to Start Bird Watching<\/h3>\n

When beginning your new hobby, go slowly. Don\u2019t get overwhelmed with the over 200 species of birds in your area. Get yourself a small pocket notebook and begin listing all of the birds you see as you go about your daily routine. If you can, grow native trees, shrubs, vines and perennials, encouraging your winged friends to use your garden for resting, nesting as well as feeding. You can supplement with a feeder and put out a bowl of water and list the thankful little fellows that come in to gain sustenance. Keep a daily list and also begin building a life list, where you write down each individual species you come across.<\/p>\n

Next, you should consider getting a good field guide on bird species. Peterson\u2019s Field Guide to the Birds<\/em> is the most common, but personally, I prefer the National Geographic\u2019s Birds of North America<\/em>. Most guides show colour pictures of the birds, grouped in families, and tells where they range and what their key ID marks are. To help you figure out what birds you are seeing, pay attention to their shape, size and markings. These points may also tell you about the bird\u2019s habits; for examples, stout bills are used to crack seeds and thin bills are used for catching insects. Also watch how the bird flies \u2013 along a straight path, or in an undulating, or up-and-down pattern \u2013 and the environment in which you find it. These factors might make a difference in telling one bird from another.<\/p>\n

Then you should start saving up for a good pair of binoculars. Don\u2019t waste your money on cheap ones. Go to a store with an expert who can give you good advice. Binoculars have different ranges and scope, but the best measure for beginners is either 7 x 35 or 8 x 42. Now that you have your \u201cbins,\u201d guide and notebook, you are ready to take to the field.<\/p>\n

\"femaleWhere to Start Bird Watching<\/h3>\n

Start with your own garden and surrounding neighbourhood. You\u2019ll be surprised what birds you find on buildings, in trees and in parks. Early morning is the best time to go bird watching, for this is when birds tend to move about more, looking for energy-giving food. Take your time; set a goal for, say, ten species; find them in your guidebook and don\u2019t forget to list them. Tell your friends all about what you are doing and entice them to join you.<\/p>\n

At this stage, I am sure you want to know more. It\u2019s time to start looking around for resources. Check with your nearest nature store for local guide material on where to go bird watching. Talk to store staff about contacts. Look in your local newspapers for bird information columns. Go online to find all sorts of information. Look for advertisements for local birding walks conducted by experts.<\/p>\n

Perhaps the next important step in your new hobby is to join a group. Check your recreation departments for listings of birding clubs or field naturalist clubs. If you can\u2019t find any, perhaps you should start one.<\/p>\n

\"Bird\"A Life-long Adventure<\/h3>\n

Once you get started on your new adventure with the birds, you\u2019ll find it difficult to stop. Bird watching becomes a life-long pursuit for that one more bird to add to your life list. However, you must keep in mind birds are not here for your enjoyment; they need your help to ensure their survival. Here is a Birder\u2019s Code of Practices for you and your group to consider:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • The welfare of birds must come first.<\/li>\n
  • Habitats where they live must be protected.<\/li>\n
  • Keep disturbances of birds and their habitat to a minimum.<\/li>\n
  • When you find a rare bird, think carefully about whom you tell.<\/li>\n
  • Do not harass any bird for that perfect view or photo.<\/li>\n
  • Abide by bird protection laws.<\/li>\n
  • Respect the rights of land-owners.<\/li>\n
  • Respect the rights of other people around you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Enjoy your new hobby of bird watching. I just know it will enrich your life as it has mine.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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