Bird Watching Basics: How to start bird watching

Last Updated on January 26, 2024 by Greg Gillson

Many people seek the peace and beauty that the natural world brings. Birds are frequently the most active and colorful living creatures encountered in the out-of-doors. They are found everywhere and active during daylight hours. No wonder bird watching is so popular.

But you may have wondered: How do I start bird watching? What equipment do I need? Are there any special “rules” I need to know about?

This is the first article in a series. See the footer for other articles.

Western Bluebird Photo by Greg Gillson

Bird watching your way: How to start out

Good news! There aren’t any rules to bird watching. You can do it however you like, whatever is most enjoyable to you. You can start watch birds out your living room window, sitting on a park bench, on a strenuous hike up a forested mountain, on a foreign business trip, or even while kayaking! You might watch birds only occasionally while on vacation. Or perhaps you get bit by the birding bug and plan bird watching excursions every chance you get.

You can choose to feed birds at home and have them come to you. You can scour remote wilderness areas to find birds you’ve never seen before. You can chase after reported rarities. You might care only about hummingbirds, or ducks, or hawks. You can spend a lifetime observing the behavior of just one species. You might spend a day driving quickly from place-to-place trying to see 100 different species in a 24-hour period. It is all bird watching!

Don’t forget that bird watching (also known as birding) is not necessarily all about your eyes. Birds also give a variety of calls and delightful songs. Each bird species can be identified by their unique songs. The dawn chorus is the amazing simultaneous singing of scores of bird species just before sunrise in spring. In wooded areas many bird detections are first made by hearing them. And a majority of the birds you find in such woodland hikes may actually be heard only–never seen. Now that birding-by-ear skill takes lots of practice!

Many bird watchers take photographs of the birds they see. I always carry my binoculars and a DSLR camera with a very large lens around my neck! Only a very few use audio recording equipment to record bird songs and calls.

What equipment do you need to get started watching birds?

When most people talk of birding they mean 1) seeing birds, and 2) identifying birds.

To start watching birds you need binoculars to help you see birds better and a field guide to help you identify the birds you see. Everything else is optional.

Binoculars

Your binoculars can make or break your bird watching experience. A poor pair of binoculars can cause excessive eye strain as well as giving a substandard view. If all you have is a cheap $60 pair of binoculars, realize you are missing out. On the other hand, for your first pair of birding binoculars, I don’t recommend you buy the very best $2500 brands.

For starting out I suggest a pair that is 8×42 and waterproof/fog proof. If you are in the open looking at distant ducks or hawks primarily, then a 10×42 is an acceptable choice. In general, 8x are better than 10x for brightness in dreary weather or in the woods, ability to focus on closer birds (<8 feet), providing a wide field of view to find active birds in the tree tops (>390 feet @ 1000 yards), and ability to be used with eyeglasses (>15.5 mm eye relief).

You want roof prism binoculars with ED glass that is fully multicoated, BaK-4 prisms with phase and dielectric coatings, and nitrogen (or argon) purged waterproof/fog proof.

I would say that the minimum quality binoculars, even to start with, cost about $150. The best lowest-priced binocular for bird watching is the Celestron Nature DX ED 8×42. Don’t go cheaper if you can at all help it. If you can afford $500 you will be able to have a binocular that is nearly as good as the very best and will last you a decade or even a lifetime.

Read my articles on birding binoculars available for under $200 and also best birding binoculars under $500.

For backyard feeder watching, a lesser binocular may be all that’s necessary: Best binoculars under $100 for backyard bird watching.

You may like: How to use binoculars for bird watching

Field guide

If you are just getting started you may want to use a local state birding field guide. These show the 50-100 most common bird species of each state. Stan Tekiela has written such bird books for every state. 

However, if you become interested in birds and bird watching it won’t take long before you encounter species or plumages not illustrated in the simpler state guides. Each state will have 400-500 species recorded, maybe 300-350 regularly. The simpler state guides will not show all female and first-year birds, or may scrimp on summer versus winter plumages, or variation from place to place.

I recommend the National Geographic Birds of North American, now (February 2020) in the 7th Edition. 

I also have the Sibley app downloaded on my smart phone. It is about $20. Let’s see, I have an Android phone. So I go to the App Store on my phone to purchase and upload The Sibley eGuide to North American Birds. This is basically just the paper field guide in digital format with some audio calls and songs to play to remind you what the birds sound like. There are newer and fancier birding apps with additional features. But when I’m in the field, I want to be looking at the birds, not my field guide, paper or digital.

Notepad and pen

New bird watchers just starting out will frequently encounter birds that they just can’t name at the time. Write down what you see to look it up later. First: size, shape, bill type. This will get you to the family group. Then the colors of head, back, breast, belly, wings, tail. Note field marks such as eye rings, eye stripes, wing bars, tail spots. Don’t forget habitat, behavior, calls or songs.
You may like: How to identify a bird in 7 easy steps

Dress properly

Birding often starts at dawn when it may be cold and continues into late morning when it may become hot. Be sure to have clothing for the day to keep you comfortable.

Wear sturdy shoes appropriate for the weather and terrain. Do you have to worry about snakes or thorns or rocks or mud puddles?

You don’t need to wear camouflage as hunters do. But don’t wear bright colors. Wear dull earth colors: brown, navy, green. And make sure your clothes or jacket isn’t made of material that rustles or squeaks as you walk.

Water and a snack

I often bird in remote areas, or explore areas new to me. Then I find that I am nowhere near a town for food at lunch time! So bring snacks. Carry water and drink it. I often don’t carry water, and when I do I often don’t drink it until I’m back at the car. So, don’t be like Greg–carry and drink your water!

Where do you go bird watching?

Deciding where to go bird watching can provide hours of research and planning. For those just starting out, you may learn much about your local area you didn’t know before.

If you are looking for a specific bird you need to find the right habitat. Many large parks and wildlife refuges have checklists that tell when and how common species are.

Where do you look for public places to watch birds? State refuges, National Wildlife Refuges, National Parks, National Forests, State Parks, State Beaches, BLM areas, Open Space Preserves. You can look for hiking trails or Auto Tour routes.

Check the websites for your local Audubon Societies. They will often list places to watch birds. Seek “birding site guides” for your site or area. Even Googling “where to watch birds in [your city/county/state]” will lead to web sites of interest.

Join your local birding email list

Learn from others by joining such lists and “lurk” for a while [read without responding] before making your first post. Read the postings and see what kind of information each list conveys. Some lists are for only reporting rare birds. Some lists are more geared toward more social aspects. The American Birding Association has a list of birding email lists right on their home page.

Look for local field trips

Your local Audubon Society will often lead free bird walks for beginners and more advanced birders alike. So may a local backyard bird shops. Do you have any Nature Centers in your area? Check them out!

To help you I wrote: Tips for your first bird walk

Cinnamon Teal Photo by Greg Gillson

Best practices when you start birding: Fieldcraft

Would you like some tips for bird watching? Tips on finding and approaching wildlife are called fieldcraft. Fieldcraft includes your behavior and the bird’s behavior–understanding what you see.

Bird watchers need patience and perseverance. Go slow and examine trees and bushes for movement. Listen for soft feeding calls. You may find that several species are traveling together and feeding, with not much bird activity away from this feeding flock.

Birds are most active at and just after dawn. You may need to arrive early. The early bird gets the worm. The early bird watcher gets the bird!

Examine your surroundings. Is there water nearby? A grove of trees? Do any of the adjoining homes have bird feeders visible? Birds generally love edges between two habitats. Walking that edge slowly is often a good place to start birding.

On my blog of San Diego birds I wrote several articles on fieldcraft: the art of finding more birds. When you are done reading this article you may wish to check out some of those fieldcraft articles. I suggest you start with the article: Stalking birds: 25 tips to get closer to birds without scaring them away. The fieldcraft label will lead to more of my articles on that other website.

Most of all, be quiet and observant. Curiosity about the natural world will often lead to finding birds.
I always recommend Birding Essentials for learning about bird watching. But I think this is a great little book whether you are a beginner or have more experience.

Recording your observations: eBird

The free birding app, eBird is an online checklist program where you can record the birds you see. It becomes a powerful tool as it combines tens-of-millions of bird records by birders around the world.

eBird is great for beginning birders. Even if you never enter a bird species yourself, you should use it to find birding hotspots in your local area and view the both the bird checklists and the birds recently seen in the hotspots or in your county as a whole.

I recommend that new bird watchers sign up for an eBird account and begin submitting checklists right away. Start by going out in your backyard and recording a stationary checklist for 5 or 10 minutes of all the birds you can see and hear. Submit it to eBird.

The eBird program will tell you which species are expected for your area and which species are rare. If you report a rare species you will need to write a brief report of what you saw into the eBird checklist: remember describe size, shape, bill type and field marks and behaviors. Provide a photo if you are into bird photography.

There are local birders who act as eBird Reviewers for rare bird reports. They may contact you by email about your rare bird reports. Don’t be afraid of being wrong, or the reviewer asking for more details, or suggesting a more common look-alike species. Think of these volunteer Reviewers as a free tutor!

Wrapping Up

Birdwatching offers a range of benefits for both your physical and mental well-being, making it a rewarding and enriching activity. Here are some key reasons why birdwatching is good for you:

Physical Health:

• Increased physical activity: Walking, hiking, and exploring different environments while birdwatching helps with exercise and promotes staying active.
• Improved cardiovascular health: Being outdoors and moving around can lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
• Enhanced Vitamin D levels: Spending time outdoors exposes you to sunlight, which aids in Vitamin D production and strengthens bones.

Mental Health:

• Reduced stress and anxiety: Focusing on the beauty and tranquility of nature can have a calming effect, lowering stress hormones and promoting relaxation.
• Improved mood and well-being: Engaging in a fun and rewarding activity can release endorphins, elevating mood and reducing symptoms of depression.
• Sharpened senses and cognitive function: Paying attention to birdsong, identifying species, and learning new information challenges and stimulates the brain.
• Increased mindfulness and appreciation for nature: Observing birds fosters a deeper connection with the natural world and its beauty.

Social benefits:

• Connects you with others: Birdwatching groups and online communities provide opportunities to meet people who share your interest, fostering social connections and friendships.
• Sense of community and purpose: Contributing to citizen science projects and conservation efforts through birdwatching allows you to contribute to a larger cause and feel a sense of purpose.
• Teaches children responsibility and respect for nature: Engaging children in birdwatching instills environmental awareness and fosters appreciation for the natural world.

Overall, birdwatching is a fun and accessible activity that offers a wide range of benefits for physical and mental health, social connections, and environmental awareness. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and gain from this enriching pursuit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I start bird-watching?

Getting started with birdwatching can be exciting! Here are some steps to guide you on your journey:

1. Familiarize yourself with local birds:

• Download a bird identification app: Apps like Merlin Bird ID, Audubon Bird Guide, or Seek by iNaturalist can help you identify birds based on their appearance, calls, and location.
• Get a field guide: Books like the National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds can offer detailed information and illustrations of bird species in your area.
• Visit your local library or bookstore: Look for books or pamphlets specific to birds in your region.

2. Choose a starting point:

• Your backyard: Start by observing birds visiting your feeders or garden. This is a comfortable and familiar environment to begin your birding journey.
• Local parks and nature reserves: Many parks offer dedicated birdwatching trails and ponds, providing diverse habitats and species to discover.
• Wildlife refuges and sanctuaries: These areas often have guided tours or educational programs specifically designed for birdwatchers.

3. Gear up (optional):

• Binoculars: While not essential, binoculars can enhance your viewing experience and allow you to observe birds from a distance.
• Comfortable clothing and footwear: Dress appropriately for the weather and terrain you’ll be exploring.
• Notebook and pen: Keep track of the birds you see, their characteristics, and your observations.

4. Join the community:

• Connect with local birdwatching groups or clubs: Find groups through online forums, social media, or nature centers. Sharing experiences and learning from others can be enriching.
• Participate in citizen science projects: Programs like eBird allow you to contribute your bird sightings to valuable scientific research.
• Follow birding blogs or social media accounts: Stay updated on bird news, identification tips, and exciting birding spots.

Is bird watching a cheap hobby?

Yes, birdwatching can be a very cheap hobby, making it accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. Here’s why:

Minimal initial investment:

• You don’t need expensive equipment to get started. While binoculars can enhance your experience, they are not essential initially.
• Free resources like bird identification apps, online guides, and local birding groups can provide valuable information and support.

Low ongoing costs:

• Exploring your own backyard or local parks requires no additional expense.
• Public libraries often have birdwatching books and field guides you can borrow.
• Many birding events and workshops are free or have minimal fees.

Flexibility to adjust expense level:

• As you get more involved, you can choose how much you invest based on your budget.
• Binoculars and other gear can range from affordable to high-end depending on your needs and preferences.
• Travel to specific birding locations or guided tours can add costs, but are optional and not necessary for enjoying the hobby.

Overall:

Birdwatching offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn about birds, and enjoy the outdoors without breaking the bank. By utilizing free resources and starting simple, you can easily explore this rewarding hobby with minimal financial commitment.

Is bird watching easy?

Whether birdwatching is “easy” depends on your perspective and expectations. Here’s a breakdown:

The easy aspects:

• Getting started: You don’t need much equipment or prior knowledge to begin. You can simply observe birds outside your window or in your backyard with no tools.
• Learning resources: There are many free resources available online and in libraries, including identification apps, field guides, and websites. Beginner-friendly books and workshops can also ease you into learning about birds.
• Enjoying the experience: Simply observing birds and appreciating their beauty and sounds can be an enjoyable and relaxing pastime, regardless of your identification skills.

The challenging aspects:

• Bird identification: Learning to identify different bird species by sight and sound can be quite challenging, especially with so many variations. It takes time, practice, and patience to hone your skills.
• Habitat knowledge: Identifying suitable birding locations and understanding different bird habitats can be complex, especially for beginners.
• Finding specific birds: Seeing certain rare or elusive birds might require extensive research, knowledge of their behavior, and travel to specific locations.

Related Articles:

How to identify a bird

How to use binoculars for bird watching

Tips for your first bird walk