How to Start Birdwatching on this First Day of Spring!

Good morning and Happy Spring to all North Americans!

Today is a great day to get started birdwatching. If you haven't tried it, or it sounds weird or just "off," please keep reading. Even if you live in a highly urbanized area please don't think that you'll only see pigeons and sparrows. It is educational, inexepensive, and healthy. Only a few simple steps can get you started the right way on this rewarding hobby:

1. Find your local chapter Audubon group. Like any other hobby, birdwatching (or "birding," as those in the know call it), can be difficult and frustrating if you try to start doing it entirely on your own. Instead, your local Audubon chapter has many events that are free and easy to attend. (Think of them like group piano lessons for piano playing, except they're free!) So go to audubon.org and go to "Find Audubon Near You." Just input your zip code and it will bring up the closest chapter. Once you find your closest chapter look for events called "birdwalks" and see when they are and plan to attend one. Birdwalks are typically aimed at beginners. Again, these events are free and you do NOT need to be a member or have any prior experience to attend. You are also under NO obligation to become a member/donate, or become involved in any other way. We birdwatchers are always elated to see new people come to our birdwalks.

2. Buy binoculars. This is pretty much an essential tool for birding and your biggest investment. Think of it as your piano or keyboard for your piano lessons. You have to have it in order to do it right. However, like finding the right piano you need a good instrument but the choices seem endless. Don't worry, I've made picking the right one easy: if possible try to invest $100 on the Yosemite 6x30 binocular from Leupold. (Avoid the temptation to get anything from Walmart or Target; or anything with higher magnification. Trust me, the Yosemite will be much, much better.) Binoculars can range from a $20 pair at store to $2500 German made; I find the Leupold 6x30 to be a wonderful value beginner's choice. You probably won't find it at your local sporting goods store, so get it from Eagle Optics here. They are a reputable small business that I've ordered from many times.

3. Get a bird guide. A field guide is like a map of birds, helping you see identifying features that you'd otherwise miss. (Just imagine trying to play the piano without sheet music!) It may not be as important during your first birdwalk (when there will be guides to show you around), but you'll find it essential as your birdwatching skills improve. I recommend The Sibley Guide to Birds, 2nd Edition., available many places but I'd recommend getting it from Buteo Books, another small business that cares about its customers. Sibley's 2nd Edition is new, big and great.

4. Start NOW. Attend the birdwalk as soon as you can. See, spring is the best time of the year to go birdwatching in most of North America. Males have their makeup on and are doing their best to attract females. This means they also sing loudest, and are the most active, making them easiest to find.

5. Hang-in there. Your first birdwalk may be somewhat frustrating. (Like with piano playing, one lesson will not make you an expert!) People will point out birds to you but you may miss many of them. You'll be amazed that the experts will notice and see things you don't. But keep at it; it took me about 3-4 birdwalks before I gathered my bearings so-to-speak, and began to learn how to see birds.

Following the five tips above will make it easy for you to get started on this fantastic hobby. Appreciating the natural world around you is an intrinsic value in an of itself, but it also has additional rewards. You'll appreciate the seasons more, your eyes and ears will open up to worlds that you didn't realize existed right before you. Vacations and trips will become much more rewarding than they are now, as you look forward to seeing what new species you'll see. Finally, should you choose to report your sightings birdwatching is one area of science where a "regular citizen" like you or I can genuinely contribute.