Birdwatching in North America is on the rise, as people try to find different ways to enjoy nature and connect with wildlife. Birdwatching comes across as a hobby that's mostly about sitting around in the bush waiting for hours, but there's much more to it than that. Observing the beauty of birds and learning about them can be a pleasant experience. The following are some common questions about birdwatching that people often ask and will give you answers to get you started with a new hobby.



What's so appealing about birds in the first place?

Birds have one thing humans don't - the power of flight. We've long envied the ability birds have of soaring high, swooping down, or flitting from branch to branch; and the closest we can come to actually flying like birds these days is in an airplane. Watching birds fly in their natural habitat instills a sense of beauty and grace that everyone enjoys.

Is there any special equipment that I need?

Not really. You can go out and observe birds with nothing at all, using only your eyes and senses to catch sight of different species. If you do want to get a little fancier, a good set of binoculars is a nice thing to have handy. You don't need to buy the most expensive ones, either, unless you really want to get close to see fine detail of feathering or colors. A field guide or book about bird identification can be fun to look through, and you can pick up a good one for less than $30 at a book store. Make it a challenge to see how many birds described in the book are ones you spot out in the wild!.

Do I have to go anywhere special to do some birdwatching?

Birds are free-willed creatures, and they have the ability to land just about anywhere, so wherever you'd like to settle down for a while is fine for birdwatching. Your back yard is just as good as the thick of the forest. You'll see different species of birds in different locations though, as one type of bird might prefer cityscapes while another hides in the woods, so if you're hoping to see a specific species of bird, branch out from your usual places of birdwatching and try to find new ones for better chances.

Should I wear any special type of clothing?

A hat is a good thing to wear when you're out birdwatching. You don't want to catch site of some special bird you've been waiting hours to see, only to have it flit over to a branch directly in the sun's path. Hats can provide some shade for your eyes, but make sure the hat you choose doesn't interfere with your binoculars. A field vest or jacket with lots of pockets where you can tuck in some insecticide, a pen and notebook, and your binoculars will be something you'll appreciate while you're outdoors.

Is it okay to teach birds to come eat seeds from my hand?

The experience of having a tiny creature fly down to light in your outstretched hand is a wonderful one, and there's no reason why you shouldn't try to have birds land in your hand to peck at seeds. Doing so doesn't take away any of their instinct to be wary around threats, and it may build a special bond you'll enjoy memories of forever. Having birds trust you enough to come land in your hand does take a lot of patience, but you can start slow by setting down seeds on the ground and stepping back, then moving a bit closer each day until you finally achieve your goal.