Birdwatching, or birding, is a hobby that involves observing and identifying birds in their natural habitats. It can be a rewarding and relaxing way to connect with nature, learn new things, and meet new people. To start birdwatching, all you need is a pair of binoculars, a field guide or an app, and a curiosity for birds. You can watch birds anywhere and anytime, and discover the beauty and diversity of birdlife.
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Birdwatching
as a hobby
AKA: Birding, Ornithology.
I think the most important quality in a birdwatcher is a willingness to stand quietly and see what comes. Our everyday lives obscure a truth about existence – that at the heart of everything there lies a stillness and a light.
Lynn Thomson
Helpful content to get started
We curated content to familiarize you with birdwatching as a hobby and to inspire and help you get started.
We strive for accuracy, but errors may occur. Always use your judgment.
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Birdwatching can be done anywhere and anytime. Birds are everywhere, from urban parks to remote forests. You don’t need expensive equipment or travel far to enjoy birdwatching. You can start from your backyard or balcony, or visit local hotspots or nature reserves. You can also watch birds in different seasons and times of the day, and see how they change.
Basic lingo for orientation.
Identification Terms
- Field Mark: Distinctive features that help identify a bird species.
- Morph: Variations in color or pattern within a species.
- Sexual Dimorphism: Differences in appearance between male and female birds.
- Call: A vocalization made by birds, often used for communication.
- Flock: A group of birds that travel or feed together.
Birdwatching Activities
- Dip: The experience of failing to see a bird that one was trying to observe.
- Mega: A term used to describe an exceptionally rare bird sighting.
- Patch: A specific local area where a birdwatcher regularly observes birds.
- Twitching: The act of chasing after a rare bird sighting, often traveling significant distances to see it.
- Lifer: A bird species that a birdwatcher sees for the first time.
- Big Year: A personal challenge to see as many bird species as possible within a year.
- Bird Count: An organized event where birdwatchers tally the number of birds observed in a specific area over a set period. These counts often involve citizen science, where volunteers contribute their observations to help monitor bird populations and inform conservation efforts.
More terms: Bird Academy’s A-to-Z Glossary of Bird Terms | Bird Academy • The Cornell Lab, The Audubon Dictionary For Birders | Audubon.
Term Videos
How to break the ice and make a start.
- Get to know All About Birds: an online guide to birds and birdwatching created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It is a free, quality, and extensive resource.
- Watch live bird cams: A virtual window into the natural world of birds.
- Read the All About Birds guide on How to Choose the Right Kind of Bird Feeder and buy a bird feeder.
- Download the Merlin Bird ID app by Cornell Lab, to identify the birds you see or hear.
- Buy your first binocular. Consider NIKON PROSTAFF P3 10×42, the cheapest one recommended by All About Birds.
- Use the Birda app, or other platforms, to find birding locations near you. You can also visit a nearby park or nature reserve.
- Take a beginner’s course by The Cornell Lab Bird Academy or read a book about birding basics.
- Search for birdwatching events near you.
- From there, the sky is the limit…
First Steps Videos
Get read-y.
Birds will give you a window, if you allow them. They will show you secrets from another world– fresh vision that, though it is avian, can accompany you home and alter your life. They will do this for you even if you don’t know their names– though such knowing is a thoughtful gesture. They will do this for you if you watch them.
Lyanda Lynn Haupt
Step-by-step tutorials.
- How To Start Birdwatching For Beginners | Birda
- How to Start Birding | Audubon
- Birding 101: Your guide to getting started in bird watching : Life Kit : NPR
- How to Choose the Right Kind of Bird Feeder | All About Birds
- Binoculars and Beyond: Nine Tips for Beginning Birdwatchers | All About Birds
Bird Guides
How-To Videos
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Further reading.
Benefits of Birdwatching
- Birding Your Way to Well-Being | Psychology Today
- More Well-Being Lessons From Birding | Psychology Today
- Bird and birdsong encounters improve mental health, study finds | Birds | The Guardian
- Birdwatching Has Big Mental Health Benefits. How to Start | Time
- Birdwatching linked to increased psychological well-being on college campuses: A pilot-scale experimental study – ScienceDirect
- Birdwatching changes the way you look at the world – it truly is the gateway drug to environmental awareness | Georgia Angus | The Guardian
Birdwatching and Citizen Science
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Go-tos for information.
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Research shows birdwatching reduces psychological distress and may increase psychological well-being.
Birdwatching linked to increased psychological well-being on college campuses: A pilot-scale experimental study
Nothing like a film for inspiration.
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Get a clue.
How can I find a good birding place near me?
Many websites feature indexes and interactive maps for finding birding places near you.
Can I use a bird feeder if I don’t have a garden?
Yes, you can use a window feeder or a wall-mounted feeder. Another option is asking permission to place a bird feeder with a camera in a communal area.
How can I attract more birds to my backyard or balcony?
You can attract more birds to your backyard or balcony by providing them with food, water, shelter, and nesting sites. You can use feeders, birdbaths, plants, nest boxes, and other features to create a bird-friendly habitat.
More FAQs: FAQs & Common Problems | All About Birds, Frequently Asked Questions About Birds | Audubon.
FAQ Videos
Smart assistance.
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Birdwatching can help you learn more about your natural environment. Birdwatching can give you a reason to explore the world and discover new places and species. You can also learn about bird ecology, behavior, and conservation issues. Birdwatching can also inspire you to take action to protect birds and their habitats.
Essentials to have.
Product Demos
Get smart.
Video Courses and Trailers
Get together.
Birding Sites
- Birding Sites – BirdGuides
- BirdLife Data Zone
- Find a birdingplace | Birdingplaces
- Bird Watching Areas Near You | Google Maps
- Audubon Near You | Audubon
Birding Events and Groups
- Birdwatching Events Near You
- Birdwatching groups | Meetup
- Birding Festivals and Events | All About Birds
- Discover Audubon Events | Audubon
Community Science
Related Videos
More than simple pleasure and ticking a species off a list, it’s a hobby that dwells on the joy of being alive.
Georgia Angus
Additional advice for beginners.
- Get a good pair of binoculars and a field guide to help you identify the birds you see.
- Start with common and familiar birds in your backyard, park, or neighborhood, and gradually expand your range and diversity of habitats.
- Be respectful of the birds and their environment. Follow the birdwatcher’s code of conduct and avoid disturbing or harming the birds or their habitats.
Video Tips
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Additional information
| Activities | Collecting, Exercising, Helping, Learning, Observing, Relaxing, Traveling |
|---|---|
| Fields | Animals, Education, Environment, Plants, Science and Technology, Sports, Sustainability |
| Locations | Abroad, Anywhere, Countryside, Forest, Garden, Lake, Nature, Outdoor, Park |
| Participants | |
| Skills | Active Listening, Adaptability, Attention to Detail, Concentration, General Knowledge, Mindfulness, Patience, Perseverance, Physical Endurance, Planning, Resourcefulness |