Are you interested in becoming a bird watcher? Here’s my perspective as a hobby bird watcher and maybe even some tips to consider when exploring this diverse and interesting hobby.
First of all, what is it? How do we define it? What is a bird watcher, birdwatching and bird watching? Bird watchers are people, professionals or amateurs, who go in search of birds. Bird watching is the hobby itself and consists of making lists of birds, studying them, and other general activities that surround our feathered friends. A bird watcher, on the other hand, is someone who watches birds for whatever reason. It has been said that you should never refer to a bird watcher as a “bird watcher”. It seems almost an insult, I imagine, to a serious bird watcher. Bird watchers are not “just” watching. Bird watchers have a goal in mind and are only satisfied when they reach that goal.
I have recently proclaimed myself a bird watcher. I feel like bird watchers are patient people and I would like to cultivate more of that trait in my own existence. I also feel that birdwatching is quite a relaxing hobby and prompts us to spend more time in nature where peace is abundant. In short, my first goal as a bird watcher is to experience more of the natural world around me.
As a bird watcher, I don’t watch or wait. I choose to walk and listen. I am actively searching for birds in my garden and waiting for the perfect photo opportunity and the perfect moment when I can capture a bit of nature with my camera lens. Usually my eyes are up and scanning the trees. I walk slowly, listen and watch for movement. In general, I am also attracted to their songs or calls. Be aware that you will usually hear a bird before you see it. I have also found that if you walk towards them slowly and then stop and wait, the bird will get closer to you. Perhaps because he is not acting in a dangerous or threatening way.
Once you decide to go hunting for birds, you must decide what the end result you are looking to achieve is. Why do you want to become a bird watcher? Looking to capture a moment with your lens? Are you interested in seeing a bird either with the naked eye or with the eyes of a pair of binoculars? Are you interested in hearing their call and knowing what kind of bird makes such chirps or screeches? Are you interested in cataloging birds and creating a “life list”, that is, a list of the birds you have seen in your life complete with the date and place of each sighting?
I feel like there is a “real” bird watcher, just for the birds. See them, hear their call, experience them in nature, and then come home happy that they saw something that is now a part of them forever. On the other hand, I am driven by the “perfect” shot. I don’t want to just see them; I want to capture the moment.
Perhaps I am deluded with this thought and lack the true essence of bird watching? Although I recently posted a birding rule that I created for myself and even posted publicly in my social circles. If I see something cool and I don’t have my cell phone in hand to capture the moment, I should just enjoy it. Simple as that!
This happened because I was recently at my house and I walked through my bedroom window and saw a beautiful hawk swoop and land on the outskirts. In my enthusiasm to “capture” the moment, I lost the ability to appreciate the moment. I went out to get my phone and when I got back the bird was gone. It is nowhere to be seen.
In short, being a bird watcher has several levels of involvement and commitment suitable for any level of interest. I recommend that you keep your goal in mind as you explore this wonderful hobby. Birds are fascinating in so many ways and will keep you coming back to learn, see, and experience more of what they have to offer as a species. I am really enjoying my trip as a bird watcher, and I think you will too. Happy bird watching!