Q&A for How to Bird Watch

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Can I birdwatch if my binoculars aren't very good quality?

Roger J. Lederer, PhD
Ornithologist
Dr. Roger Lederer is an Ornithologist and the founder of Ornithology.com, an informative website about wild birds. Dr. Lederer has spent over 40 years teaching, studying, and writing about birds. He has traveled to over 100 countries to study birds. Dr. Lederer is an Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences at California State University, Chico, and has been a Department Chair of Biological Sciences and Dean of the College of Natural Sciences. He has written more than 30 research papers and 10 books on birds and a textbook entitled “Ecology and Field Biology.” Dr. Lederer has consulted the BBC, National Geographic, National Public Radio, ABC News, the Guinness Book of World Records, and numerous other organizations and publications.

Roger J. Lederer, PhD

Ornithologist

Expert Answer

Absolutely. Especially when you're first starting out, any binoculars are better than none at all.

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Question

What's the best time of year to bird watch?

Roger J. Lederer, PhD
Ornithologist
Dr. Roger Lederer is an Ornithologist and the founder of Ornithology.com, an informative website about wild birds. Dr. Lederer has spent over 40 years teaching, studying, and writing about birds. He has traveled to over 100 countries to study birds. Dr. Lederer is an Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences at California State University, Chico, and has been a Department Chair of Biological Sciences and Dean of the College of Natural Sciences. He has written more than 30 research papers and 10 books on birds and a textbook entitled “Ecology and Field Biology.” Dr. Lederer has consulted the BBC, National Geographic, National Public Radio, ABC News, the Guinness Book of World Records, and numerous other organizations and publications.

Roger J. Lederer, PhD

Ornithologist

Expert Answer

Try birdwatching in the fall and winter—there are usually a lot of migratory birds and waterfowl wintering in the valley. You can usually spot waterfowl out in the open, so they can be observed easily—especially ducks, as the males will have on their colorful breeding plumage.

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Question

What do I need to learn to be a bird watcher?

Community Answer

All you really need is a pair of binoculars and a helpful guide book. Bird watching is a peaceful hobby, and it takes little time and practice to master.

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Question

What are the materials required for bird study?

Joseph Favorite

Community Answer

A notebook to jot stuff down in, binoculars, and a bird spotting book for the area you're in are good starter supplies.

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Question

Where will I find some bird watching books?

Community Answer

You can check your local sporting goods store or order them on Amazon, but they are almost certain to have everything you need at the public library. Do research on the titles you want, and request those be sent to your local branch, or just stop in and ask a librarian for help.

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What is a good bird field guide for a beginner?

Community Answer

The Peterson's, Sibley's, and National Geographic field guides are all very good.

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Can I bird watch in my back yard?

Community Answer

Of course! This is an especially good idea if you have lots of birds in your yard. If you don't, then that's probably not the best location to choose.

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Question

What is the use of bird watching?

Community Answer

It is a hobby for some and citizen science for others. It can teach us a lot about our environment, including its well-being and the health of birds. It helps keep us connected to nature.

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In what weather will birds come out?

Sofia Munchkin

Community Answer

It depends what birds you're looking for. Some birds are always out during rain, while some only want to be out during sunny or windy weather.

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What type of habitats should I go to in order to look for a variety of birds?

Community Answer

A quiet forest with many trees and grasses provide the habitat for many songbirds and raptors. For larger or rarer birds, go to a lakeside with abundant hiding places or a swamp. Herons, hawks, and birds that eat mosquitoes and dragonflies will often be in such places.

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Question

What are good starter supplies for bird watching?

Community Answer

All you need to start (and all you ever need) is binoculars and a field guide. Cameras, spotting scopes, and microphones are things you can invest in if you want to get serious about birdwatching later on.

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Question

How do you tame a wild bird when you are bird watching?

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Community Answer

You shouldn’t tame wild birds when birding because it’s illegal in many states. Instead, you can attract birds (and squirrels) to your yard with bird feeders.

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What if I don’t have binoculars?

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Community Answer

You can invest in a bird feeder and some seed to get many types of birds into a clear sight range.

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Question

How do you get a bird to come closer?

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Community Answer

There isn’t really a sure way to get the bird to come closer, but if you watch that bird, while sitting still, there is a good chance it will come closer.

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Is there such a thing as a birding club? Can I start one?

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Community Answer

Yes, there are loads of birding clubs. Yes, you can also start an unofficial one with other birders in your area. The Audubon Society is a really good place to start.

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I live by a forest, is this a good spot to go birding?

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Community Answer

Yes, many birds like the cover of the trees and the seeds and nuts they supply.

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