How to start bird Watching?

How to start Bird Watching? Bird watching, a globally beloved pastime, can seem intimidating for newcomers. Yet, its simplicity lies in its accessibility. No formal education, specialized skills, or expensive gears are required. All it takes is a spark of curiosity and a willingness to observe and appreciate the wonders of avian life.

This guide provides a gentle introduction to the world of bird watching, offering a few simple steps to get you started

 

This may sound simple for many but can be a daunting one for those who are just getting started. I guess that’s true for anything new we do. Bird Watching is one of the most popular activities globally nowadays. More and more people are joining the lot daily. To start bird watching, one doesn’t need any kind of a degree or a special Qualification or even a fancy equipment. You just need to have little interest and patience in observing and appreciating their beauty and behavior. This exercise alone would be more than enough to convince you to get more serious about Bird Watching. However, you can follow the below steps as a guideline to get started in Bird Watching.

Steps to start Brid Watching:

• Start Observing your surroundings

You’ve likely seen them everywhere – perched on your balcony, flitting through your backyard, soaring above the park, or skimming the surface of a nearby pond. But perhaps you’ve simply taken their presence for granted.

Do you know the names of the birds you see? Can you recognize their unique songs and calls? Have you observed their fascinating behaviors – how they interact with each other, build nests, and find food? Can you tell the difference between a male and a female?

Start paying closer attention! Notice when they are most active – early morning, late afternoon, or throughout the day. Do you see them alone or in flocks? What do they eat? Have you ever spotted a rare or migratory bird?

These questions are just the beginning. As you delve deeper into the world of avian life, you’ll find yourself captivated by the endless wonders of bird watching.

Now, can you recall and list the names of some birds you’ve seen?

Honestly, when I first started birding a few years ago, I was surprised at how little I knew. Despite having birds visit my backyard regularly, I barely noticed them. It wasn’t until after my first birding trip that I truly began to see them. Before, a Drongo was just a “bird,” and a Bulbul was just another “bird.” But then, through the viewfinder of my camera, I experienced the thrill of seeing them up close for the first time. I couldn’t believe how much I had been missing all along.

• Find a Birder friend to help you in your Bird Watching Mission

They say the fastest way to learn is by actively engaging with the subject. What better way to do this than to connect with another bird enthusiast? You can gain valuable insights from their experience and perhaps even be invited to join them on their next birding adventure.

• Join a Birding community (Online / Offline)

Joining a birdwatching community can significantly enhance your birding experience.

Connecting with other bird enthusiasts, whether online or in person, provides numerous benefits:

• Increased Motivation: Discussing your observations with others and sharing your passion can inspire you to observe more frequently and pay closer attention to the birds around you.
• Expanded Knowledge: Learning from experienced birders can accelerate your learning curve and deepen your understanding of avian behavior, identification, and ecology.
• New Friendships: Birdwatching communities offer a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and build lasting friendships.
• Sharing and Learning: Platforms like Twitter, with communities like IndiAves, provide a space to share your photos, observations, and questions. You’ll find a supportive network of birders eager to help you learn and grow.

IndiAves is a highly recommended community. Their engaging hashtag challenges and the willingness of the team to assist with any birding-related questions make it an invaluable resource for both beginners and experienced birders.

• Go for a guided birding trip

One of the most rewarding ways to begin your birdwatching journey is by visiting a nature retreat. Many resorts and lodges offer guided nature walks led by experienced naturalists. These walks provide an excellent opportunity to spot a variety of birds, learn about their behaviors, and gain valuable insights from knowledgeable guides.

In Karnataka, numerous options exist for such experiences. My own birding journey began at the Old Magazine House (OMH) in Dandeli, a captivating property managed by Jungle Lodges and Resorts. (A detailed blog post about my experience at OMH ( Birding in Dandeli as a Beginner – PankajSinghPhotographie ) I’m confident many birders will resonate with the magic of this place. Witnessing birds up close in their natural habitat is truly an unforgettable experience.

For another unforgettable experience, check out my blog post about my birding trip to Anejhari Butterfly Camp ( Travel experience to Anejhari Camp near Udupi – PankajSinghPhotographie ), located within the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary near Udupi.

Sharing a small video of Birds we shot from my first Birding trip:

• Start making a list of Birds you have seen

Maintaining a record of the bird species you’ve observed is an invaluable tool for any birder.

• Improved Recall: By actively documenting your sightings, you’ll significantly enhance your memory and recall of the birds you’ve encountered.
• Enhanced Learning: This practice helps organize your observations and solidify your knowledge.
• Motivational Tracking: Keeping a list allows you to track your progress, which can be incredibly motivating.

While it may seem tedious to compile a list immediately after a birding session, the benefits far outweigh the effort. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your list grows. During my recent trip to the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, I managed to document over 70 species! Here is the link for the blog ( Gopinatham Mystery Trails – A picturesque wildlife Experience – PankajSinghPhotographie )

• Spend some time learning about Bird Anatomy

Bird anatomy refers to the physiological structure of a bird’s body. In simpler terms, it involves learning to identify the different parts of a bird’s body.

Understanding bird anatomy is crucial for successful bird identification. By familiarizing yourself with key features like beak shape, wing shape, tail length, and plumage patterns, you’ll be better equipped to distinguish between different species.

There are numerous resources available online to help you learn bird anatomy. One of my favorites is the interactive Bird Anatomy page by The Cornell Lab. Check it out here at this link: All About Bird Anatomy

• Invest in Birdwatching Books

Reading about birds is a crucial step in your birding journey. Books not only deepen your knowledge and understanding but also foster a deeper appreciation for avian life.

Two excellent books to get you started are:

1. The Book of Indian Birds by Salim Ali: A classic and highly regarded reference for Indian bird species.
2. Birds of the Indian Subcontinent: A comprehensive guide covering a wide range of bird species found in the region.

• Download Birding Apps

Bird identification apps, such as Merlin Bird ID, can be incredibly helpful tools for both novice and experienced birders.

• Photo Identification: These apps often utilize powerful image recognition technology to help you identify birds based on photos you’ve taken.
• Sound Recognition: Many apps can also identify birds based on their recorded calls.
• Comprehensive Bird Information: These apps typically include a wealth of information on various bird species, including descriptions, photos, and recordings of their calls.

Important Note:

Avoid Using Recorded Calls to Lure Birds: Using recorded bird calls to attract birds is strongly discouraged in the birding community. This practice can significantly disturb birds and may even scare away local birds.

• Invest in Optics: Binoculars and Spotting scopes

As your interest in birdwatching deepens, investing in quality optics becomes highly beneficial.

Binoculars

Binoculars are indispensable for close-up observations of birds.

Choosing the Right Binoculars:

• Magnification: 8x to 12x magnification is typically ideal for most birdwatching situations. Higher magnifications can be challenging to stabilize.
• Objective Lens Diameter: A larger objective lens diameter allows for better light gathering, resulting in brighter and clearer images.

Consider below options which are in the price range of Rs. 8000/- to 15000/-

1. Celestron 71346 8×42 Outland X Roof Binocular (Black)

2. Gosky EagleView 10×42 ED

3. Nikon ACULON A211 -10-22 x 50 8252 Binocular (Black)

Just a note, investing in low-quality binoculars can lead to poor image quality and may even strain your eyes.

Spotting Scopes

Spotting scopes offer significantly higher magnification, making them ideal for observing distant birds.

• Key Features:
  • High Magnification: Provides detailed views of birds at a distance.
  • Wide Objective Lens Diameter: Allows for excellent light gathering.
  • Tripod Compatibility: Essential for stable viewing at high magnifications.
  • Smartphone/Camera Adapters: Enables easy photography through the spotting scope.

Few recommended models:

1. Gosky 20-60×60 HD Spotting Scope

2. Celestron Ultima 65 Angled Spotting Scope

3. Celestron Ultima 80-45 Degree Spotting Scope with Smartphone Adapter

 

• Invest in a Camera

While often considered an advanced step, capturing birds through photography or videography can be a fantastic starting point for many. This adds a whole new dimension to your birding experience.

For me, photography has been an integral part of my birding journey since my very first trip. The pursuit of capturing that perfect shot has deepened my appreciation for these incredible creatures and fueled my passion for birdwatching.

This is a sneak peak video of our Birding trip to Sharavathi River, during the monsoon season, near Shivamogga in Karnataka.

For those new to bird photography, a bridge camera can be an excellent starting point. These versatile cameras offer powerful zoom lenses, making them well-suited for capturing distant birds.

As your passion for bird photography grows, you may consider upgrading to a DSLR or mirrorless camera system. These systems offer greater image quality, faster autofocus, and the flexibility to use a wider range of lenses, allowing you to capture stunning bird portraits and dynamic flight shots.

Bridge camera options for Bird Watching:

1. Nikon Coolpix P1000:

Priced at around 70000/- is a great camera to start with. Great build quality and offers amazing image quality. Perfect for Bird Photography for beginners.

2. Panasonic Lumix FZ80 

This is another great option, but again availability of this gear in the market right now is a question.

DSLRS:

If you want to take your Photography to the next level, you can pick up a DSLR and pair it with a good glass to get brilliant results.

Canon Camera Bodies and lenses:

1. 7D Mark II
2. 90D
3. 80D

Lens options for Canon:

1. Canon 100 – 400 F4.5 – 5.6L  : Pro series glass from Canon. Definitely deserves a chance in your kit. Light weight, fast and tack sharp from the professional grade section of Canon.
2. Canon 400 F5.6L : Have used it once for doing portrait of someone I knew years ago. Prime lens and mind blowing quality. But only if you can find it. Try Canon stores, hopefully you can request them to get one for you.
3. Sigma 150-600 mm : There are two models from Sigma for this series.

Link for Sigma 150-600 mm Contemporary

Link for Sigma 150-600 mm Sports

There are similar options available from Tamron as well.

Nikon DSLR bodies and lenses:

1. D500
2. D7500
3. D850

Lenses for Nikon

1. Nikon 200 500 mm
2. Sigma 150 600 mm lens contemporary
3. Sigma 150 600 mm lens sports

Sony:

A7Miii can be paired with Sony 200 600 mm lens

This is the pair I am using currently and very satisfied with the results. Below are few images made on this combo:

 

 

Hope you found this article helpful, if not, share with someone whom you think might.

Check my blogs from our Wildlife and Birding Expeditions:

Tales of K Gudi Wilderness Camp

Must have accessories for Long Road Trips