Birdwatching

Birdwatching refers to the hobby of seeking out and then observing various species of birds in their natural habitat. Birdwatchers, or "birders" may travel to foreign countries to observe exotic birds, visit nature reserves or simply observe the activity of native birds in their own backyards.

Fast Facts

1. Equipment: Binoculars, spotting scopes, digital cameras and field guides
2. Professional scientists who study birds are called ornithologists
3. Many birders keep lists or journals of the birds they have observed
4. "Seawatching" involves observing sea birds from coastal locations
5. U.S. birdwatching organizations include the National Audubon Society and American Birding Association
6. Some birdwatchers compete in contests, during which they try to spot the most birds in a specified amount of time

Looking and Listening

To become successful, birders must not only develop the skills of visual identification, but also become versed in recognizing various bird vocalizations. Because some birds are more easily detected and distinguished by their calls, serious birders often undertake in-depth studies of bird calls, and may even learn to reproduce the calls to pacify or attract elusive species.

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