Birdwatching, also known as birding, is a popular pastime enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It involves observing and identifying different bird species in their natural habitats.
It is a relaxing and rewarding activity for both beginners and experienced birdwatchers alike. We’ll explore the many benefits of birding or birdwatching.
Before we begin, let us first find out what is Birding?
Birding, also known as birdwatching, is the observation and study of birds in their natural habitat. It is a popular recreational activity that involves observing and identifying birds by their appearance, behavior, and sounds.
Birding can be done in a variety of settings, starting from your personal spaces like your home balcony or window then outdoors like, parks, forests, wetlands, and other natural areas.
Birders often use binoculars and special aids to help them identify and observe birds. Some birders also keep detailed records of the species they have observed, their locations, and other relevant information. Birding can be a relaxing and educational activity, as well as a way to connect with nature and appreciate the diversity of bird species.
Birding can be relaxing for several reasons...
Firstly, it often involves spending time in natural settings such as forests or wetlands, which can be calming and soothing. Connecting with nature and spending time observing natural phenomena.
Secondly, birding is a quiet and slow-paced activity that encourages mindfulness and being present in the moment. This can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Thirdly, the act of observing and identifying birds can be meditative and provide a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment.
Finally, birding can be a social activity that provides opportunities for connection with other people who share a similar interest, which can be both enjoyable and supportive. The list of benefits associated with this one hobby, activity of birding is endless.
What is the role of birds in our surrounding, our environment and eventually how do they impact us?
Birds play an important role in our surroundings in several ways...
Pollination: Some bird species, such as hummingbirds, help to pollinate flowers by feeding on nectar and transferring pollen from one flower to another. This helps to ensure that plants can reproduce and continue to provide important ecosystem services, such as oxygen production and carbon storage.
Pest control: Many bird species, such as hawks and owls, prey on rodents and other small animals that can cause damage to crops and other vegetation. This helps to control pest populations and reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
Seed dispersal: Some bird species, such as finches and sparrows, feed on seeds and help to disperse them over wide areas. This helps to ensure that plants can grow and spread to new locations, which is important for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Indicator species: Birds are often used as indicators of environmental health, as changes in bird populations can signal broader changes in the ecosystem. For example, declines in bird populations can indicate the presence of pollution or habitat destruction.
Cultural significance: Birds have been an important part of human culture for thousands of years, and are celebrated in art, music, and literature around the world. They can also provide important spiritual and symbolic meaning for many people.
So these just few points to mention about how important existence of birds is in our world and how they literally make the world go round with their contribution.
They not only help us environmentally, but they are truly fascinating and entertaining when you spend some time observing them. They are great mentors and life coach too. They can teach so many things about life and survival.
How to do Birding or birdwatching?
Start with where you are. Birds are all around us! Aren't they? But we need to open our eyes and ears to them. It is bizarre how we humans can get caught up life so much that we become oblivion to the most apparent and noticeable things too in our surroundings. "Take the time to smell the flowers along the way" is an appropriate proverb highlighting the importance of awareness. But in the case of birds I say, "keep your eyes and ears to enjoy the beauty along the way"...good one eh?
So birding can be done in many other settings as well, including parks, forests, wetlands, and other natural areas.
Get a started with a list of birds. Use Enoma.org as a guide to learn about different birds, their appearance or physical description and their habitat. Join the
birding courses offered there.
Choose a location: There are many places where you can go birding, including local parks, nature reserves, and wildlife refuges. Look for areas with diverse habitats, such as forests, wetlands, and meadows, as these tend to attract a variety of bird species.
Observe and identify birds: Once you arrive at your chosen location, start observing the birds in the area. Pay attention to details like size, color, shape of the beak, and distinctive markings.
Consider keeping a record of the bird species you observe, along with the date and location. This can help you track your progress and identify patterns over time.
Make notes of the birds in your local surroundings that you have noticed. Write in detail about their physical attributes, the vocalization, typical behavior you notice, time of the day you spotted it along with the date.
Keep adding to this list each and every bird you spot, no matter where you do. If possible take a photograph so that you can identify the bird correctly on the internet.
Binoculars are essential for birding, as they allow you to observe birds from a distance and in greater detail. Look for binoculars that are lightweight, comfortable to hold, and have a magnification of at least 7x. Start with a basic but good quality binoculars, if possible ask around and borrow from a family member if they don't use theirs'.
Consider joining a local birding group or club. This can provide opportunities for social connection, learning from more experienced birders, and discovering new birding locations.
Remember that birding is a slow-paced and peaceful activity, so take your time and enjoy the experience of observing these beautiful creatures in their natural habitats.
Learn a bit about birds -
There many different kinds of birds in the world, with a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and behaviors. Here are some examples of different types of birds:
Passerina or songbirds - Passerine birds, also known as perching birds, are the largest order of birds and make up over 60% of all bird species. They are characterized by the presence of a specialized foot called a "perching foot," which allows them to grip branches and other surfaces with ease. All songbirds, which include birds such as finches, sparrows, thrushes, and warblers, are classified as passerines because they have this perching foot adaptation. Bird that sing are almost always passerine birds.
In simple words passerine birds are songbirds. Songbirds are a diverse group of birds that are known for their melodious songs part of their vocalization repertoire.
Birds of prey: Birds of prey are carnivorous birds that hunt and kill other animals for food. They include eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls.
Waterfowl: Waterfowl are birds that are adapted for swimming and living in aquatic environments. They include ducks, geese, and swans.
Game birds: Game birds are birds that are hunted for sport or food. They include pheasants, quail, and grouse.
Seabirds: Seabirds are birds that live and feed primarily in marine environments. They include gulls, terns, pelicans, and albatrosses.
Parrots: Parrots are colorful, intelligent birds that are popular as pets. They include macaws, cockatoos, and parakeets.
Hummingbirds: Hummingbirds are small, brightly-colored birds that are known for their ability to hover in mid-air while feeding on nectar.
Wading birds: Wading birds are long-legged birds that are adapted for foraging in shallow water. They include herons, egrets, and ibises.
These are some random examples of the many different types of birds that can be found around the world. Each type of bird has its own unique characteristics and behaviors, making them fascinating and diverse creatures to study and appreciate.
A bit of history of Bird Evolution...
Birds are a group of vertebrate animals that belong to the class Aves. They are descended from a group of two-legged dinosaurs known as theropods, which lived during the Jurassic period, around 150 million years ago. The evolution of birds from theropod dinosaurs is a complex process that is still being studied by scientists.
The oldest known bird is Archaeopteryx, which lived about 150 million years ago. It had wings and feathers like a bird, but also had some features that were more like those of a dinosaur, such as a long, bony tail and teeth in its jaws. Archaeopteryx is considered to be a transitional fossil, showing the evolutionary link between birds and dinosaurs.
Over time, birds evolved many adaptations that allowed them to become successful in a wide range of environments. For example, they developed lightweight, air-filled bones that made flight easier, and feathers that could be used for insulation, communication, and display. They also developed a unique respiratory system that allows them to extract oxygen more efficiently from the air, enabling them to fly at high altitudes.
Today, there are more than 10,000 species of birds living in virtually every part of the world. They vary widely in size, shape, color, and behavior, and include everything from tiny hummingbirds to enormous ostriches. Birds play important roles in many ecosystems, serving as pollinators, seed dispersers, and predators of insects and other animals. They are also beloved by people around the world for their beauty, intelligence, and fascinating behaviors.
Things we still don't know about birds...
Despite many years of study and research, there is still much that we don't know about birds.
Migration: While we know that many bird species undertake long-distance migrations each year, we still don't fully understand the cues that trigger these journeys, or how birds navigate over vast distances.
Vocalizations: Birds are known for their songs and calls, which they use for communication and territorial displays. However, we don't fully understand the complex structures and meanings of many of these vocalizations.
Social behavior: Many bird species live in complex social groups, with intricate hierarchies and social behaviors. However, we still have much to learn about the intricacies of bird social behavior, and how it influences their survival and reproduction.
Feeding ecology: Birds have evolved a wide range of feeding strategies, from nectar-feeding hummingbirds to carnivorous raptors. However, we still have much to learn about the mechanics and efficiency of bird feeding, and how it varies across different species and environments.
Evolutionary history: While we have a good understanding of the broad outlines of bird evolution, there are still many unanswered questions about the details of how birds evolved from dinosaurs, and how they diversified and adapted to different environments over time.
By and large Birds are complex creatures, and there is still much to be discovered and learned about their biology, behavior, and ecology.
There are many fascinating things about birds! Lets checkout some of the fascinating things about birds-
Flight:
Birds are the only animals that have evolved the ability to fly and they have done so in a wide range of ways, from hovering hummingbirds to soaring eagles. They are also able to fly at high altitudes and over long distances, thanks to their unique respiratory system and lightweight, air-filled bones.
Birds have evolved a wide variety of enthralling and unique ways of flying, each adapted to their specific ecological niche and behavior.
Like Hummingbirds, these tiny birds are known for their incredible hovering ability, which is made possible by their unique wing structure and rapid wingbeat of up to 80 beats per second. They can fly forwards, backward, and even upside-down.
Albatrosses are seabirds, have one of the longest wingspans of any bird, which can reach up to 11 feet. They are known for their efficient gliding abilities, which they use to cover large distances over the ocean with minimal effort.
Swifts, these birds have a unique flight pattern where they can continuously fly for up to 10 months without landing. They use a technique called "aerial roosting," where they sleep and rest in the air, flying low and slow with only one wing extended.
Peregrine Falcons are known for their incredible speed during hunting dives, or "stoops," where they can reach speeds of over 200 miles per hour. Their streamlined body shape, strong chest muscles, and specialized nostrils all contribute to their impressive flight speed.
Starling birds are known for their mesmerizing flocking behavior, where thousands of individuals fly together in coordinated patterns that seem to flow and morph like a liquid. The exact mechanism behind this behavior is yet to be fully understood, but it is thought to be a form of predator avoidance and social bonding. Large groups of birds fly together in coordinated movements, often during their migratory flights.
During a murmuration, individual birds move together as one entity, changing direction, speed, and altitude in perfect synchrony. There is a sound that emits during this cloud flight formation from their wings and calls that is well known as 'murmuration'.
Observing a murmuration can be a truly awe-inspiring experience, and has inspired many works of art, poetry, and music.
Feathers:
Feathers are one of the most remarkable adaptations of birds, providing insulation, communication, and display capabilities. They are also incredibly complex structures, with multiple layers of barbs and barbules that can be zipped and unzipped to create a variety of shapes and patterns.
Intelligence:
Birds are surprisingly intelligent animals, capable of complex problem-solving, tool use, and even cultural transmission of learned behaviors. Some species, like crows and parrots, are known for their exceptional cognitive abilities.
Birds are known for their remarkable intelligence, which can be demonstrated in a variety of ways.
Tool use: Some birds, such as crows and parrots, have been observed using tools in the wild, such as twigs or sticks, to extract insects from crevices or to open nuts.
Problem-solving skills: Birds have shown impressive problem-solving skills, such as using tools to solve puzzles, or figuring out how to access food sources that are hidden or difficult to reach. Using bait or waiting it out for a prey is common among birds.
Vocal mimicry: Many birds, such as parrots and mynas, have the ability to mimic human speech and other sounds they hear in their environment, demonstrating a high level of auditory intelligence.
Memory: Birds have been shown to have excellent long-term memory, with some species able to remember the location of food sources for several months or even years.
Social intelligence: Many bird species have complex social lives, with individuals able to recognize and remember other individuals, maintain long-term social relationships, and engage in cooperative behaviors such as feeding and caring for young.
Navigation: Birds are known for their impressive navigational abilities, with many species able to migrate long distances each year, following complex routes and using a variety of environmental cues to guide their way.
Leadership skills: During long distance intercontinental migration, birds use several social skills including astute leadership skills to guide and arrive at the set destination year after year for survival.
Community management: Several bird species are community nester or communal nesters. Community nesting, also known as colonial nesting, is a behavior of bird species in which multiple individuals build their nests close together in a single location. This behavior is most commonly seen in seabirds and waterbirds, such as gulls, terns, herons, flamingos, and penguins, but is also seen in some passerine species, such as the sociable weaver.
The advantages of community nesting are similar to those of community living, including increased protection from predators, improved foraging efficiency, and enhanced reproductive success. In a colony, birds can work together to defend their nests and young, and can also share information about food sources and other resources.
Community nesting is a fascinating behavior that has evolved in many different bird species as a way to enhance their chances of survival and reproductive success in challenging environments.
Courtship Displays:
Many bird species have elaborate courtship displays, involving intricate dances, vocalizations, and visual displays. These displays can be both beautiful and fascinating to watch, and are often used to attract mates and establish social hierarchies.
Migration:
Many bird species undertake long-distance migrations each year, traveling thousands of miles to breed, feed, and overwinter.
Adaptation:
Birds have evolved a wide range of adaptations to suit their various habitats and lifestyles, from specialized beaks and feet for feeding and perching, to camouflage and mimicry for defense and deception.
Benefits of Birdwatching or Birding:
Connecting with nature: Birdwatching is a great way to get outdoors and connect with the natural world. Spending time in nature has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, and boosting overall well-being.
Learning about birds: Bird watching provides an opportunity to learn about different bird species and their behaviors, as well as the ecosystems they inhabit. This knowledge can help us appreciate the diversity of life on our planet and understand the importance of conservation efforts.
Improved mental health: Studies have shown that spending time in nature and engaging in activities like birding can improve mental health and well-being, reduce symptoms of depression, and increase feelings of happiness and calm.
Physical exercise: Birding often involves walking or hiking, which provides physical exercise and can improve cardiovascular health.
Increased knowledge and appreciation of nature: Birding can provide opportunities to learn about different species of birds, their habitats, and their behaviors. This increased knowledge can deepen one's appreciation and understanding of nature.
Social connection: Birdwatching can be a social activity, allowing individuals to connect with like-minded people who share their passion for birds and nature. Many birdwatching groups and clubs exist, providing opportunities for group outings and birding events. So, birding provides opportunities for connections and community building activities bringing people together.
Mindfulness and relaxation: Birding can promote mindfulness and being present in the moment, which can be beneficial for mental health and overall well-being.
Environmental awareness: Birding can increase awareness of environmental issues and the need to protect and conserve natural habitats for birds and other wildlife.
Birding can provide numerous physical, mental, and social benefits, making it a rewarding and enjoyable activity for many people. Start birding NOW, and reap the benefits of it daily.
Best time for birding...
The best time for birding varies depending on the location and the species of birds you are interested in observing. However, generally, the best time for birding is during the early morning or late afternoon when birds are most active and visible.
During the early morning, birds are often out foraging for food and can be heard singing and communicating with one another. The late afternoon is also a good time for birding, as many species are returning to their roosting or nesting sites.
In addition, the time of year can also affect the best time for birding. During the spring and fall migration periods, many species are on the move and can be seen in large numbers as they travel to and from their breeding and wintering grounds.
It's also worth noting that certain bird species may be more active or visible during different times of day or year, so it's always a good idea to do some research on the specific species you are interested in observing and the best time to find them.
What are the things that birdwatchers like to watch in birds...
Birdwatchers can have different preferences when it comes to the types of birds they like to watch, but here are ten things that birdwatchers commonly enjoy observing:
Plumage: Birdwatchers appreciate the beauty and complexity of bird plumage, including their colors, patterns, and textures.
Behavior: Watching birds in action, such as feeding, mating, and caring for their young, can be fascinating for birdwatchers.
Migration: Many birdwatchers enjoy observing the incredible feats of migration that birds undertake each year, covering thousands of miles to reach their breeding and wintering grounds.
Vocalizations: Bird songs and calls are a key part of bird watching, and many birdwatchers enjoy listening to and identifying different bird sounds.
Rarity: Some birdwatchers are drawn to rare or unusual bird species that are rarely seen in their local area.
Flight: Watching birds in flight can be thrilling, as they soar, swoop, and glide through the air.
Courtship displays: Many bird species engage in elaborate courtship displays, and birdwatchers enjoy observing these behaviors as a way to understand more about bird behavior and biology.
Habitats: Observing birds in different habitats, such as wetlands, forests, and grasslands, can be interesting for birdwatchers and provide insight into the different needs and adaptations of bird species.
Species diversity: Birdwatchers may enjoy observing a wide variety of bird species, with some aiming to see as many different species as possible.
Personal challenge: Finally, many birdwatchers enjoy the challenge of identifying and finding different bird species, testing their knowledge and skills in the field.
Getting Started with Bird watching...
Equipment: The basic equipment needed for bird watching includes a pair of binoculars, spotting scopes, cameras or app for identifying bird species, and comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for outdoor activities.
Choosing a location: Birdwatching can be done in a variety of habitats, including parks, forests, wetlands, and even urban areas. Choose a location based on the types of birds you hope to see, as well as your level of experience and comfort with the outdoors.
Learning to identify birds: A field guide or app can be helpful for identifying different bird species, as well as learning about their behaviors and habitats. Start with a few common species and gradually expand your knowledge over time.
Observing behavior: In addition to identifying birds by their appearance, pay attention to their behaviors, such as feeding, mating, and caring for their young. These observations can provide insight into the lives of birds and their interactions with their environments.
Record keeping: Many birdwatchers keep a record of the different bird species they observe, either in a notebook or through an online platform. This can be a fun way to track your progress and document your experiences over time.
In conclusion, birdwatching is a wonderful way to connect with nature, learn about different bird species, and enjoy the many benefits of spending time outdoors. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birdwatcher, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in the world of birds. So grab your binoculars and field guide, head outdoors, and start exploring the wonderful world of birdwatching.
Written by Savio DSilva
Published - Thursday 13th April 2023 - 4:17pm