Getting Started as a Birder The only thing you really need to be a good birder is curiosity about the natural world. You can see birds everywhere, from the pigeons and sparrows of the city to the robins and jays of suburban neighborhoods to the meadowlarks and bluebirds of open fields. Look at each bird carefully, and if it helps, take notes on what you observe. What color are they, and where are the colors on the bird's body? What does the bill look like? Approximately how big is the bird? Importantly, note the habitat in which the bird appears. Some species, like Belted Kingfishers, are only found near water, while others, including Pine Warblers, prefer specific species of trees. The more you bird, the more these relationships will stand out to you. Though you don't need anything but your eyes and ears for birding, there are a few tools to help make identification easier. Binoculars: Binoculars zoom in on the bird, making it easier to spot a bird's distinguishing field marks, or traits, that distinguish it from other species. Camera: If you have a camera with a zoom lens, you can take a photo of the bird you see and use field guides or the internet to help make an identification. Field guides: Field guides are illustrated with drawings or photographs to show you how to tell different bird species apart. Today, there are online field guides and apps, like the Merlin ID app by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology or the Bird Guide App by the National Audubon Society. Notebook: A notebook is super helpful to keep track of the birds you see, the field marks you notice, as well as your observations about bird habitat. Excerpted from Backyard Birding for Kids: An Introduction to Ornithology by Erika Zambello All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
