This part of our guide focuses on birding (birdwatching), either as a recreational activity or a form of amateur science.
Birding, also known as birdwatching or twitching, involves nature observation, science, and personal passions. Enthusiasts spot, identify, and study birds in their natural habitat, often developing a strong affiliation with the avian world.
The terms (birding, birdwatching, and twitching) are often used interchangeably, but they carry distinctive meanings from the perspectives of some of those involved. Birdwatching refers broadly to observing birds for leisure, typically using binoculars or scopes. To some, birding implies greater seriousness or commitment, including the study, documentation, and preservation of avian species. Twitching is associated with bird enthusiasts who chase rare sightings, traveling to specific locations to see uncommon birds to add to their personal "life lists."
The roots of the activity go back centuries. In early societies, observing birds was often tied to survival or religious symbolism. It wasn't until the 19th century, with the advent of optics and scientific curiosity, that birdwatching emerged as a recreational pastime. Ornithologists, such as John James Audubon, contributed significantly to the field by documenting and illustrating bird species, inspiring public interest.
The 20th century brought a surge in birdwatching as optics became more readily available, outdoor recreation gained prominence, and various conservation movements highlighted the importance of understanding and protecting avian habitats. Today, technological advancements, such as mobile birding applications and digital cameras, have impacted the activity significantly.
Birdwatching activities range from solitary exploration to organized events. Enthusiasts venture into forests, wetlands, parks, and urban areas to observe birds. They employ binoculars, spotting scopes, and field guides to identify species. Recording observations in notebooks or apps is common, allowing participants to contribute data for scientific studies and conservation efforts. Bird photography, audio recording of bird calls, and participating in bird counts or festivals add elements of interest to the experience.
Several organizations support and enrich the birding community. The National Audubon Society, BirdLife International, and Cornell Lab of Ornithology are prominent. These organizations promote bird conservation, provide educational resources, and conduct citizen science projects like the Christmas Bird Count or eBird, a global database of bird observations. Local clubs and online forums offer community engagement and networking.
Ethical birdwatching practices prioritize respect for birds in their natural habitats. The American Birding Association (ABA) outlines a code of conduct emphasizing animal disturbance, avoidance of overcrowding, and adherence to laws protecting endangered species. Birdwatchers are expected to refrain from feeding birds or trespassing on private property, and there is a general supportive community spirit among birders.
Birdwatching appeals to individuals for a variety of reasons. For some, it offers a chance to connect with nature and escape the stresses of modern life. Others find intellectual satisfaction in identifying and studying species of birds or contributing to conservation efforts. Birdwatching is also a social activity, fostering friendships, competition, and shared experiences.
Recommended Resources
An online resource from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds offers a comprehensive bird guide, help with bird identification, life history information, bird sounds, and videos showcasing bird behavior. Visitors can also explore bird cams to observe birds in their natural habitats. Information on specific birds can be found by searching by species name or other keywords. Additionally, Merlin Bird ID, a free global bird guide with photos, sounds, and maps, is available.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/
The ABA is a non-profit organization whose goal is to inspire everyone to enjoy and protect wild birds. It offers membership information, listings of educational programs and publications, an online newsletter, an overview of the organization's conservation programs, and links to birding resources. The organization's code of birding ethics is also included. Other resources include a members-only bird identification database, live streams, field guides, and informational articles.
https://www.aba.org/
Using a blog platform, Bird Sphere explores the world of birds, covering various avian topics, from birdwatching tips and interesting bird facts to guides on identifying different species. Examples of its topics include the differences and similarities between blue jay eggs and robin eggs, whether a praying mantis can kill a hummingbird, birds that fly at night, interesting facts about bird feathers, interesting owl facts, and how to keep hummingbird feeders from freezing.
https://birdsphere.com/
The website collects tips for birding from local birders and maps of bird hotspots from eBird and other websites. Hotspots provide birders with information about birding locations where birds are being seen. Visitors can find good birding spots by searching by region or hotspot, or by browsing by U.S. state, Canadian province, or worldwide by country or continent. Volunteer editors are solicited for many of the regions that are open and for new regions that can be opened given the volunteers.
https://birdinghotspots.org/
Birding in India and Indian Subcontinent
The website highlights India's avian diversity, with over 1,250 bird species, including 925 breeding species. The website also explores India's thirteen biogeographical regions, such as the Himalayas, Western Ghats, and Andaman Nicobar Islands, which are prime spots for birding. Birds are presented alphabetically, by Orders, which are subdivided into Families, Sub-families, and Genera. Informational articles on birds, birdwatching, and checklists are included, along with discussion forums.
https://www.birding.in/
Birding Pal is an online platform where birdwatchers can connect with local birding enthusiasts for advice, information, or even guided birdwatching experiences. Through the site, birdwatchers can connect with others at their favorite birdwatching hotspots globally. Its subscription-based Contact Pals system will send your messages while keeping your email address private. You get your messages emailed to you and a copy of every message you send. Branded merchandise is also available.
http://www.birdingpal.org/
Designed to help people find places for birdwatching, with new areas described and added by birdwatchers every day. Viewers can view the site's overview map, click on a location, and get a detailed description and map with everything they need to know for some fine hours or days of birdwatching. Birdwatchers from all over the world share their favorite birdwatching areas on the site, helping to make it a comprehensive guide to birdwatching. Instructions are provided.
https://www.birdingplaces.eu/en
Stylized Birds&Blooms, the American magazine features backyard plants, birds, butterflies, and other creatures. Published since 1995, the magazine is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Published once every two months, most of its articles and photographs are reader-submitted. It contains information on how to attract birds and other wildlife to the backyard, and other information appealing to outdoor enthusiasts, amateur ornithologists, and lepidopterists.
https://www.birdsandblooms.com/
Birds and More is dedicated to providing products and services to bird lovers and specializes on exotic pet birds. The website provides information on their offered products that includes bird food, books, videos and tapes, vitamins, cages and cockery, toys and chew things, play gyms and perches as well as on their services that includes grooming (beak trim, toe nail trim, wing clip and blow dry), birdie day care and DNA sexing. The website also provides a health warning section for bird owners.
http://www.birdsandmore.com/
Complete Morris's British Bird Pictures, The
Also known as Birdcheck, the website features the complete collection of original color British bird prints from 1891. It is a collection of hundreds of high-quality scanned images of birds painted by the Reverend Francis Orphen Morris. Some of the images include descriptive information. The collection can be browsed alphabetically or searched by keyword. Links to other online bird guides and books that may be purchased from Amazon are included, and a contact form is available.
https://www.birdcheck.co.uk/
The Bird Academy is an educational platform by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It offers a variety of online courses, tutorials, and videos about birds and nature. Other resources include self-paced courses for interested people of all levels, covering topics like bird identification, bird biology, nature journaling, and bird photography. Examples of their courses include "Bird Song Basics," "eBird Essentials," "Joy of Birdwatching," and "The Wonderful World of Woodpeckers."
https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/
DUC is a Canadian non-profit environmental organization that conserves, creates, restores, and manages Canadian wetlands and associated uplands to provide healthy ecosystems for North American waterfowl, other wildlife, and people. While the organizations collaborate, DUC is separate from Ducks Unlimited, Inc., and Ducks Unlimited de Mexico. Its roots, team, partners, and career and volunteer opportunities are set forth, as are annual reports and financial data.
https://www.ducks.ca/
Launched in 2002 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at Cornell University and the National Audubon Society, eBird is an online database of bird observations providing scientists, researchers, and amateur birders with real-time data about bird distribution and abundance. Its goal is to maximize the utility and accessibility of the vast numbers of bird observations made yearly by recreational and professional birders. The mobile application can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
https://ebird.org/
The online resource for bird enthusiasts offers information on birdwatching, birding tours, equipment, and even ornithology. Whether looking for bird species facts, planning a birding trip, or exploring conservation topics, the site can help. Included are regional guides, interactive maps, and even reviews of birding books. Topics include world birding, British birding, ornithology, bird species, birding advice, and several other topics, such as bird art and artists, digiscoping, and bird songs.
https://fatbirder.com/
Hummingbirds.net is a great resource for hummingbirds aficionados. The website provides everything you need to know about hummingbirds. The website provides information regarding hummingbirds species, attracting hummingbirds, a gallery where hummer artists and photographers can share their work, a photo album, online resources, reviews, hummingbird organizations, hummer notes, anecdotes and hummingbird events. The website also provides migration maps and hummingbirds research studies.
http://www.hummingbirds.net/
Focusing on birds and preserving their habitat, Audubon is an excellent North American bird conservation resource, providing state-by-state information on bird species that are threatened, endangered, or of special concern. There are Christmas Bird Count reports, conservation and political action programs, a directory of local chapters, a brief biography of John James Audubon, and classroom activities and other materials for children. There are related links and topics in each section.
https://www.audubon.org/
Dedicated to New Zealand's birds and birding, the website offers information on bird taxonomy, galleries, bird rescue centers, and Maori myths and lore. Other resources include information on bird banding, various bird problems, dangers for birds, feeding birds, and planting to attract birds. The history and background of birding in New Zealand are included, along with birding sites, tours, accommodations, field guides, birding terms, photographs, and website awards.
https://www.nzbirds.com/
San Mateo County Bird Alliance
Formerly known as the Sequoia Audubon Society, the San Mateo County Bird Alliance has protected birds and wildlife in San Mateo County, California, since 1949. The alliance focuses on conservation, education, and advocacy to protect native birds and their ecosystems. It also organizes field trips, provides birding guides and other resources, and encourages citizen science projects such as the Great Backyard Bird Count. Membership information, schedules, and several informational resources.
http://www.sequoia-audubon.org/
The Spruce is a website dedicated to home improvement, gardening, decorating, cleaning, and celebration. It offers expert advice, tips, and guides to help readers create their best homes. However, this page covers wild birds seen in the yard or garden, some desired while others are discouraged. It includes articles on identifying these birds, attracting and feeding those that are desirable, and ways to prevent birds from eating grass seed, or how to shoo woodpeckers from the yard without harm.
https://www.thespruce.com/wild-birds-4127712
