Become a Bird Nerd
Have you ever looked up in awe at a flock of geese flying overhead in a perfect V formation? Have you ever wondered how the American Robin found the juicy worm in your lawn (and how he’s going to swallow it)? If so, you are already a birder! But that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a nerd — just observant, fascinated by nature, and curious.
Photo credit: John Benson, C.C.
Birders are often called “twitchers” because we sometimes make jerky movements toward a bird calling in a bush at trailside or the flip-flap of wings overhead. You may not fill the stereotype of the bird-obsessed nerd shouting out species, but you don’t have to! Birders are as diverse as the birds we watch. We are farmers and students, millennials and senior citizens, urban and suburban, travelers and homebodies! But the one thing we have in common is that we LOVE birds!
2016 marks the 100th anniversary of agreements between the United States and Great Britain (for Canada) to protect and manage shared Migratory Bird Species. To celebrate, we are kicking off a year of birding adventures on January 19 with our 100 Bird Walks program! Join us for 100 “knock-your-socks-off” bird walks that span several seasons and many states — from Washington’s snowy North Cascades to the humid rainforests atop Hawaii’s volcanoes.
Birds are beautiful. Birds are cool. And birding can be cool too. Here’s how you can get involved.
Basic Birding Tips:
1. Be flexible: Flocks of finches, flycatchers, and warblers may have been crowding the park just days before but if the birds aren’t around when you’re there, you might have to move to another spot. That said, spend some time there first before moving to the next spot.
2. Don’t forget snacks: Coffee and lots of snacks can get you through the day. Or some pack a nice picnic lunch for a beautiful spot.
3. Pace yourself: You can see many birds in just a few hours without making an all-day commitment
4. Double-check your gear:
· Wear comfortable walking shoes
· Bring bird guidebooks, binoculars, and spotting scope
· A notebook to keep track of your sightings
· Or maybe an E-bird app to keep track online
5. Explore a new place:
Why not explore a new area and the birds that live there? And check with the local visitor’s bureau for other local activities when you’re done birding.
6. Socialize with other birders:
Use the #iBirdBecause, #100BirdWalks, & #Birdyear hashtags to share your experiences.
