by James Johnson

Created on: July 06, 2008   Last Updated: January 15, 2009

Birdwatching is a fascinating activity that has been of interest to people throughout the centuries; there have been people wanting to learn about birds from the ancient Babylonian times up to the recently formed Birding Pal Website out of Canada. Birdwatching gets one out of doors enjoying fresh air, does not require a large amount of capital investment and teaches us to appreciate the feathered inhabitants of this planet. It can also be done sitting in the front yard while enjoying a drink.

Being alert with good eyesight is important. All birds are identified by their colour patterns as there are avian mimics (Birds that sound like other birds) to rely on sound alone for bird identification, colour and size are critical. But can our ears help with birdwatching? Yes! Learn what to listen for when birdwatching!

First, learn some of the more common songs that the birds sing each morning and evening, this will give an indication of what sort of birds are out there and where they are hiding. Warblers, Whip-Poor-Wills, and Bob White Quail are usually easy to identify. In most of the Caribbean, the Banana Quit squeaks outside the window (or sometimes inside stealing your sugar if you don't have screens). Up in North America, there is always the robin announcing the arrival of Spring! If you don't know these sounds, there are CD's, tapes and websites that can help; the CD's or tapes are great to listen to in the car going to and from work or at night while going to sleep.

Are there other sounds to listen for that will help with birdwatching, something other than songs? How about the rapid fire rat-a-tat of Woodpeckers? There is also the high pitched screech of a hunting hawk, not really a song. Both will tell you where to find some fascinating birds. That loud humming in a flowering bush may be bees, but could just as likely to be a Hummingbird (it's good idea to know where both are)! Tree Branches rustling separate from the wind means there is something up there; it could be either a rare bird or just a squirrel, or in some countries even a monkey. Rustling in the leaves on the ground? It could be a Ground Dove or that Bob White Quail you heard earlier, many birds live on the ground and don't fly until startled, but it could also be something else.

Which now brings us to other reasons for one to listen carefully when birdwatching. There are other animals outside besides just birds. Most insects will usually buzz rather than hum, but learn the difference and don't try to get too close to either. The rustling on the ground could be a snake or lizard as easily as those doves, please don't step on it. These are just a few of the animals that are around in some of the same places as birds; they can be enjoyed as well as the birds!

Birdwatchers enjoy your past-time, but look, learn, and listen carefully! If you are quiet, the woods often aren't, and it is amazing what you can hear.

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