Archive for the 'Frequently Asked Questions' Category

Frequently Asked Questions about Birding #4

What do I need to become a birder? Nothing really – except an interest in birds and their habits. No special equipment is needed, though there are many things that can enhance your appreciation of the beauty of birds, for example, binoculars and a field guide.

Just go out in the garden or the nearest park and look at the birds. Take a quick break from work and look through the office window at the birds outside.

Noisy Miner

Frequently Asked Questions about Birding #3

What is a “twitcher”?

Someone who is prepared to travel great distances or go to great effort or expense in order to see birds, often just a single bird, that they have never seen before so that it can be marked on their list of birds seen (called a “tick” or “lifer”). The word ‘twitcher’ might have originated from their propensity to develop a nervous twitch until the rare or desired bird has been ticked off their list.

In Australia, probably the most famous “twitcher” is Sean Dooley who went on a twitch for a full year in an attempt to record the most species in Australia in a calendar year. His amazing exploits are celebrated in his book called “The Big Twitch.”

Yellow Plumed Honeyeater

Frequently Asked Questions about Birding #1

Today I start a new series of articles about birding. This is a series of questions about birding with my answers to these questions. I trust that readers will find these answers useful in helping them watch birds.
If you have any more questions just use the comments section and I will try to answer them.

On most days I will only have one question but to start off the series I will have three questions today.

1. What is birding? Birding is the hobby or pastime of watching birds, usually in the natural environment. This interest can take many forms. Some people just take notice of the birds in their environment occasionally and quite casually. These people could probably name just a few dozen different species of birds, usually just the very common ones they encounter in daily life. More serious birders will know several hundred or even a thousand different kinds of birds. The most serious bird watchers are quite deliberate about their hobby, going on excursions or trips to see birds. These people often spend a great deal of time, effort and money on travel, accommodation and equipment in relation to their birding pursuits.
2. What is a birder? A birder is someone who enjoys watching and studying birds. Anyone can be a birder. All you need is to open your eyes to see the birds all around you. In fact, you can still be a birder and be totally blind – just listen to the birds calling.
   
3. What is a bird watcher? This is just another name for a birder.

Red Capped Robin