Archive for the ‘Bird Watching’ Category

Backyard Bird Watching

Tuesday, December 13th, 2011

You do not have to go far to enjoy the joys and happiness of bird watching. Our own backyards can serve as the fun place where new bird watchers can start learning from the basics.

To construct the best birdwatching area in your backyard, you can make use the service of bird feeders. Getting bird feeders is making sure that birds never ran out. Make sure you research how far away from each other the feeders should be. What to feed them is another thing that you should know something about.

Just like the feeders, the food that you select should depend in large part on what type of birds you are hoping to attract and where you live. Some of the more common types of bird feed are sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and thistle. Often found in a mix, pour this type of seed into a hopper type feeder to meet the needs of several different species at one backyard bird watching station.

Since you have constructed some feeders, which are very good ways of experiencing the birds on a greater level, you should ensure that the created place for backyard watching gets the complete view. Remove low hanging branches that may block your view. Do this when there are no bird around feeding on the feeders, sudden change in environment may disrupt their behaviour patterns.

Now that you are ready to begin your observations, you will find that you need some kind of magnifying device in order to see the birds better. A basic pair of binoculars to watch is usually sufficient for beginners, though you may find it better to mount a spotting scope near a bird watching picture window in your home. These optical devices will greatly increase your ability to identify birds and to get to them by their distinct markings and behaviours.

You may not consider everything you just read to be crucial information about Bird Watching. But don’t be surprised if you find yourself recalling and using this very information in the next few days.

The plant lay-out or the spacing between trees and shrubs are all important factors when taking into consideration our avian friends. It is important to consider to provide open spaces that should be well protected from wind and street noise, since these noise does not appeal to birds.

Increasing the number of plants in your backyard, guaranteed more birds will be starting to get cover. You can even try to create a layered garden to provide richness and diversity in your garden. You can add layers by planting clusters of shade loving small trees, shrubs and ground covers under taller trees. They would look a little bit close to the natural woodland.

A good thing about bird watching or keeping bird watching atmosphere in your backyard, is that your garden tends to be an organic garden. The birds helped in controlling the garden pests and diseases with an arsenal of chemicals, organic gardening balances the ecosystem healthily.

A working knowledge of organic gardening is important to a gardener intent on attracting birds and butterflies. Using plants native to your region reduces the need for pesticide use since native plants are resistant to local pets and disease.

There is nothing better than watching colourful birds fly around a native and natural garden that almost look like the bird?s natural habitat. This makes sure that birds will be coming back in our backyard. Bird watching is a pastime many people can enjoy and do without leaving your house or the city.

Of course, it’s impossible to put everything about Bird Watching into just one article. But you can’t deny that you’ve just added to your understanding about Bird Watching, and that’s time well spent.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his Perpetual20 training site for great bonuses: Perpetual20

Bird Watching in Big Bend

Monday, December 12th, 2011

Do you ever feel like you know just enough about Bird Watching to be dangerous? Let’s see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from Bird Watching experts.

Not all birds can live in the same environment. This is the reason why bird enthusiasts travel all over the country and around the world to continue this hobby. One place that is not too far and has a lot to offer is in Big Bend National Park.

Big Bend National Park is located in the Southwest corner of Texas. It is halfway between El Paso and Laredo while the Rio Grande swings southward to form a huge bend which marks the southern boundary of this national reserve. All in all, it is 1200 square miles of Chihuahuan Desert and mountain grandeur.

This makes it an excellent habitat for more than 450 species of birds, 75 species of mammals and 70 species of amphibians and reptiles. When the weather gets cold, most birds use this as a migratory flyway so you will get to see some birds that are only here once or twice a year.

Some of the birds you can encounter at the Big Bend National Park include the Band-tailed Pigeon, Black-chinned Sparrow, Colima Warbler, Crissal Thrasher, Elf Owl, Flammulated Owl, Green Kingfisher, Lucifer Hummingbird, Mexican Jay and the Pyrrhuloxia.

This is also the only place in the US that you will see the Mexican long Nosed Bat that is listed as an endangered species.

Given the parks size, there are a lot of excellent bird watching spots to check out. You can go to the Rio Grande Village, the Cottonwood campgrounds, the Chisos Basin and the Hot Springs to see the colorful golden fronted woodpecker or the Colima warbler.

I trust that what you’ve read so far has been informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.

Another ideal spot is the Ojito Adentro that is found on wayside stop #4. While you are walking, you can hear the Bell?s Vireo singing especially during early March and September. In the Spring, you will encounter the Blue Grossbeak, Canyon Bewick, Summer Tanager, Vermillion Flycatcher and the Zone tailed hawk.

Some bird species that drop by for a visit during certain months of the year include the acorn woodpeckers, ash-throated flycatchers, black-chinned and broad-tailed hummingbirds, cactus and canyon wrens, greater roadrunners, lesser nighthawks, loggerhead shrikes, northern flickers, scaled quail, Scott’s orioles, spotted sandpipers, tufted titmice, bushtits, western wood-pewees, white-throated swifts, white-winged doves and Wilson’s warblers.

The mammals you could see at the Big Bend National Park include the desert cottontails, black-tailed jackrabbits, rock squirrels, Texas antelope squirrels, Merriam’s kangaroo rats, coyotes, gray foxes, raccoons, striped skunks, mule deer, and white-tailed deer.

You should be careful when you go bird watching at the National Park. There are also a few poisonous snakes like the diamondback, the Mojave, the black tailed rattlesnake and the trans-pecos copperhead. There have also been reported sightings of Mountain Lions and Black Bears. Since the Park was opened to the public, there have only been 4 attacks on humans.

The Big Bend National Park is open all year round. More than 300,000 visitors come here annually so pack along your gear and head out for some bird watching at the Big Bend. You can camp here for a few days and even get some snapshots which you can add to your collection back home.

So you don?t get lost, you can get a Ranger to guide you around, join a nature seminar and a host of other activities that are offered at the park.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his Perpetual20 training site for great bonuses: Perpetual20

Bird Watching in Maine

Wednesday, December 7th, 2011

Bird watching is now a very popular hobby. There are several clubs and organizations that you can join and one place where you can go to see some species is in Maine.

One of your first stops could be by the great North Woods region where you will be able to see the Boreal Chickadees, Gray Jays, Olive-sided Flycatchers and the Spruce Grouse.

If you happen to travel by Maine?s Atlantic coast, you can see hundreds of puffins gathered around Machias Seal Island. With a tour guide, you can disembark from your boat and get within 4 feet of these birds. If you happen to visit this place during the migration season, you will be able to see migrating Arctic Terns.

Another great place is in Bangor that is considered to be the best bird watching spot in Maine. An example of this is the Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Here, you will be able to see the Eastern Phoebes, the Pine and Palm Warblers as well as the Yellow bellied Sapsuckers. These can be found in other parks along this area and along the riversides.

There is also the Scarborough Marsh that happens to be a 3100 acre estuary and used by many birds as a breeding, feeding and resting ground. You will surely get to see a lot of shorebirds here nourishing the marsh.

Other birds that you will see in Maine include the Bald Eagle, Barn Swallows, Black Ducks, the Canadian geese, common loons, Flickers, Golden eye Ducks, Grosbeaks, Hummingbirds, Kingfishers, Mergansers, Ornomants, Seagulls and Woodpeckers.

Is everything making sense so far? If not, I’m sure that with just a little more reading, all the facts will fall into place.

Before you go off bird watching in Maine, make sure you all your equipment with you including a map so you know how to find your way back If you get lost. If possible, take a few pictures so you can share this with others when you get back home.

You can even report what birds you have seen and submit these photos online because although some species are common in these parts, there are some rare finds that will surely be enjoyed by fellow hobbyists.

Acadia National Park is another place to go bird watching. According to the National Park Service, there have been 338 bird species that have been recorded. Through the years, this number has grown and you might just encounter one of 23 species of warblers that breed in this park.

Because of their seclude location, other birds have also used this as their nesting habitat namely the herons, harlequin ducks and purple sandpipers.

If you have a chance, don?t forget to visit the Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary in Lewiston. This is a 357 acre wildlife preserve that overlooks the city surrounded on three sides by both suburban and urban development. This place is used for schools and professionals for research which makes this open to anyone who wants to be close to nature.

For those that would like more information about bird watching in Maine, you can get in touch with the Audubon Chapters in Maine, the Mid Coast Audubon Society, the York County Audubon Society, the Nature Conservancy or the Stanton Bird Club. They are always on the lookout for new members that share the same fascination with our feathered friends and will also do whatever it takes to protect those that are endangered.

That’s the latest from the Bird Watching authorities. Once you’re familiar with these ideas, you’ll be ready to move to the next level.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his Perpetual20 training site for great bonuses: Perpetual20

Bird Watching in Arizona

Sunday, December 4th, 2011

Imagine the next time you join a discussion about Bird Watching. When you start sharing the fascinating Bird Watching facts below, your friends will be absolutely amazed.

Bird watching in Arizona in definitely a must for those who are into this kind of hobby. This is because the place offers a wide variety of birds perfect for observation such as the common ones including black and gray hawks, owls of different species such as whiskered screeches and elves, various species of hummingbirds, nightjars, trogons, flickers, woodpeckers, flycatchers, and pewees.

The place is also perfect if you want to see rare kinds of birds such as seasonal species of kingbirds, chickadees, becards, gnatcatchers, titmouses, sparrows, tanagers, and warblers.

If you are planning to go bird watching in Arizona, always make sure that you visit the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve which houses almost 300 different species of birds. If you want, you can make a schedule online and avail of the guided tours on Saturday mornings. The preserve has almost 3-mile long trail that gives you a breathtaking beauty of nature along with various species of birds nearby.

Things you need before you go bird watching in Arizona

In the United States, Arizona is one of the best places for bird watching because it has hot type of climate, which invites a vast species of birds. Because of the number of birds seen in the place, birding has become a source for recreation and tourism.

Think about what you’ve read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about Bird Watching? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?

Before you get captivated its wonderful bird life and its breathtaking landscape in this side of the state, make sure that you prepare very well the things that you might need. If you are planning to conduct bird watching in Arizona, make sure that you bring:

- Bring a bird watching guide. This is very important especially for first-time watchers because this will serve as a reference for you. The guide usually contains basic information about the place or the preserve, list of birds that are usually seen in the area, brief characteristic of common birds that can be seen in the area and tips for the first-time watchers.

- A good pair of bird watching binoculars. Although some centers provide binoculars for the viewers, it is best if you bring your own pair. This is to ensure that you will use a good pair of binoculars when coming to Arizona for bird watching. If you’re planning to buy a pair of binoculars before going there, make sure that you buy a pair that has good magnification, clear lens and focus, and good exit diameter.

- High SPF bottle of sunscreen. Since Arizona has hot weather, it is best to protect your skin especially from sunburns. In Preservation centers, you are usually asked to go on a trail that has no shade. If you want to protect your skin against too much ultraviolet rays, it is quite important to apply lots of sunscreen with high SPF.

- A notebook with pen. This is a good option especially if you want to record your observations about the birds. When you have a handy notebook and pen, you can easily jot down the characteristics of the bird and other notes about the Center easily. (TIP: Choose a notebook with plastic cover so you can protect your notes from getting wet.)

- A big bottle of water. To keep you well hydrated during bird watching in Arizona, it is best to keep a bottle of water with you at all times. Having a handy source of liquid at hand is very crucial especially if stay out in the sun for a long time in a place with hot weather.

There’s a lot to understand about Bird Watching. We were able to provide you with some of the facts above, but there is still plenty more to write about in subsequent articles.

About the Author
Bob Roberts,ex PE teacher, did not start playing golf until he was well into his 50′s but now plays two to three times a week. He knows the pitfalls a beginner faces and has written two websites targeted mainly at high handicap golfers. For more information about his tips for golf go here===> Start Playing Golf and Tips For Golf

Bird Watching in Rome Georgia

Saturday, December 3rd, 2011

Have you ever wondered if what you know about Bird Watching is accurate? Consider the following paragraphs and compare what you know to the latest info on Bird Watching.

Another place where you can do some bird watching is in Rome, Georgia. With a total land area of 59,000 square miles, you will get to encounter one of perhaps 300 plus bird species that have made this place their home.

Just to give you an idea of this state, Georgia is divided into 6 natural regions namely the Atlantic Coastal Plain, the Gulf Coastal Plain, the Piedmont, the Blue Ridge province, the Ridge and Valley province, and the Appalachian Plateaus. Given that each is different from the other, it is no wonder that it can house a varied number of species.

Of the more than 300 species, 160 of them are permanent residents of this vast land. The others migrate here and these can often be seen during the winter.

Along the coast, you will to see the Anhinga, Black Crowned Night Herons, Clapper Rails, Egrets, Least Bitterns and Wood Storks. Along the shore, you will see Dunlins, Common Snipes, Spotted Sandpipers, Sanderlings and Semipalmated Sandpipers.

In other parts of Georgia, you will encounter Black Vultures, Catbirds, Mourning Doves, Northern Mockingbirds, Northern Bobwhites and Turkey Vultures.

The state bird of Georgia is the Brown Thrasher. You won?t miss it because this usually sings while you might see Ruby Throated Hummingbirds in the garden as they enjoy being around flowers and feeders.

Other birds that you can see here are the Acadian Flycatchers, Barred Owls, Belted Kingfishers, Blue Gray Gnatcatchers, Horned Larks and Sedge Wrens. Don?t forget that there are numerous species of vireos, sparrows and warblers that have been reported as well as American Robins, Blue Jays, Eastern Meadowlarks, Fish Crows and Northern Cardinals.

Hopefully the information presented so far has been applicable. You might also want to consider the following:

Founded as a non-profit nature preserve and education center in 1986, Birdsong is dedicated to preserving and maintaining its lands in a manner that is most beneficial to wildlife, and to fostering in the public a greater understanding and appreciation of nature.

Not far from Rome, Georgia is the 565 acre center called the Birdsong Nature Center that is also host to a lot of bird species. This is mid way between Thomasville, GA and Tallahassee, Fl so don?t confine yourself to just one area and go out and explore the nearby areas.

If you go to greater Atlanta, you can visit the Cochran Shoals unit of the Chattahoochee River. There are over 60 species of birds here especially during the spring and fall migration.

Those who want to go hiking can travel to the Kennesaw Mountains. There are over 20 species of birds up there mostly warblers. While you are there, you can go the visitor?s center and get a bird checklist as well as ask if there have been any rare bird sightings.

Along Georgia?s southern coastal region is the Colonial Coast Birding Trail. There are over 300 species of birds that have been seen here so it is really a treat to see so many all in one place.

You can also call Georgia?s Ornithological Society to be informed of rare birds. This is updated on a weekly basis given that Georgia is host to many migratory species.

Hobbyists will surely have a lot of fun doing some bird watching in Rome, Georgia. Try to spend two days or more here so you don?t have to rush seeing the various sites.

About the Author
Bob Roberts,ex PE teacher, did not start playing golf until he was well into his 50′s but now plays two to three times a week. He knows the pitfalls a beginner faces and has written two websites targeted mainly at high handicap golfers. For more information about his tips for golf go here===> Start Playing Golf and Tips For Golf

Bird Watching Gifts for the Bird Enthusiast

Friday, December 2nd, 2011

Bird watching is a great hobby. You get to meet people get close to nature and know the difference between each species. If you know someone who is into this, you could surprise them on their birthday by buying them a bird watching gift.

What do bird watching enthusiasts want as gifts? To answer that, you have to know what they bring a long every time they had out into the woods.

Probably the most affordable and easiest to get is a hat. This will prevent their hair from blocking the eyes at the same time prevent them from getting sun burn in the face.

The next item could be a pair of cargo pants that has a lot of pockets so they can put snacks and other items on their sides.

A bird watching vest is another cool item to get because it has more pockets than the cargo pants. They can put their mobile phone on one pocket, snacks, water, map, and insect repellant and more on the others making it within arm?s length instead of taking this out of the back pack.

If you that their back pack is already worn out, perhaps you get can them a new one. These come in different sizes and you don?t have to get a large one because these hobbyists are supposed to travel light.

Truthfully, the only difference between you and Bird Watching experts is time. If you’ll invest a little more time in reading, you’ll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to Bird Watching.

Perhaps the most expensive thing to buy for the bird enthusiast is a pair of binoculars. This is because of the lens that allows the user to see farther and wider. There are even some models that allow the person to interchange the lens while the more high tech ones allows you to see in the dark, capture photos and videos.

A bird watching journal is also a nice gift to get because the hobbyist records what was seen and how many they were. In the years ahead, they will surely write more birds down and they would need another booklet to record this down.

Another great idea is to get the person a one year subscription to a bird watching magazine. This is published monthly or on a quarterly basis and they will be able to see pictures of birds in places that they have never been before like the Antarctic, the Amazon, Africa and somewhere in the Atlantic or Pacific.

If you think that buying bird watching gear as a gift is all you can buy, think again. Those who can spare some cash can send the person off on a bird watching vacation perhaps up north in Canada or down to South America. You have to remember that there are hundreds of bird species and not all of them can live in the climate in the US.

So which one should you buy first? Well, you have to talk to the person first and see what they don?t have or where they have never gone. A small conversation will already give you several ideas and you just have to pick the right one that is within your budget and meaningful to the recipient.

Who knows? It?s possible that during the course of your shopping, you might learn to appreciate the hobby. Instead of supporting that person, you soon join them on excursions. That is perhaps the best bird watching gift to ever give anyone because you are able to do something together.

Sometimes it’s tough to sort out all the details related to this subject, but I’m positive you’ll have no trouble making sense of the information presented above.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

Prince Edward Island – A Must for Bird Watching Enthusiasts

Friday, December 2nd, 2011

The Prince Edward Island holds the same name as the Canadian province where it is located. The national park is a haven for many bird species and a delight for bird watching enthusiasts.

Such natural beauty this place has that birds and people flock around to enjoy what the site has in store for its visitor. The rolling hills, untouched forests, ocean coves and its red soil is what make this place stand out for its beauty. You could only wonder in amazement that such place exists.

Prince Edward Island, the Province
Its government is now trying to enact laws to be able to preserve the place and prevent further damage from happening in the area which was brought about by the lack of zoning and planning for land use within the province that has resulted to some unpleasant aesthetic development in recent times.

Did you know that the author of the classic novel entitled “Anne of Green Gables,” Lucy Maud Montgomery, got her inspiration for the settings and backgrounds of the story from the Prince Edward Island? It was done during the Victorian era. What was envisioned in the book can still be felt now. This island seems to be waiting for artists to draw their inspiration from its captivating beauty. Not only that, the place is now a favorite for tourists for relaxation activities like going to the beaches, golfing, eco-tourism experience, while enjoying all the sights and seeing on the cultural events within its local communities.

The slow-paced kind of life in the place rural areas is really what draws in more tourists as they can enjoy their vacation and truly relax in the process. This factor gives the impression of something like an old world flavor for most of the tourists that frequent it.

Most of this information comes straight from the Bird Watching pros. Careful reading to the end virtually guarantees that you’ll know what they know.

Most communities in the rural areas of the Prince Edward Island get their living through small-scale type of agriculture. The reason for this is that the size of the farm areas in the vicinity is indeed small especially if you compare it to the other areas in Canada. Although today, industrial farming is slowly being adopted in the area as the old farms become consolidated and likewise modernized.

The Coast of Prince Edward Island
This is the frequent stop of bird watchers in the area. The island’s coastline has long beaches, dunes and cliffs made out of sandstones. Rolling hills can be found along its landscape. And it has a lot of bays and also harbors.

The islanders take their responsibility as guardians of the precious nature surrounding them. They only give back for whatever the place has also bestowed them through agriculture, abundant fisheries and, of course, tourism.

There are said to be about 333 kinds of birds that can be found in the area. There is really something for everyone to enjoy here. The bird watchers will have a feast with what’s in store for them at this paradise.

Bird watching is only one of the many things that a tourist can enjoy at the Prince Edward Island. It is really a must-see place to experience such oneness with nature. Don’t forget your binoculars and a heart set out for nature once you’ve had the chance to check it out.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his Perpetual20 training site for great bonuses: Perpetual20

Basic Bird Watching Apparel – The Must-Haves

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

The following article presents the very latest information on Bird Watching. If you have a particular interest in Bird Watching, then this informative article is required reading.

In anything you do, it is better if you are geared up for an activity before it even starts so that you’ll be able to give your best once you are into it. Same is true when it comes to bird watching.

Which One?
Are you are birdwatcher or a birder? The birdwatchers do such activity for fun. They are fond of the birds but they also want to enjoy the sights. They do their observation even without the help of any kit but, of course, they won’t say no to a binocular but doesn’t really mind its class or type. They are doing the activity to relax. And they can do such wherever they please, including at their own backyards.

The birders are serious about the activity. They don’t merely want to observe, they want to learn and share that knowledge for the world to know. They study each and every movement of each and every species of the birds they encounter. They would go the extra mile to seek out new territories, to find out new kinds of birds and to study such further.

Between the two types of bird watching enthusiast, birders require the more apparel to them because of their purpose for doing the act. Those things that the birders need to have can also be used by the birdwatchers but they aren’t really particular about such stuff.

Geared Up
The basic needs of a person involved in this activity are, of course, the binoculars, spotting scope would also be helpful especially the kind with tripod, notepad wherein to keep their journal and field guides.

If your Bird Watching facts are out-of-date, how will that affect your actions and decisions? Make certain you don’t let important Bird Watching information slip by you.

The binoculars become so popular with bird watching activity that manufacturers even came up with the type that is intended only for this action. This tool helps one see the birds clearly. Although the good ones cost more than the simpler versions, it is advisable to invest on such especially if you are doing this activity with such passion and you feel the need to know more and more about the birds that you are observing or have already seen.

Purchasing a spotting scope with a tripod is like declaring the passion to a different level. Now, you’re proving to be more serious about what you’re doing and that you want to see more clearly than what the binoculars can do. Spotting scopes are actually telescopes, this is why its view can reach father. This type is mounted on a tripod for the user’s easy navigation.

The field guides can be useful for someone who’s into the activity to know where to go, to ascertain where to look and to help them easily locate what they are looking for. They can keep as many depending on where they have been or where they plan to go.

A notepad is also a bird watcher’s best friend. They can document on it, jot down their observation, list down the things that are bogging them and note what they what to find out in future research.

As days go by, the bird watching apparel available in the market becomes more and more complicated but likewise helpful for the enthusiasts. It is advisable to invest on good quality even though the cost is higher because in the long run, you’ll benefit more from such because it will last longer.

About the Author
Bob Roberts,ex PE teacher, did not start playing golf until he was well into his 50′s but now plays two to three times a week. He knows the pitfalls a beginner faces and has written two websites targeted mainly at high handicap golfers. For more information about his tips for golf go here===> Start Playing Golf and Tips For Golf

Birdwatching 101

Wednesday, November 30th, 2011

Some people want to try bird watching but hesitate for several reasons. They think that bird watching is an expensive hobby, one that would require costly gear and equipment. Hence, they miss out on an enjoyable and sometimes wondrous experience. But you do not need fancy equipment just to enjoy nature and observe colourful feathered creatures. Here are a few things you should know if you are thinking of starting bird watching as a hobby or even just as a leisure activity.

Clothing should suit the weather in which you are going bird watching. If it is the cold season, then of course you would have to venture out in thick clothing. Wear layers of warm clothing, gloves, socks, a scarf, anything that can protect you from the cold. Remember that sometimes you would need to watch and wait for quite a time to spot a bird or wait for one to come near you. So, preparing for the kind of weather you might find yourself bird watching in would not be a terrible thing to do.

Another tip is to wear camouflage clothing. Wear clothes whose color blend in with the surroundings, such as green. But you need not overdo it and look like you had just come out of a military exercise. You can also blend in by not wearing bright or shocking colors that will alert birds of your presence. Keep any sparkling or shiny items as well.

Another essential item to bring with you while bird watching is a notebook and a pen. This is where you record your observations; you can even do some sketches of the birds you will see.

Of course, there is the guidebook, which contains information on the different kinds of birds you can possibly encounter. Choose a guidebook that is small and lightweight since you will be bringing it with you out in the field.

You may not consider everything you just read to be crucial information about Bird Watching. But don’t be surprised if you find yourself recalling and using this very information in the next few days.

Bring a camera that is lightweight and which has an optical zoom of at least 4x magnification. Don?t settle with your digital zoom. Digital zoom is practically useless since what it does is not actually magnify the image but rather creates pixels to make the magnified image smoother or less pixelized.

A good thing to bring during bird watching trips is a sound recorder. This is to record bird sounds or bird calls. Eventually, when you?re good enough, you can identify the birds by their calls alone.

Looking for place to go bird watching is not that difficult. If there are wooded or open areas with trees or bushes, you can go there and see birds. If you have a yard, you can set up a bird feeder to attract birds. Bird watching is essentially a waiting game so be patient. All you need to do is sit and wait.

To give you some tips on the proper baits to set up to attract the most varied kinds of birds. Hummingbirds, for example, target red, pink and orange flowers. They particularly like the trumpet vines or other tubular-flowered plants. Or if you lack the flowers, a bird feeder containing water and sugar could attract these fast flying birds.

Even if bird watching is relatively tame stuff compared to other hobbies, it is still vital that you learn the basics. Bird watching 101 should not only about the joys of bird watching but rather would help prepare for the tasking yet fun-filled day.

So now you know a little bit about Bird Watching. Even if you don’t know everything, you’ve done something worthwhile: you’ve expanded your knowledge.

About the Author
Monica Flower likes to take courses about floral arrangements. Discover the secrets of flower arrangements by visiting www.flower-arranging-courses.net, a blog about top flower arranging courses and best flower arranging classes.

Bird Watching in Los Angeles

Sunday, November 27th, 2011

This article explains a few things about Bird Watching, and if you’re interested, then this is worth reading, because you can never tell what you don’t know.

Some of you might think that it is impossible to do some bird watching in Los Angeles or in any other city. But there are places that you can visit making it possible for you to enjoy this hobby.

The first is the Arboretum of Los Angeles County. This is a 127 acre garden that is blooming with plant and tree life making it a perfect location for some birds to live on. Here, you will get to see 200 peafowl birds that were imported from India and some peacocks.

Another place is the Los Angeles Oiled Bird Care and Education Center. This is a 10,000 square foot facility that can accommodate 1,000 birds at a time.

Approximately 40,000 children visit this place every year. Guests will be able to see two large outdoor aviaries that house pelicans. They even have a hospital for birds that have been found and brought in for care by viewing the monitor.

You can also visit the Audubon Center at Debs Park. Considered as one of the greenest buildings in the nation, it houses coyotes and about 138 species of birds.

Of course, one place that you cannot miss to do some bird watching is the Los Angeles Zoo.

Truthfully, the only difference between you and Bird Watching experts is time. If you’ll invest a little more time in reading, you’ll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to Bird Watching.

Examples of these include the Andean Condor, African Fish Eagle, Chilean Flamingo, Egret, Mandarin Duck, Laughing Kookaburra, plush crested Jay, Military Macaw, Red Knobbed Hornbill, Sacred Ibis, Thick billed parrot, Ostrich, Congo Peacock, Blue Peafowl, Common Rave, Roseate Spoonbill, Black Swan, Inca Tern, Lady Ross?sTuraco, Cape Vulture, Cape Griffon Vulture and a lot more.

But if you want to do some bird watching without paying any entrance or parking fees, drive around the city and you just might see some especially around the UCLA campus that is on the Westwood area of Los Angeles.

You may also find birds in the flood control basins of Los Angeles particularly near the Montebello Hills and near the Hansen Dam. Here you will find Nighthawks, Roadrunners, Costa?s Hummingbirds, Cactus Wren and the Loggerhead Shrike.

The Boreal forest is also home to 60 species of birds especially during the migrating season and during the winter. You could see Surf and white winged scoters diving for clams and mussels along Newport Beach or the Golden crowned Sparrow all the way from Canada?s Yukon.

If you like bird watching, you can join groups that sponsor trips and training to their fellow members. Some of them are the Los Angeles Audubon Society, the West Los Angeles Bird Club, the Parrot Society of Los Angeles and the Gold Country Bird Society. Meetings are held monthly. You can post questions by emailing them or visiting their website.

When you bird watching by yourself or with a group, make sure you to bring all the equipment you need like a pair of binoculars, a pen, a journal, a hat, backpack and even a digital camera. You could share this information with the other members during the next meeting so you become an active participant not just someone who sits in the back and just listens to what other people have to say.

The places mentioned just goes to show that it is still possible to do some bird watching in Los Angeles even if it is a bustling city. So check these places out and have some fun.

About the Author
By Wilson Chew, feel free to visit his site:Free Infomation Home





Search