In Praise of Bird Watching

The beauty of birds and their almost miraculous power of flight have always intrigued people the world over

. In days long ago the Romans considered bird calls and flights to be omens and study them to foretell the future. Nowadays too modern studies of the changes in bird populations can be used to monitor the state of health of the environment.

Birding gives expression to one of our basic instincts, the search for knowledge. Birding is all about gaining knowledge about identifying birds, their behaviour, their songs and the way they connect with the rest of the natural world. Birders can enjoy the pleasure of exercising this fascinating lore and at the same time often are able to contribute to the body of knowledge on ornithology through their amateur but dedicated observations.

There are some birds which are indicator species, like the USA's

national bird, the bald eagle. Study of these birds can help to forecast environmental

conditions. This is one way in which good information about birds can help us plan a better, more sustainable relationship with nature.

It may be that because birds are so accessible that we find ourselves fascinated by them. Whenever we go out of doors birds are about. They sleep when we sleep and are most are active during daylight hours, just as we usually are.

The way we arrange our gardens around our homes, with shrubs, plants and water for our own pleasure is also very suited to birds. When we add to our gardens with bird feeders and bird houses this makes our space even more attractive to birds who then very visibly join us in sharing it.

Birders love the quest for novelty and are happy to travel miles and wait for hours patiently in order to spot a rare or shy bird. Many birds range over a wide area but birds of one country tend to be rather different from birds in another. In this way, even if you have found that the birds on your home ground have become familiar and a little ordinary, you will be delighted to see quite different birds when travelling abroad.

The beauty of birds never ceases to amaze and delight. They provide a moving picture of shapes and wonderful colour. We are charmed by the huge variety of hues and patterns and their graceful flight. With practice it is very gratifying to be able to identify and enjoy the different bird calls and song.

Bird watching is great fun. It gives a point to going walking and is a healthy activity that almost anyone can enjoy. Even if you are not able to venture out of your own garden a well placed bird feeder will allow you to have a good view of the local bird life.

For those who prefer their own company birding is the ideal solitary activity. You can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of nature and allow your senses to expand with no other intrusion. Birding is an activity which adapts to companionship as well as solitude if the interest is shared and enjoyed.

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It's possible that you may find yourself becoming rather obsessive about birding, getting up earlier in the morning to allow yourself time for birding before starting work. You may find you are starting to concentrate on bird friendly plants in your garden, eliminating chemicals which are harmful, installing feeders and bird baths, all because of the fascination which is growing for these beautiful creatures.

In Praise of Bird Watching

By: Evangeline Auld

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