subject: Binoculars-Spotting Scopes and Bird watching [print this page] Bird watching? Bird watching?
Migration is the regular seasonal journey, the most common pattern involves flying north in the spring and returning in the fall to wintering grounds in warmer regions to the south. Bird movements are made in response to changes in food habitat or weather. Many bird populations migrate long distances.
How when and where?
Getting Started: You can attract birds to our yards with just a little work. Planting the right flowers and bird house will attract birds
The best way to start is to go with someone who has been birding for a while. If you don't have friends that bird, try finding a local birding club. Join a group of other birders.
Chose a Bird Guide: A good bird guide has clear, easy to recognize, color illustrations.
Guided bird tours have become a major business with companies offering tours worldwide
Birding Ethics (and for travel anywhere)
> Be quiet, avoid harassment; don't disturb the birds.
> Be extra careful during the breeding season of the birds.
>Do not handle eggs or young or disturb nests.
> Follow all rules of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
> Divide larger groups of people into smaller more manageable numbers.
>Leave no litter or trash, carry it back with you.
>Try to leave the place you visit better then when you arrived, if you see trash pick it up pack it out.
>Being polite goes a long way to being invited back
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What do I need?
Remote bird watching, equipment commonly used for birding includes binoculars, a spotting scope with tripod, a notepad, and one or more field guides
Good birding binoculars are clear, powerful, rugged, easy to hold and simple to focus.
The same is true for Spotting Scopes which when mounted to a tripod are very effective.
Field of view, Size, Weight, and Cost are other factors to consider
Organizations.
National Audubon Society
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Bird Life International is an important global alliance of bird conservation organizations.
American Birding Association
Cornell Lab of Ornithology tracks bird species across North America
Summary
There are many inexpensive Binoculars and spotting scopes available to get started and many more expensive ones to chose from. Only you know what your budget is and how you will use them.
Take your time look at several, look at the features, how and where will you use them
