Look outside your window
Start birding in your own yard or any nearby patch of green.
While not infallible, experts say Merlin is a good way for beginners to start.
But good news for late sleepers: You do not have to get up early, Klockner says.
In fact, dusk is the best time to spot owls, nighthawks and whip-poor-wills, he says.
Borrow a pair of binoculars
Binoculars are one of the most important tools for birders.
Youll also need to learn how to adjust and use binoculars correctly.
To find the best pair for you, focus on two numbers.
The first is magnification; the second is the diameter in millimeters of the outside lens.
For example, binoculars rated at 8X42 would magnify an object eight times with a 42 mm lens.
The larger the lens, the more light the binoculars absorb but the heavier the weight.
That will cost you a little brightness in low light conditions, at dusk or something, he says.
But it will, for many people, be lighter and more comfortable to hold.
For example, some feature photographs, while others use illustrations.
Some, like Sibley and Audubon, have apps as well as print guides.
Experts suggest starting with a regional guide, so youre not overwhelmed.
Gedney recommends the folding laminated guides that only have 40 or so regional birds and are easy to carry.
Embrace birding technology
Bird-watching is harnessing data and digital technology in countless ways.
(Its usually at night.)
The Birdability website aims to make birding accessible to everyone.
Theres also information on adaptive birding equipment such as trail chairs and halters to hold binoculars.
Its about its posture, she says.
Is it on the ground?
Is it on a bush?
Is it up high?
Is it down low?
All of those clues will bring you to a better possibility of what that bird is youre looking at.
Open your ears
Birders use both their eyes and ears to identify a bird.
Mnemonics can help you remember a birdsong.
Birders with a musical bent may learn to hear birdsong as a specific pitch, he says.
Many bird walks are free, and some clubs organize expeditions just for beginners.
Ask if they loan binoculars.
The best advice is, Dont be intimidated.
If one group doesnt suit you, try another.
Tell someone where you are going.
Research trails and facilities before you go.
And it never hurts to tote a trash bag that can double as a poncho.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
you’ve got the option to also buy clothing and gear thats been pretreated with permethrin.
Fish and Wildlife Service report.
However, an incident in 2020 brought birders of color into the national spotlight.
Theres safety in numbers, Wilson says.
Take a moment and sit
Its OK to let the birds do the work.
But sometimes, shes happy to just sit and wait.
