What is Birding?

Birdwatching (or birding as it often called) is an exciting hobby with many benefits. Observing wild birds as they forage, raise young, and communicate with each other can be fascinating, entertaining, and sometimes awe-inspiring. Birding allows you to enjoy the outdoors in an environmentally-responsible way. Birding is also an indoor activity because birders also spend time studying field guides to learn more about the natural history of wild birds.

In addition to the health benefits of outdoor activity, many birders enjoy the company others in the field. The benefits of birding with a group include sharing observations and identification tips. Some birders occasionally prefer the meditative experience of birding alone. If you decide to give birding a try, then you won’t be alone –- not by any stretch. It has been estimated that there are 80 million birders in the United States alone!

Almost anywhere you go, there are bound to be some birds nearby. Even our most abundant urban birds display interesting behaviors that are easily observed and enjoyed - simply by taking the time to watch. Most urban-dwelling humans hardly notice the multitudes of city pigeons (Rock Doves, more precisely). Yet watching their behavior can be fascinating. Watching male pigeons strut and dance around females for their "favor" is at least as entertaining as any daytime soap opera.

Birding can also be a very inexpensive hobby. A good pair of binoculars is usually the largest investment that a birder will make. High-quality binoculars can be purchased new or used for about the same price as a pair of concert tickets. Unlike a concert, the performance presented by birds is always playing.