It's not easy to find a hobby you can live with throughout your lifetime, but sometimes we're lucky; if we pay attention to our own surroundings, a hobby will sometimes find us. This is true for many who discover bird-watching — after all, birds surround us whether we live in city high-rises, rural farms or suburban condos. For many, all it takes is an outing or two to get hooked.
Engaging in birding offers a trifecta of benefits at any age: improving stamina and mental awareness, appreciating nature and mastering this pastime with a short learning curve. A love of birding can be a solitary affair or it can be incorporated into a social event, like hiking. Because it can be achieved on any budget, 18 million adults enjoyed birding last year, according to the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife-Related Recreation.
What you'll need for bird-watching
When you're traipsing through the woods or marsh in search of birds, you'll want to dress comfortably. Choose lightweight pants, a hat and sunscreen. Good walking shoes and breathable socks made of merino wool, nylon or polyester are practical choices. Bring water in your backpack, plus repellent that will prepare you for ticks or stinging insects, bandages in case you trip on a tree root and a phone in the event you get lost in a sudden storm.
Birding by sight
A good pair of binoculars is essential for observing birds and will be your most expensive investment. Bird-watchers look for binocs that fit over their glasses and offer clarity of details in order to catch a glimpse quickly, without being too heavy or cumbersome.
The key is choosing the right magnification. Typically, 10x binoculars are best for viewing birds at a distance, but they may have a darker image in low light. An 8x offers a smaller image, but it can be brighter and easier for spotting birds.
If you prefer to buy used binoculars, beware of lenses with scratches or a buildup of condensation. Buy only from a reputable seller who will accept returns, online or otherwise.
Purchase the best pair you can afford — an investment of a few hundred dollars will last for many years of bird-watching.
Once you've spotted a bird, the fun is in identifying it easily. There are hundreds of smartphone apps you can buy for this purpose, but it's still worthwhile to buy a pocket-sized bird field guide or two. A good one has brightly illustrated drawings or photos of birds, along with an explanation of their calls, markings and habits, and with corresponding range maps to confirm where they live.