Habitat Tours

  • Resources
    • About Tawharanui
    • Blog
  • Gallery
    • Photos
    • Videos
  • ABOUT US
    • Sponsorship & Conservation
    • Company Overview
    • Testimonials
    • Terms And Conditions
  • Sustainability & Conservation
  • Resources
    • About Tawharanui
    • Blog
  • Gallery
    • Photos
    • Videos
  • ABOUT US
    • Sponsorship & Conservation
    • Company Overview
    • Testimonials
    • Terms And Conditions
  • Sustainability & Conservation

Habitat Tours Blog

How to become a birder

10/3/2016

0 Comments

 
How to become a birder
 
If you love birds, you already have every reason you need to become a birder. This hobby is a fantastic one that will introduce you to new people, take you all over the world, and will keep you fit while you’re at it.
 
So how can you take the next step and become a birder?
 
Step one: Do your research
 
The first thing you will need is a field guide. There are plenty of books available on birds you might find in your country or region, and you’ll need to get your hands on one and start getting acquainted.
 
These books will provide a detailed list of birds, including photos or images of what they look like, where you might find them, when you are best to spot one, and other useful information such as rarity and eating habits.
 
Spend time reading through this book, and continuing further research online and through television shows such as David Attenborough’s ‘Life of Birds’, which is a fascinating and comprehensive guide to these creatures all over the world.
 
Step two: Get the right gear
 
You’ll need everything you would expect you would if you were to take up hiking as a serious hobby. You’ll need sturdy walking shoes, a backpack, comfortable exercise gear, a sunhat or two, and a full set of waterproof clothing for rainy days. Of course, you will also need a good set of binoculars, and if you’re keen to capture your adventures in film, a quality camera, too.
 
Part of this step is to also ensure you have the fitness to spend hours walking. It may be a good idea to start including a few walks a week to build up your strength and endurance.
 
Step three: Make a plan
 
At this stage, you already have everything you need to walk out your front door and start spotting birds. However, there will only be so much you can achieve by taking random walks on occasion.
 
Use your field guide to map out routes you want to achieve, birds you want to see, and trips you want to take over the coming months. Giving yourself achievable goals like this will help make the monumental task of spotting the thousands of birds out there a much more manageable one.
 
You plan might start with local birds in your local area, then include weekends away to nearby destinations, before finally working up to international trips – such as a visit to New Zealand for a birding tour in Auckland with us!
 
Step four: Find a support group
 
Birding is often so much more enjoyable when you can share your successes (and frustrations) with fellow birders and enthusiasts. Do some research into any local communities, as well as the many that are online, and find a group of similarly passionate people.
 
You may also want to sign up for digital or print magazines. For example, the National Audubon Society in the US is one of the world’s largest and most respected birding groups that also offers a magazine subscription, as well as online news and articles. 
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Tristan Cullen - Passionate Conservationist

    Categories

    All
    Auckland Tourist Attractions
    Bird Sounds
    Geocahes Auckland
    Insiders Guide
    New Zealand Flora
    Tawharanui Views

    Archives

    October 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    August 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013

    RSS Feed

Picture
Picture
Follow Us
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Contact Us
​

International Calls: +64 21 422 707 
Email us on info@habitattours.co.nz  


Translate Site
Picture
© Habitat Tours Ltd  |  All Rights Reserved  |  Design by PublicEye Creative