Introducing the fascinating hobby of Birdwatching

Birds are the most visible form of wildlife, they are found in every part of the world that is not permanently covered by ice, and you can see them in any weather, any time of day or night, anywhere you go. Whether you live in the country or the city, there are birds nearby, 835 species of birds spend at least part of the year in North America. You can go out looking for birds or attract them to your home. Birding is one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities all around the world. The Verb ‘To Bird' would serve as an excellent jumping off point for a feature, which highlights the growing popularity of birding. More than 70 million Americans are feeding and watching backyard birds.

Success in bird watching is, to a large extent, based on location, either by venturing to locations or habitats where birds are plentiful, or by devising ways to attract birds to your own back yard. Birds seen at a distance may be enjoyable to watch, but the true excitement of the hobby is greatly enhanced when you can see the birds up very close. Some of the most useful tools that enhance your bird-watching experience are those that makes birds easier to see in striking detail.

There are numerous ways to participate in the hobby of birding. Aside from simply viewing birds in nature, avid enthusiasts engage in numerous other activities. Some of those may include: feeding birds, providing nesting sites or birdhouses, growing specialized plants and gardens to attract birds, traveling to nature sanctuaries and other bird-watching locales, keeping lists and notes on birds seen in the wild, making diagrams and sketches and spending hours trying to snap the perfect photograph of a favorite bird species. In order to enhance your beautiful experience of bird watching in winter one can learn bird’s song. Birds’ strongest senses are sight and hearing, and they have evolved ways to communicate and to recognize their own species by using signals based on those two senses. Because we are also creatures of sight and sound, we can tap right into all the fascinating distinctions of color and shape that birds embody, and just as naturally we can appreciate the sounds that are so important in their lives. As you begin to recognize bird songs, your own backyard will become a much more interesting place.

For me, it was like gaining supernatural vision, being able to see through the leaves and around buildings. I was amazed at how many birds were all around me and how much I had been missing out on. To broaden your bird-watching experience beyond your own backyard, consider incorporating some bird-rich locales into your next vacation. Serious bird enthusiasts actually plan trips around visiting bird sanctuaries, nature parks and other natural locations where they can view birds in large numbers, in diversity of species and in their native habitats. Traveling to a region of the country other than the one in which you live will allow you to see species you may have never seen before.

Try to observe the birds so they don't know you are there. Move slowly, make as little noise as possible, and keep your distance. Going too close to a nest or repeatedly scaring a bird off its nest can cause the parents to abandon their nest leaving the eggs vulnerable to predators. Do not touch the eggs or young birds. Avoid trampling fragile natural areas to get a closer look. Stay on paths and trails. Don't litter. Now once you have started on the bird watching its important to build bird house, start the proper bird-feeding all year around, provide them with water either through bird bath or providing water specially in extreme weathers. In this way the birds would be attracted and would keep coming back to the backyard.

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

Paul is Head of Training for a major UK Charitable Organisation with a wealth of experience in personal development, management development, e-learning and operational management. In addition he owns PK eBooks (www.pk-ebooks.co.uk) and has just published a series of Bird Watching eBooks which can be found at www.pk-ebooks.co.uk/birding_for_everyone.htm

Off to See the Birds

Three are many different ways that you can go about building your bird house. If you want your kids to have some input, it is important for the design to remain simple.

Just like recognizing certain characteristics and habits of people you can do the same with birds, which ultimately makes identifying them much easier. These characteristics are shape, size, color, flight pattern and where they're seen, to name just a few. You're now armed with the education you really should have to make an educated buying decision!

Bird droppings can become very erosive, and the longer they sit on your cage, the more damage can occur. Even the best brand name cages will only last 3-4 years if not appropriately taken care of. Know What Species to Expect. There are approximately 900 species of birds in the United States and recognizing each of them is nearly impossible. So when you visit an area, do a little research first.

Off to See the Birds

Going on a birdwatching holiday? You are not alone. Bird enthusiasts number more than 50 million in America alone and a huge percentage of this crowd actively seek out birds in their territories to go on birdwatching trips. There are hundreds of companies offering birdwatching holidays, some even go on over 25 birding tours per year. International birdwatching tour companies even take bird lovers to Mexico and Alaska and as far away as India, Africa, Brazil and Peru.

So what happens on birdwatching holidays? People pay good money to go on birding trips.

Choosing a birdwatching holiday.

There are birdwatching companies who offer nothing else other than birding and there are also organizations that run tours that include lectures, such as those at universities, clubs and museums. Whichever you choose will depend on what type of holiday you prefer.

Ask a friend or family who has been to a birdwatching tour. If there is no one else, pick a known company to tour with. If you’re a newbie, it’s best to stick with a tried and tested group. Call them up or look up their sites on the internet to check their services.

Tour price.

Most bird watchers are not experts on our fine feathered friends from the start. Come find out more! Try this before you go; lower your binoculars to your side and very quickly raise them to find and follow a jet airliner across the sky. After only a few attempts, you’ll get good at quickly acquiring your target. Quite often, birds are visible for only a few seconds, practice to become proficient. If you are buying an actual antique, prepare to pay a hefty price. Be on the lookout, though, at garage sales and flea markets. Sometimes you can find an undiscovered treasure for mere pennies. Most families immediately think that they can choose between getting a cat or a dog simply because those are the most popular pets to have. Before you run out and purchase the perfect kitten or puppy, consider choosing a bird to be your family pet instead.

To fill up your hummingbird feeder, remove the cap holding the prescription vial on and fill it up with nectar and replace the cap. Closed tightly, turn the prescription vial upside down as quickly as you can.

Let me explain; birds are a lot like us, they want space, they want sunlight, they want to look around. I recommend getting a cage with wheels so you can move your bird from place to place and give them a change of scenery.

Depending on the location, tour prices can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars; and the same length and location can be offered at a lower price by another company. Some things that affect tour prices are group size and services. Some of the best group tours are those with small sized groups because they are easier to organize, more quiet and they can interact more with the leader. They are also way more expensive so companies compromise with 6-10 or 8 - 16 participants. The larger group normally has two leaders.

Services can include airfares, transfers, food and lodging. The price will depend on what is included in the tour.

Location

Make sure that you are well informed of the physical demands of the tours because some of them may be strenuous. Your outfit should conform to the demands of the surrounding, especially in summer, when the heat is intense. Bring hats, proper clothing, sunscreen and insect repellants.

Bring your tools. No birdwatching holiday is complete without binoculars or a telescope. Bring one with the proper magnification to let you enjoy the sights. Bring a camera, notebook and pen and maybe even a field guide to help you identify the birds. Other than these, bring your sense of wonder and enjoy the sights.

How do bird watchers strive to entice birds to their yards? Find out at http://www.bird-watch.info This is a tricky dilemma when shopping for a bird cage, but here is the general rule of thumb; the bigger the better, as long as the bar spacing isn't too wide. So what is too wide of a bar spacing?

Do not buy a generic bird cage, it will most likely come without a manual, without a tech support phone number, and without a decent warranty.

Department stores and discount stores sometimes offer sales on bird cages. Check the advertising section of your local newspaper. We may have the best intentions to let our bird spend most of his time out of the cage. But there will still be times when he needs to be in his cage.

Just like people, birds get hot and thirsty. Especially during the blistering summer months, your favorite flying friends may be roasting in their feathers. Help out your local birds and provide them with a shady spot to splash, play, bathe, and drink--a bird bath!

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

About the Author:
If you are a new bird watcher, we urge you to joing a bird watching forum.

The National Geographic Birdfeeders Offer Great Variety To The Backyard Bird Watcher

The nice thing about National Geographic birdfeeders is that you can be assured that they come with great provenance. Sure, you can walk into any local pet store and find bird feeders of all sorts. But do they work well--have they been vetted--that is the question.

With National Geographic birdfeeders the variety is wonderful and the workmanship well worth the shipping cost, which one must consider when ordering off the internet. For instance, you can find feeders with a sturdy wire cage around them so that little birds can hide inside and not be bothered by larger, shall we say obnoxious, visitors?!

The website http://shop.nationalgeographic.com also has a variety of other National Geographic birdfeeders for those who are concerned about needing weatherproof or squirrelproof feeders. There is no need to have your precious seeds go moldy. You don’t go to the trouble and expense of buying quality seed just to have rain get in and start sprouting seeds! It’s not a seed sprouter you’re interested in -- it’s supposed to be a dry seed feeder!

And as for our four-legged squirrel ‘friends’, yes, they were created with the same inalienable rights as birds by the Creator. The proviso is: NIMBY! You can even find squirrel feeders on the website, but even better, you can find National Geographic birdfeeders that are squirrel PROOF.

If you’ve fed birds for any length of time, you know how much a squirrel loves sunflower oil seed. After all, they are smart critters. But we are not interested in feeding squirrels high quality seed. We might provide some corn and make them do tricks for it for our entertainment, but not for sunflower seeds! There is a fine squirrel-proof example among the National Geographic birdfeeders on the site.

Also offered among the National Geographic birdfeeders is a unique hummingbird feeder mobile! It has three glass balls that can be filled with red sugar water. The balls turn around each other in the wind and with the attentions of the hummingbirds. Give it a look. It’s a delicate and enchanting piece of sculpture in motion.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

About the Author:
Looking for fun tips about critters? Visit www.backyard-critters.com today

Kenya safari, an insight into a lodge or camping safari holiday

Kenya, the land where safari was born, also known as the cradle of mankind, is a land of unashamed splendor and great contrast. From the highlands of central Kenya to the great Rift valley and its resident lakes across to the second largest lake in the world; Lake Victoria further south to the elephants of Amboseli and a spectacular view of Africa’s highest point Mount Kilimanjaro and down to the cost where the shimmering white sands of the beaches of the Indian Ocean and ancient culture of millennia passed is still alluring to the traveler to this day.

The country is inhabited by over 40 different tribes and has over 76 different languages spoken. It’s also famous for its friendly and welcoming people.

Kenya safaris are designed to help a vacationer traverse the amazing landscape with the least hustle possible. On a safari you get to visit the savannahs of Kenya including the seventh wonder of the world “The great wildebeest migration” in the Maasai Mara, Kenya’s’ best known game reserve and arguably the best game reserve in the whole world. You get to see a plethora of wildlife including the “big five” elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo. For birding enthusiasts, there are over 1400 species recorded here, I can count over 20 species even before I leave my leafy home!

A popular add on to the safari experience in Kenya is a beach stay on the wonderful tropical beaches of Mombasa, this is the perfect opportunity to relax in the sun and take in the relaxed atmosphere of Mombasa and its culture.

Kenya safaris offer a wonderful holiday for those wildlife lovers, they can be done to suit most budgets and offer a fascinating insight in to Kenya and its spectacular wildlife.

I dare not forget the cultural hub that Nairobi is to the flamingo lakes Nakuru, Naivasha and Elementaita. You get to see endangered animals like the reticulated giraffe, rhino and Elephants of the Tsavo. To crown it all, the family of cats; lion, cheetah, and the elusive leopard. They just had to make “The big cat diary” in Kenya!

Campers will love Kenya safaris, from basic camping facilities to luxurious private luxury tented camps with all modern amenities in the bush hundreds of kilometers away from civilization, there is choice for everyone according to your budget. You can also reside in the luxurious lodges located in every game reserve and national park in the country.

Robert Murigi is the Safari Director Explorer Kenya Tours & Travel, a Kenya based environment friendly and responsible and sustainable tourism Safari Company. We organize safaris that are beneficial to the community around the area where they take place. Safaris include; Lodge and camping safaris, hotel booking, luxury tented safaris, bird watching, family safaris and mountain climbing Click here http://www.explorerkenya.com for comprehensive Kenya safari information for all travelers’ offers. Click here http://www.explorerkenya.com/lodge_main.html
For Kenya lodge safari offers and http://www.explorerkenya.com/camping_main.html


A visit to Kenya is indeed a lifetime experience. Those who have been here always talk with a sense of nostalgia and make a point of visiting the country on any opportunity they can get – Kenya in Earnest Hemmingway’s words “unknowable, unimaginable, unbelievable…..and completely unforgettable”


Source: http://www.a1articles.com

Things to Check Before Going Birding

If you enjoy bird watching, sooner or later you are going to be heading out on field trips. While they can be a blast, there are a couple of things to check up on before you head out.

A field trip is pretty much a staple of active birding. You identify a good area by reading up on them in birding magazines. Once you select one, you need to take a couple basic steps to make sure you are going to have a good experience instead of a miserable time.

Did you know that more than a few birders have been killed while on field trips? Okay, it is a small number, but one is too many. The problem? Hunting season! Unfortunately, there are a fairly finite number of areas that are still natural habitats. If there are excellent bird watching spots, they often are within a hunting area. Not always, but it is important to find out before you stroll out into the shooting zone. Make sure to check with local licensing authorities so you avoid becoming a tragic accident. If Dick Cheney could shoot his friend standing next to him, you could be mistaken as a moose.

It is amazing how many people take off on trips without checking the weather. If Monsoon Charlie is barreling in on the day of your trip, take a rain check. Standing in the rain and mud is not fun and you are not going to see much. In fact, the best time to hit your spot is immediately after the storm, so take a day to let the storm play itself out.

It is difficult to hold your binoculars steady while also trying to swat your neck. You need to assume insects are going to be an issue on the trip. You are, after all, in their habitat! The key is to know what type of insect you are most likely to run into. Chiggers are little biters found in tall grass areas. Ticks and mosquitoes should be assumed to be present. Black flies are less frequent, but a pain in the butt. To avoid these problems, tuck you pants in your socks, wear a bandana around your neck and use insect repellent. All Terrain makes natural insect repellent that is good for birding because it does not decay your gear, particularly nylon threading and filaments found in jackets.

Finally, skin cancer is a threat to all of us. Make sure you wear sunscreen on all exposed surfaces. This is particularly true for the back of your neck. A hat is also a wise idea. It keeps your scalp protected and keeps the sun out of your eyes.


Source: http://www.a1articles.com

Things To Take When Bird Watching

Once you get hooked on bird watching, you will start getting up early and heading out on field trips. You will see have some tremendous sightings, but you need to take some things will you.

In most cases, the best birding happens at the crack of dawn when feeding and such is occurring. This, of course, means you must get up and drive at the crack of dawn. If you do not prepare the day before, you can rush off without some vital things. Here are a couple you should make sure to take with you.

Pens and Pencils – I can’t tell you how many times I have driven off with out the old writing utensils! Of course, I only discover this after I hike out to wherever I am going. This requires me to hike back and try to find a convenience store that has them. It takes time, is frustrating and often leads to me missing prime sighting time. Take them with you. In fact, take a couple of each so you don’t have any problems.

Driver’s License and Registration – Most people head into the field on weekends. Driving somewhere on a Saturday morning at 6:00 am is generally not normal. Police are inherently suspicious of such people, so you can plan on being pulled over at some point. Basically, they assume you have been drinking or doing something illegal. Have your license and registration ready. I also keep my binoculars on the seat and make sure to tell them what I am doing. Once they realize I am not drunk or a coke dealer, they let me go without a ticket. Make sure you handle such situations delicately.

Foooood! – You will never take enough. Every birder knows this. You could pack three backpacks full and it still would not be enough. Nonetheless, try to take plenty and always make sure you have plenty of water. Yes, water is heavy, but thirst and dehydration are worse.

Passport – If you are at some exotic destination outside of your country, make sure you have the old passport with you. Tourists are expected to get up around the crack of noon, not be driving around at 5 am. Bring along a book with pictures of birds. The police are going to assume you are up to something fishy, and many have never heard of bird watching. You need to explain the concept to them, show them the book and preferably have your binoculars hanging around your neck. This is particularly true in South America. Trust me on this one.

Birding in the morning is both serene and a good time to add to your life list. Just make sure you are prepared for all eventualities!

Source: http://www.a1articles.com

8 Simple Tips For Keeping Your Pet Birds Health.

1. Birds need to eat a nutrionally sound diet in order to live a long life. Improper feeding can lead to malnutrition and disease resulting in a shorter lifespan. Start off by feeding your bird right from the beginning.

2. Parrots and birds of the parrot family can eat a variety of different kinds of foods. Seeds should not be a parrot’s only food. This is a mistake many new bird owners make. Seeds contain mostly fat and not enough protein and very few vitamins.

3. Birds can eat most table foods but it is best to stick to healthy items including items containing whole grains, pretzels, and whole wheat pastas and bread. Foods high in fat should be avoided. Never feed them avocados as they are toxic to birds.

4. Good sources of nutrition for your bird include beans and legumes as well as various vegetables and fruits. Some birds resist new foods at first while others are open to trying many new things. Although it may take some time keep trying to introduce your bird to a variety of healthy foods.

5. Changes to a bird’s diet should be done slowly and progressively over time. Provide fresh foods twice per day for approximately an hour each time. Be careful not to leave fresh food in the bird’s cage too long as it will develop bacteria which can make your bird sick.

6. Your bird should be fed two times per day. This will result in your bird getting hungry which will make it more active. Also, a good appetite can make it more likely that your bird will try new foods. Feeding at set times twice per day will also allow you to be able to monitor how much your bird is eating. If your bird is not eating well this can tell you that it is not feeling well or has a health problem.

7. If your bird is a picky eater and you cannot get it to eat a varied diet you can try warming or cooking the vegetables. Take away seeds except at meal time until your bird starts eating healthy foods on a regular basis.

8. Just as water is necessary for people it is also necessary for healthy birds. Keep your bird’s water dish filled with fresh, clean water at all times. Bird bowls can become very dirty and should therefore be cleaned each day with hot soapy water. Once every other week you should clean your bird’s water dish with a solution containing bleach. Also make it a point to pick up some water soluble bird vitamins at the local pet store and add vitamins to your birds water daily.

Birds make wonderful pets for the whole family and they can live a long time if taken care of properly. Proper care of birds includes maintaining a healthy diet of seeds, vegetables and fruit.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

About the Author:
Robert Michael is a writer for Las Birds which is an excellent place to find birds links, resources and articles. For more information go to: www.lasbirds.com