Beginning Birdwatching Tips

Where to Start

New to birdwatching and Wings Over Florida? Start by downloading the materials below, or order a free copy of each online.

Bird Watching Basics: Learn the tricks and tools of the trade from this handy guide to birding. Florida Bird Checklist:  Keep track of your Florida lifelist, the number of native bird species you've seen in your life in the state of Florida. Application Form: Once your life list reaches 50 birds, apply for the first level of achievement by completing and submitting this form.

Where to Go

Finding a place to go birding got a lot easier with the introduction of the Great Florida Birding Trail.  This program identifies birdwatching sites throughout the state and publishes this information for visitors in its practical guides. Download a copy online or request they be mailed to you, free of charge.  You might be surprised by the birding sites you'll find in communities near you!

Choosing Binoculars

Binoculars don't have to be expensive to greatly improve your birding experience.  If you're shopping for your first pair, consider the following:
 

The small size of compact binoculars may make them weigh less, but it also narrows their field of view (especially inexpensive models under $100). The specification number on binoculars (eg: "7x35") represent the magnification (the first number, "7") and the diameter of the objective lens (the second number, "35").  "7x35" and "8x40" binoculars are good starting sizes.  More powerful binoculars can make finding birds and scanning wide areas more frustrating. You should see one circular image through your binoculars.  If you see two, your eyepieces need to be adjusted better to fit the distance between your eyes.  Make sure any pair of optics you buy "fits" your face. For more on choosing and using optics, check out Bird Watching Basics.

Field Guides and Bird Identification

Field guides describe the appearance, distribution, behavior and songs of birds in your region.  They are organized in phylogenetic order, grouping birds by relatedness from waterbirds at the front of the book to large land birds and then small land birds at the end.  There are many guides available.  Some the most popular include:

Title:
Author:
Edition:

See Birders in Action!

Sometimes the best way to learn a skill is to watch someone else do it! To meet up with others for time spent birding in the field, try one of the following options:
 

The Audubon Society is a national organization of citizens committed to bird conservation. Local chapters hold monthly meetings and frequent field trips. Find an Audubon Chapter near you to tap into this wealth of information and expertise! Birding festivals occur year--round throughout Florida and offer an opportunity to participate in guided fieldtrips for a minimal fee. Review the listing of Florida birding festivals to find an event near you, soon!

FWC Home : Wings Over Florida Home : Birdwatching Tips