I love these. I started birding this spring and my oldest kid is getting into it too. I love identifying the birds and the thrill I get from seeing one I haven't seen yet. I just went back to where I grew up, walked around a park for an hour (at midday even!) and saw like 8 species I hadn't consciously seen before. Deeply deeply satisfying.
I'll add tip #11. Bird the same place regularly. It could be your back yard, a nearby park of a popular wildlife refuge. When you bird the same place over and over you learn what trees are preferred by specific birds, or who hides out in that thicket.
Agree! I spent this summer photographing a willow flycatcher in the same area every weekend. They have favorite areas and perches! I think I know every tree, log and rock in my local wetland!
To add to the idea of birding in a regular spot: when a "new" bird is in the area, you'll notice it more easily, as it stands out more from the "regulars" that you are used to seeing.
My girlfriend says become familiar with a spot. Because depending on the time of year, you can find different birds at that spot looking for food. Like she knows the Golden Crowned Kinglets eat the bugs of the Japanese Maple in the Fall at this park near us. So she goes there to see them when she wants to see Kinglets in Autumn.
I really appreciated you included #9 and #10 in your list. I was thinking about my own personal journey on the birding adventure - 12 years for us. Keeping your #10 tip in mind (do it your way), I could offer up my tip. if you are feeling regularly or massive discouraged at any point, I would gently suggest that 'you're not doing it right' - with 'right' being a way that would work for you that keeps the discouragement out of the experience. I realized, at one point, I was putting too much weight on seeing X number of birds or a certain species I was chasing. So, over the years, I've continually modified how I bird. A) We've tried to make note of tangential experiences while we've birded - cool sunset, or frost on the trees, or a fun stop at a garage sale. At the end of the day we might say, 'well, we didn't see any of our target birds but X was really fun!'. B) I expanded my interest to very general nature observations. It started when summer meant 'the same old, same old birds' in the area. So I started observing butterflies, then dragonflies, then native bees. Now, I'm an active member of iNaturalist where I have made observations of over 2,000 species of life. When birding is hot, it's mostly about the birds. But most of the time, even when chasing a bird, I'm stopping to look for an unfamiliar plant or a spider or fungi or fish. Branching out like this won't be for everyone. Lots of birders remain pretty focused on birds and, if we're all doing what works for each of us, that's great. But I just want to throw that concept out there for anyone venturing out into birding. The more I learn about the life in nature, the more connected to it I feel. And slowing down to find the little stuff is a nice complement to keeping focused on the birds.
This is the same for me. I find just being in nature makes me more present with the moment. Birds are high on the list for me, but I enjoy everything. Plants, insects, mushrooms, butterflies. I wish I knew more about all of it! The more you look, the more you see. Walking through the woods, paying attention to everything around me is so much better than sitting meditation for me! Nature is serious medicine!
@@Kellysher it's really worth checking out iNaturalist. I like using the web version more than the app. I will say there is a learning curve but it only took me about a week and a dozen or so observations to figure out how it worked. You can't break anything. Any mistake can be fixed. Adding observations and helping to identify other's observations has added to my appreciation of nature in many ways.
A really good video with great advice. I've been birding for many years and would agree with all 10 tips, especially learning bird songs and calls as early as possible. Other tips I can think of include 1: when buying your first binoculars go to a specialist and take your time trying out many different models in your price range, 2: Buy as much reference material you can, especially at least one photo field guide and at least one illustrated field guide, 3: Keep looking up! Birds are constantly flying overhead and past, 4: You have to be brutally honest with yourself at all times. There will be plenty of birds you won't identify due to various reasons eg poor views. You have to let these go and move on. Thanks Derek and good birding.
Great list! I would add to number 9, that by observing and learning your common birds more intimately you are better tuned to notice the rare bird when it shows up.
I’ve been birding since I was a kid in the 70s. Fascinated by the mighty pileated woodpecker in upstate New York, I’d crash through the forest chasing them. I’m 55 now and still LOVE birds. I’m in the Wichita Mountains of Oklahoma and love birding here. Painted buntings and vireos in the spring are my favorites. To me it’s like fishing…..it’s all about the hunt! Thanks for your channel.
I have been birding for 5 yrs now and can say that you hit the nail on the head with this one. I picked it up when I retired and really connected with the "your world gets bigger". Most of our travel is now centered around birding or at least it is a part of it. Keep up the great work, I have been watching you guys for years.
Here's a tip from me, try and identify every bird available. I noticed when I started out birding, I'd get an idea of where certain birds would be, and would automatically label any songbirds hopping in the bushes or trees as being a song sparrow, titmouse, or other common bird I'd expect in those places. Take your time and observe them, it might be something new. I've gotten plenty of lifers this way.
I met someone once who said he always looks at any passing Turkey Vulture (common here in the summer) just in case it's a Black Vulture. And he checks all flocks of Canada Geese flying over (very, very common here!) just in case there's a Cackling or Snow Goose amongst them. I realized I was always ready to dismiss what I thought would be a common bird and not pay it very much attention.
That was excellent and very pleased to see your 10th tip…the best and most important one. As a serious birder, but NOT COMPETITIVE birder, number ten speaks volumes.
I've been a birder in Norway for well over 40 years in Norway, mostly stationed at Jomfruland Birdobservatory, but also travel to birdingspots around Norway. I've never been to America, but find your videoes really informative and entertaining. My impression is we are birding nearly the same way, and loved this tips-video to the point. I hope you don't mind I'm sharing it on facebook. Thanks for your amazing work.
I've been birding for less than a year and your videos have been helpful. We mostly use Merlin to identify birds. Haven't really been on any destination birding trips or anything yet. We live in Oklahoma so I've found 65 or so species just around my part of the state. I am on a FB group that I get help with identifications when I am not 100% sure. I am very strict on myself about ID'ing a bird. I want to be double sure what it is before I claim it on Merlin. I am really good at recognizing sounds so I can often know what all is in the area just by ear although I won't add a bird to my life list without actually seeing it. I don't count it when Merlin hears something I can't spot. I appreciate all the tips!
Great video. Thank you. Birding has indeed been different things to me at different times. It used to be all about finding rare birds. Now it's my psychiatrist keeping me sane. And you are entirely correct about it being about the people and experiences just as much as it about the birds, if not more.
Some great advice here. Very well organized. Your #9 and 10 are spot on. Observing and being just in the moment with the bird , seeing why it’s doing things, even if it’s an American robin, makes a big difference. .
It wasn't until about my 3rd year of birding that I realized - all that time I spent watching House Sparrows in the backyard (it can't get more mundane than that!) was schooling me to recognize when one of those 'little brown birds' didn't look quite right - or behave like I'd expect it to. And then I'd realize it actually wasn't a House Sparrow but maybe an unfamiliar migratory sparrow or maybe a wren. Observing anything living is never wasted! :-) And it's very therapeutic to be still with nature.
You guys are great! I agree with all 10 and will add: be ready. Binoculars nearby whenever possible. A decent camera if you can to also keep handy - getting a pic can clinch an ID if needed. btw The Big Year was significant to me as we watched this before a trip over to Alabama to see Sandhill Cranes which completely changed our perspective on the trip and changed my whole view of birding, which at the time was totally new to me. Since then, I've grown a lot in this endeavor and love everything about it! Thanks, you guys!
@@BadgerlandBirding btw I also took a Master Birder course from Birds Georgia about a year and a half ago. I highly recommend any course like this. Worth every penny and all those wonderful outings with top birders! And sharing the experience with others at all levels.
Great advice all around. Regarding your tip about going to find rarities immediately, a Canada warbler showed up where I live in Central Florida and I couldn't go see it immediately. I could barely sleep that night, hoping it would still be there the next day. Luckily for me, and everyone else who went to see it, it was, and gave us great views. But many times we miss out on rarities, and while frustrating, that's part of the experience as well. Birding is at times humbling, but it's amazing overall.
Loved #10. I've always been a hobbyist ornithology nerd more than a birder. I don't keep a life list, or any sort of list for that matter. I still go birding with my local group and recently invested in some good binoculars, but for me it's really about watching them and learning as you go. In my opinion, no list is necessary, but I can totally understand why many folks would like to keep track of their lifers.
I consider myself a serious bird lover. I don’t keep a list either. Sure, I know when I mentally add a species to my experience, but I have no formal record. I just love the experience of bird watching. I can be enamored with a song sparrow. Or, seeing common birds do different things. I like spending time observing vs.check and go!
these continue to be great videos - I'm always struck by the comparison between N American birds and European counterparts (common vs spotted sandpiper / green vs solitary etc etc), but I was really struck by you mentioning the blue jay seemingly imitating red-tailed hawk. This is fascinating, as one of the most fun imitations is our Eurasian Jay which occasionally does a very convincing Common Buzzard.
Cool video :-) I’ve been a birder for 40 years and my biggest regret is deciding early on that I was rubbish at call ID and largely giving up trying. I’m still far less good at it than I should be, despite trying to catch up on it. M
Your list is spot on! Thanks for a very enjoyable video. You guys do a great job of making birding relatable to birders of all skill levels. Keep up the good work!
I have learned that picking through flocks of common species like mallards will yield rarities. I spotted 4 Northern Shovelers in a huge flock of mallards and coots and pied billed grebes on Reeds lake. Same thing with Wood Ducks. I was watching a whole flock of Wood Ducks just kind of chilling out enjoying them but at the same time keeping my eyes pealed for Hoodies which would be a life bird for me. I know Hooded Mergansers travel with Wood Ducks and so I know if I watch Wood Duck groups I have a greater chance of seeing the Merganser one of these days. Also saw a Wigeon in with the Mallards. I have seen you guys do that with gulls. You'll find a needle sometimes in the haystack.
My greatest thanks for this incredibly useful video in which you mentioned most the tips I have followed throughout my birding experiences especially ever since I started using eBird a long ago! Though, it's not really often for me to look out for birds in the early morning, yet I appreciate birding and birdwatching anytime regardless of the number and types of species I see. Also, happy October Big Day on eBird!
Being more of a bird photographer than a true birder I would add on your ebird tip that it's good to look at the photographs for that bird. If people have consistently gotten a good photograph of a bird in a certain area and you're looking for a good photograph, that's a better place to go than a place that has the most sightings. There are lots of areas that birds exist in but a practically impossible to get a good image there for various reasons. 2nd, I would recommend knowing which birds interest you. I can watch Kinglets for hours...
The photographs will also (1) let you know that the bird was seen rather than simply heard and (2) show you the specific habitat where the bird was found. Photographs on eBird are super helpful!
The Cornell Lab All About Birds site has calls for most wild birds (in the US?) They will sell CDs or digital downloads of the calls and I was gifted that bundle. But I'm more likely to figure out what's being seen in the area and then chase down their calls on their website to listen. I'll even make notes of what to listen to in the field. The entire bundle has way more birds that I'm never going to see (out of range) and it's cumbersome to track down which ones are pertinent to my area.
What should I do if i can only commute by public transport and unfortunately can't come to our local spots before the sun rises since I don't own a car :(
Another question I would like to ask is, whether or not the MERLIN Bird app works only in the US, or is this app internationally used throughout the world …….. 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🧐🧐🧐🧐🧐
Confirming as a UAE resident who has used this app, it works basically everywhere and has specific bird species list packs for different areas worldwide. (For example, the Middle East for where I live)
Learn more in our beginner birding playlist, which includes the eBird tutorial! ua-cam.com/video/DSIhFy6tlvI/v-deo.html
I love these. I started birding this spring and my oldest kid is getting into it too. I love identifying the birds and the thrill I get from seeing one I haven't seen yet. I just went back to where I grew up, walked around a park for an hour (at midday even!) and saw like 8 species I hadn't consciously seen before. Deeply deeply satisfying.
I'll add tip #11. Bird the same place regularly. It could be your back yard, a nearby park of a popular wildlife refuge. When you bird the same place over and over you learn what trees are preferred by specific birds, or who hides out in that thicket.
Agree! I spent this summer photographing a willow flycatcher in the same area every weekend. They have favorite areas and perches! I think I know every tree, log and rock in my local wetland!
To add to the idea of birding in a regular spot: when a "new" bird is in the area, you'll notice it more easily, as it stands out more from the "regulars" that you are used to seeing.
My girlfriend says become familiar with a spot. Because depending on the time of year, you can find different birds at that spot looking for food. Like she knows the Golden Crowned Kinglets eat the bugs of the Japanese Maple in the Fall at this park near us. So she goes there to see them when she wants to see Kinglets in Autumn.
I really appreciated you included #9 and #10 in your list. I was thinking about my own personal journey on the birding adventure - 12 years for us. Keeping your #10 tip in mind (do it your way), I could offer up my tip. if you are feeling regularly or massive discouraged at any point, I would gently suggest that 'you're not doing it right' - with 'right' being a way that would work for you that keeps the discouragement out of the experience. I realized, at one point, I was putting too much weight on seeing X number of birds or a certain species I was chasing. So, over the years, I've continually modified how I bird. A) We've tried to make note of tangential experiences while we've birded - cool sunset, or frost on the trees, or a fun stop at a garage sale. At the end of the day we might say, 'well, we didn't see any of our target birds but X was really fun!'. B) I expanded my interest to very general nature observations. It started when summer meant 'the same old, same old birds' in the area. So I started observing butterflies, then dragonflies, then native bees. Now, I'm an active member of iNaturalist where I have made observations of over 2,000 species of life. When birding is hot, it's mostly about the birds. But most of the time, even when chasing a bird, I'm stopping to look for an unfamiliar plant or a spider or fungi or fish. Branching out like this won't be for everyone. Lots of birders remain pretty focused on birds and, if we're all doing what works for each of us, that's great. But I just want to throw that concept out there for anyone venturing out into birding. The more I learn about the life in nature, the more connected to it I feel. And slowing down to find the little stuff is a nice complement to keeping focused on the birds.
This is the same for me. I find just being in nature makes me more present with the moment. Birds are high on the list for me, but I enjoy everything. Plants, insects, mushrooms, butterflies. I wish I knew more about all of it! The more you look, the more you see. Walking through the woods, paying attention to everything around me is so much better than sitting meditation for me! Nature is serious medicine!
@@Kellysher it's really worth checking out iNaturalist. I like using the web version more than the app. I will say there is a learning curve but it only took me about a week and a dozen or so observations to figure out how it worked. You can't break anything. Any mistake can be fixed. Adding observations and helping to identify other's observations has added to my appreciation of nature in many ways.
A really good video with great advice. I've been birding for many years and would agree with all 10 tips, especially learning bird songs and calls as early as possible. Other tips I can think of include 1: when buying your first binoculars go to a specialist and take your time trying out many different models in your price range, 2: Buy as much reference material you can, especially at least one photo field guide and at least one illustrated field guide, 3: Keep looking up! Birds are constantly flying overhead and past, 4: You have to be brutally honest with yourself at all times. There will be plenty of birds you won't identify due to various reasons eg poor views. You have to let these go and move on. Thanks Derek and good birding.
Great list! I would add to number 9, that by observing and learning your common birds more intimately you are better tuned to notice the rare bird when it shows up.
I’ve been birding since I was a kid in the 70s. Fascinated by the mighty pileated woodpecker in upstate New York, I’d crash through the forest chasing them. I’m 55 now and still LOVE birds. I’m in the Wichita Mountains of Oklahoma and love birding here. Painted buntings and vireos in the spring are my favorites. To me it’s like fishing…..it’s all about the hunt! Thanks for your channel.
I have been birding for 5 yrs now and can say that you hit the nail on the head with this one. I picked it up when I retired and really connected with the "your world gets bigger". Most of our travel is now centered around birding or at least it is a part of it. Keep up the great work, I have been watching you guys for years.
Here's a tip from me, try and identify every bird available. I noticed when I started out birding, I'd get an idea of where certain birds would be, and would automatically label any songbirds hopping in the bushes or trees as being a song sparrow, titmouse, or other common bird I'd expect in those places. Take your time and observe them, it might be something new. I've gotten plenty of lifers this way.
For sure this! #birdeverybird
I met someone once who said he always looks at any passing Turkey Vulture (common here in the summer) just in case it's a Black Vulture. And he checks all flocks of Canada Geese flying over (very, very common here!) just in case there's a Cackling or Snow Goose amongst them. I realized I was always ready to dismiss what I thought would be a common bird and not pay it very much attention.
Tip 11: Keep your binoculars around as often as possible.
You will encounter uncommon species often when you are not even birding
That was excellent and very pleased to see your 10th tip…the best and most important one. As a serious birder, but NOT COMPETITIVE birder, number ten speaks volumes.
I've been a birder in Norway for well over 40 years in Norway, mostly stationed at Jomfruland Birdobservatory, but also travel to birdingspots around Norway. I've never been to America, but find your videoes really informative and entertaining. My impression is we are birding nearly the same way, and loved this tips-video to the point. I hope you don't mind I'm sharing it on facebook.
Thanks for your amazing work.
I particularly appreciate your labels on the good shots you display. Thank you from the U.P.!
It's always nice to hear from someone from the U.P.!
I've been birding for less than a year and your videos have been helpful. We mostly use Merlin to identify birds. Haven't really been on any destination birding trips or anything yet. We live in Oklahoma so I've found 65 or so species just around my part of the state. I am on a FB group that I get help with identifications when I am not 100% sure. I am very strict on myself about ID'ing a bird. I want to be double sure what it is before I claim it on Merlin. I am really good at recognizing sounds so I can often know what all is in the area just by ear although I won't add a bird to my life list without actually seeing it. I don't count it when Merlin hears something I can't spot. I appreciate all the tips!
Great video. Thank you. Birding has indeed been different things to me at different times. It used to be all about finding rare birds. Now it's my psychiatrist keeping me sane. And you are entirely correct about it being about the people and experiences just as much as it about the birds, if not more.
Some great advice here. Very well organized. Your #9 and 10 are spot on. Observing and being just in the moment with the bird , seeing why it’s doing things, even if it’s an American robin, makes a big difference. .
It wasn't until about my 3rd year of birding that I realized - all that time I spent watching House Sparrows in the backyard (it can't get more mundane than that!) was schooling me to recognize when one of those 'little brown birds' didn't look quite right - or behave like I'd expect it to. And then I'd realize it actually wasn't a House Sparrow but maybe an unfamiliar migratory sparrow or maybe a wren. Observing anything living is never wasted! :-) And it's very therapeutic to be still with nature.
Tip 11.
Always watch "Badgerland birding😄"
Great video guys. Thanks. 🇬🇧
How did we not think of that one :p
your #9 is critical learning about their behavior and can find them easier and love them
You guys are great! I agree with all 10 and will add: be ready. Binoculars nearby whenever possible. A decent camera if you can to also keep handy - getting a pic can clinch an ID if needed. btw The Big Year was significant to me as we watched this before a trip over to Alabama to see Sandhill Cranes which completely changed our perspective on the trip and changed my whole view of birding, which at the time was totally new to me. Since then, I've grown a lot in this endeavor and love everything about it! Thanks, you guys!
Great tips!
@@BadgerlandBirding btw I also took a Master Birder course from Birds Georgia about a year and a half ago. I highly recommend any course like this. Worth every penny and all those wonderful outings with top birders! And sharing the experience with others at all levels.
Great advice all around. Regarding your tip about going to find rarities immediately, a Canada warbler showed up where I live in Central Florida and I couldn't go see it immediately. I could barely sleep that night, hoping it would still be there the next day. Luckily for me, and everyone else who went to see it, it was, and gave us great views.
But many times we miss out on rarities, and while frustrating, that's part of the experience as well. Birding is at times humbling, but it's amazing overall.
I've had a Blue Jay looking right at me and giving a totally different call and it definitely fooled Merlin!
Loved #10. I've always been a hobbyist ornithology nerd more than a birder. I don't keep a life list, or any sort of list for that matter. I still go birding with my local group and recently invested in some good binoculars, but for me it's really about watching them and learning as you go. In my opinion, no list is necessary, but I can totally understand why many folks would like to keep track of their lifers.
I consider myself a serious bird lover. I don’t keep a list either. Sure, I know when I mentally add a species to my experience, but I have no formal record. I just love the experience of bird watching. I can be enamored with a song sparrow. Or, seeing common birds do different things. I like spending time observing vs.check and go!
these continue to be great videos - I'm always struck by the comparison between N American birds and European counterparts (common vs spotted sandpiper / green vs solitary etc etc), but I was really struck by you mentioning the blue jay seemingly imitating red-tailed hawk. This is fascinating, as one of the most fun imitations is our Eurasian Jay which occasionally does a very convincing Common Buzzard.
Cool video :-) I’ve been a birder for 40 years and my biggest regret is deciding early on that I was rubbish at call ID and largely giving up trying. I’m still far less good at it than I should be, despite trying to catch up on it. M
Good stuff!!
I feel like just about everything I know about birding I learned from you two
Those are great tips. I aways enjoy your videos!
@@NathanWebb-c5h thanks, Nathan! Thank you for the birthday card as well! We got it yesterday!
Your list is spot on! Thanks for a very enjoyable video. You guys do a great job of making birding relatable to birders of all skill levels. Keep up the good work!
These tips are great!
Very helpful video. Great advice on early morning birding. So many more birds. I also use Merlin and hope to use eBird more. Thank you!
I have learned that picking through flocks of common species like mallards will yield rarities. I spotted 4 Northern Shovelers in a huge flock of mallards and coots and pied billed grebes on Reeds lake. Same thing with Wood Ducks. I was watching a whole flock of Wood Ducks just kind of chilling out enjoying them but at the same time keeping my eyes pealed for Hoodies which would be a life bird for me. I know Hooded Mergansers travel with Wood Ducks and so I know if I watch Wood Duck groups I have a greater chance of seeing the Merganser one of these days. Also saw a Wigeon in with the Mallards. I have seen you guys do that with gulls. You'll find a needle sometimes in the haystack.
I was so pumped up at seeing the Shovelers up close. They are cool ducks! Same with the Wigeon got a close look at it!
My greatest thanks for this incredibly useful video in which you mentioned most the tips I have followed throughout my birding experiences especially ever since I started using eBird a long ago! Though, it's not really often for me to look out for birds in the early morning, yet I appreciate birding and birdwatching anytime regardless of the number and types of species I see. Also, happy October Big Day on eBird!
Great episode! Thanks for the tips!
Being more of a bird photographer than a true birder I would add on your ebird tip that it's good to look at the photographs for that bird. If people have consistently gotten a good photograph of a bird in a certain area and you're looking for a good photograph, that's a better place to go than a place that has the most sightings. There are lots of areas that birds exist in but a practically impossible to get a good image there for various reasons. 2nd, I would recommend knowing which birds interest you. I can watch Kinglets for hours...
The photographs will also (1) let you know that the bird was seen rather than simply heard and (2) show you the specific habitat where the bird was found. Photographs on eBird are super helpful!
Since I’m not a morning person, I was forced to get pretty good at shorebirds 😂
Good morning to you from Singapore 🇸🇬. May I please ask how would anyone know when and where a rare bird species is expected to show up………🤔🤔🤔🤔🧐🧐🧐🧐🧐
Have you ever been lucky birding for songbirds in the afternoon? It seems like 11am is always the cutoff time..
We call 10am-about 3pm the mid-day slump. You can still find birds but they’re normally less active
Rest in Peace Sandy Komito
Indeed
There are CDs and I assume internet sites that can play different bird songs so you can learn them.
The Cornell Lab All About Birds site has calls for most wild birds (in the US?) They will sell CDs or digital downloads of the calls and I was gifted that bundle. But I'm more likely to figure out what's being seen in the area and then chase down their calls on their website to listen. I'll even make notes of what to listen to in the field. The entire bundle has way more birds that I'm never going to see (out of range) and it's cumbersome to track down which ones are pertinent to my area.
What should I do if i can only commute by public transport and unfortunately can't come to our local spots before the sun rises since I don't own a car :(
Going to have to just get there as early as you can then! Have to work within the confines of the situation
Another question I would like to ask is, whether or not the MERLIN Bird app works only in the US, or is this app internationally used throughout the world …….. 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🧐🧐🧐🧐🧐
Confirming as a UAE resident who has used this app, it works basically everywhere and has specific bird species list packs for different areas worldwide. (For example, the Middle East for where I live)