Resources for Birders - Wild Places, Wild Birds

Background

Ever since going on a field trip with Dr. Tom Quay’s Ornithology class, in 1973, my eyes and ears have been tuned into the world of birds. Whatever the reason you are here checking out this website, I can guarantee you that birding will enrich your life. Birding is whatever you want it to be, and my hope is that it will increase your love and understanding of the natural world.

Where do you begin? Well, it depends on where you are and where you want to go. There are basic needs, starting with, of course, a location to “bird”, some equipment (such as binoculars), and some type(s) of reference materials. Ears and eyes wide open are also very important. Many birds are small and shy. Learning their songs will allow you to identify otherwise seemingly invisible birds. Learn to be quiet, be still, blend with the environment. If you have hearing loss, focus on the visual, if you have challenges with mobility, birding can also be very rewarding just sitting in one place. (see Big Sit)

What is Birding?

Birding involves –

any activity a person or persons participate in that educates them about birds and their place in nature.
looking at a wild bird and trying to identify the species
identifying bird songs
observing bird behavior
researching what you observed
keeping a record of your observations, most often done today in eBird.
sitting in a chair and recording your observations, sometimes done for as long as 8 hours, called a BIG SIT.
running out at a moment’s notice to find a reported rare bird
calling in sick so you can run off to find that rare bird
collecting and reading bird books
field trips, alone or with a bird club
bird photography
sitting on your deck at night listening for owls or migrating birds
kayak birding, bike birding, car birding
attending bird club meetings and outings

Birding involves –

any activity a person or persons participate in that educates them about birds and their place in nature.
looking at a wild bird and trying to identify the species
identifying bird songs
observing bird behavior
researching what you observed
keeping a record of your observations, most often done today in eBird.
sitting in a chair and recording your observations, sometimes done for as long as 8 hours, called a BIG SIT.
running out at a moment’s notice to find a reported rare bird
calling in sick so you can run off to find that rare bird
collecting and reading bird books
field trips, alone or with a bird club
bird photography
sitting on your deck at night listening for owls or migrating birds
kayak birding, bike birding, car birding
attending bird club meetings and outings

Birding involves –

any activity a person or persons participate in that educates them about birds and their place in nature.
looking at a wild bird and trying to identify the species
identifying bird songs
observing bird behavior
researching what you observed
keeping a record of your observations, most often done today in eBird.
sitting in a chair and recording your observations, sometimes done for as long as 8 hours, called a BIG SIT.
running out at a moment’s notice to find a reported rare bird
calling in sick so you can run off to find that rare bird
collecting and reading bird books
field trips, alone or with a bird club
bird photography
sitting on your deck at night listening for owls or migrating birds
kayak birding, bike birding, car birding
attending bird club meetings and outings

Eyes and Ears
Binoculars – if you have a pair, use them. If not, I recommend going cheap and testing upscale models in the field by asking other birders for a look. Then, begin shopping for your lifetime binoculars.
field guide – digital and paper editions
bird song and call recordings
spotting scope – especially when birding waterfowl. Same advice as above, perhaps buy a used scope first, then spend time peeking through fellow birders scopes until you settle on your personal preference.
backpack – you want to keep your hand’s free
water and a snack – birding outings can be quite the adventure, so be prepared.
waterproof shoes, waterproof everything – stay warm, or cool, and dry
Camera – any camera will do. Not exactly……….
an eBird account – see the separate section about eBird
a Facebook account to follow local, state, national and international bird clubs

Locations

My recommendation – begin in your own backyard or nearby park. This allows you to better focus on technique, the process of finding and identifying a bird.
Local birding hot spots
locations requiring overnight travel

For a comprehensive list of North Carolina birding sites, click here.

Birding South Carolina list

Learn to use eBird to locate birding hot spots.

What to do when you get “there”.

You can arrive at a good “birding site” and feel disappointed rather quickly. Not a sound, no movement, nothing is there, it is a dead zone.

Be patient. An area that seems devoid of all life can come alive quickly. Often it pays to sit still (see Big Sit) for a short period of time. Get your binoculars clean, have a snack, look through your field guide for expected birds.

Or, walk really fast until you find the birds.

Birding Sites in the Triangle – for very comprehensive coverage of the Triangle, click here for the CBC list of Triangle birding sites. Here are my suggestions for beginners.

Wake County