| Birds are a wonder of nature. They are beauty | | | | Bird watching as an activity dates back to the late |
| and grace in motion. Humans have always looked | | | | 1700s. After a rise in interest in the collection of |
| at birds through their own eyes or through | | | | artifacts such as eggs and feathers, protecting |
| binoculars with a sense of awe and wonder. In | | | | the animals became a priority. Observation rather |
| ancient Roman times, they were thought to be | | | | than collection became fashionable in the 1800s. |
| omens. It was believed that their flight patterns | | | | The term itself began to be used around 1901 |
| and calls were actually foretelling the future. Even | | | | with the publication of a book that helped |
| today, scientists look to birds for the answers to | | | | watchers identify different species. This help in |
| questions. Their patterns of flight and changes in | | | | identification along with the advent of the use of |
| their numbers can be a signal of important | | | | binoculars caused a rise in popularity. Birding was |
| environmental changes. It is no wonder then, that | | | | centered primarily in the east, specifically the |
| bird watching has been a pastime that has | | | | eastern seaboard for much of the early and mid |
| sustained in popularity through the ages. | | | | 20th century. Today it is done throughout the |
| Bird watching is just what it says it is. It is the | | | | country and the world. |
| observation of birds, usually in their natural habitat | | | | Bird watching can involve simple to complex |
| with some type of equipment such as binoculars. | | | | equipment and technology. Binoculars are the first |
| It is an activity that can be done practically | | | | tool of the trade. They help birders observe the |
| anytime, anywhere or special trips can be taken | | | | details of their subject. Many also use a spotting |
| to seek out specific species. Certain areas and | | | | scope. This is basically a small, portable telescope. |
| certain times of the year are better than others. | | | | It is used for long distance observation. Auditory |
| Woodlands, coastal areas and wetlands are | | | | enhancing equipment is also important. Sounds can |
| excellent places to see different species. Weather | | | | be as important is visuals in locating a subject. |
| also plays an important part in the activity. Wind | | | | Some type of recording device is often part of |
| conditions determine such things as drift | | | | the tool kit. Many combine this activity with |
| migrations. This activity should not be confused | | | | photography. Cameras with zoom lenses help |
| with the actual scientific study of birds, which is | | | | capture the exciting moment on film to be |
| known as ornithology. | | | | enjoyed again and again. |