Birding Basics

A Beginner’s Guide to Birding

What is Birding?

Birding is the observation and study of birds in their natural habitats. Birders, or birdwatchers, use their eyes and ears to identify birds by their appearance, sounds, and behavior. Birding can be done anywhere—whether in your backyard, local park, or a remote wilderness.

Painted Bunting
Painted Bunting

Why Start Birding?

Birding is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, learn about nature, and relax. Here are a few reasons why people love birding:

  • Learning: You’ll learn about different bird species, their habitats, and behaviors, which can be both fun and intellectually stimulating.
  • Connection with Nature: Birding helps you feel more connected to the environment and aware of the wildlife around you.
  • Stress Relief: Being in nature and focusing on birds can be a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

How to Identify Birds

Identifying birds is a big part of the fun. Here’s what to look for:

  • Size, Shape & Plumage: Compare the bird to something familiar, like a sparrow or a crow, to get an idea of its size. Look at the shape of the beak, tail, and wings. Notice the colors on different parts of the bird, like the head, chest, and wings. Look for any special markings like stripes, spots, or patches.
  • Behavior: Pay attention to how the bird moves. Is it hopping on the ground, climbing a tree, or soaring in the sky?
  • Habitat: Learn how certain birds are closely associated with certain habitats.  For example: Pine Warblers and nuthatches usually associate with pine trees, and most of our shore birds are found on the coast or edges of a wetland.
  • Sounds: Birds have unique calls and songs. Listening to these can help you identify them even if you can’t see them clearly.
Young girl birding in Florida
Red-headed Woodpecker
Brown-headed Nuthatch

Birding Tips:

  • Community: Going out with experienced birders often can help you learn bird identification much faster than by yourself.  Your local National Audubon Society chapter is a great place to meet such individuals.  Also check out birding social media groups and forums to connect with other birders, learn and share your experiences.
  • Where to go: Start close to home or even in your own yard.  When looking for new places use the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail website and guidebooks to find places to go.
  • ID Books: Get a field guide to help with identification.  Look for beginner-friendly field guides like “The Sibley Guide to Birds” or “Peterson Field Guide to Birds.”  Printed guides are great for browsing.
  • ID Apps: Try birding apps like Merlin Bird ID or Audubon Bird Guide to help identify your bird sightings.
  • Keep a List: Start keeping track of what you see.  Request a Birds of Florida checklist or use the eBird app to keep track of what you see and where you see them.

Birding Etiquette

When birding, it’s important to respect both the birds and other birders. Here are some tips:

  • Be Quiet: Birds are easily scared by loud noises, so try to keep your voice down and move slowly.
  • Respect Nature: Don’t disturb nests, feeding areas, or damage habitats. Always stay on trails if you’re in a park or preserve.
  • Be Considerate: If you’re birding with others, be mindful of their space and share your finds.
A little girl looking through binoculars

Start Your Birding Journey Today!

Birding is a wonderful hobby that anyone can enjoy. Whether you’re watching birds from your window or exploring new places, every bird you see adds to your experience and knowledge. So grab your binoculars, head outside, and start your birding adventure today!