Birdwatching for beginner

[amateur.naturalist]

Originally Posted by ron1863

There is something Oddie like about the avatar

Well, assuming you are talking about mine, I decided that I am a love child of Oddie and Strachan... or, failing that, I'm just a fat bloke with a beard. I know which one I would rather be... now where are my pringles?

[foxy mars]

Originally Posted by amateur.naturalist

I just get the wife to hold mine in front of my eyes so I can have both hands free to hold my hip flask and pie.

In my case, no Wife. Still you can't argue with a tri-pod

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by Davy Crockett

with a name like yours, i'd expect you to have one

Yeah I suppose it's kinda cave-womanish.

Sounds like Wilma Flintstone.

[dannie]

I said I would never take it that seriously, but then I did spend a full hour dangling my legs over the side of Hayle Estuary talking to a White Billed Diver about how cold the water looked. It will become serious, rest assured (or you will just go slightly mad, either one is a fair bet).

yes i think i've gone a wee bit mad!!

[Davy Crockett]

Originally Posted by Wild-Woman

Yeah I suppose it's kinda cave-womanish.

Sounds like Wilma Flintstone.

she was kinda qute tho

[Fungalpunk]

Starting off birdwatching you have some great treats and experiences to come. Take your time and look everywhere - these feathered tinkers can turn-up anywhere. Yes learn the most obvious ones and enjoy them - the most common birds can be overlooked but have their own charm.

Get a good fieldguide - Collins of course and watch behaviour - little signs give clues and after a while you will be amazed how much you have picked up. Get a CD with some calls and songs on and test yorself when you are out - Wren, Goldfinch, Blue Tit, Blackird and Robin are good ones to start with. I bet Great Tit has you running about though ha, ha.

Vary your habitats. After a while you will be going to places expecting certain birds to be there which will help your cause.

Most importantly just chinwag with people and never be afraid to ask what's that! Eavesdrop on the chitchat in hides too and see what you can pick up.

Most of all - Enjoy.

Fungalpunk Dave

[Pete Collins]

Originally Posted by foxy mars

I got a new pair of binoculars last year and never been used yet. However in the New Year, I hope to get out birdwatching, having plenty of free-time in the morning/afternoon before I start my twilight shift.

Is there any tips regarding what gear to wear, food and drink, how long do I need to bird-watching. I'm a total beginner and hopefully one day, get a scope. The birdwatching area will be mainly down by the Marshs near the Tees Barrage and hopefully do a birdwatching holiday.

If you are birdwatching around marshes and the Tees Barrage, I guess you'll see a variety of ducks. When I started birdwatching, it occurred to me that these were a good type of bird to learn first. They are big and multi-coloured, so relatively easy to identify (except when they go into eclipse plumage!). And unlike other birds, they are normally out in the open in plain view, not skulking about in the bushes.

I hope you enjoy your birdwatching!