Bird watching can be done with the naked eye, or using visual enhancement devices such as binoculars or telescopes, or even by listening to bird sounds. What may not be known is that birdwatching often involves a significant auditory (listening) component, since many bird species are more easily detected by the ear than the eye.
The earliest interest in observing birds mainly for their aesthetic value can be traced to the late 18th century. Before, people were only interested in collecting birds for their eggs and skins. Wealthy collectors would make use of their connections to obtain specimens from around the world. Because of such actions, in the 19th century the call for bird protection became necessary and this lead to the rising popularity of observations on living birds.
Birding in North America was focused in the early and mid-20th century. The organization and networking of those interested in birds began through organizations like the Audubon Society that was against the killing of birds. With the rising popularity of the car this increased the mobility of birdwatchers and this made new locations accessible to those interested in birds.
Today many dedicated bird watchers find prestige in knowing the variation of bird species. There are 5.8 million bird watchers in the U.S. (more than the number of residents in Wisconsin). This is a huge army of trackers decked out in sturdy hiking boots and nylon rain gear, consulting their smartphones to identify or imitate a particular quarry.
Where to plan your next bird watching adventure-
For a truly wonderful experience Mammoth Lakes in the Eastern Sierra offers spectacular beauty and fantastic birding opportunities. You may even get an opportunity to see a Bald Eagle in flight or catching a fish. Other birds popular to the area are: Peregrine Falcon, Prairie Falcon, Red-tailed Hawk, Cliff Swallows, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Hummingbirds, Mountain Bluebird, American Goldfinch, and the ever popular Steller’s Jay. These are just a few of the amazing species that you will get a chance to see and admire.
Mono Lake is ideal when it comes to birding. It is a salty, alkaline inland sea home to brine shrimp, alkali flies, and the millions of birds that feed on them. One of the best-known birds is the California Gull. Mono Lake is home to the second largest California Gull rookery in North America (Great Salt Lake is the largest). Approximately 50,000 California Gulls arrive in spring and will feed, mate, select a nest site and lay their eggs. One of the most amazing experiences you will ever have!
Bird watching is a relatively inexpensive activity. There are only a few basic tools that are needed to give you a good start, clothing, field guide, and binoculars.
Birders can dress in any clothes they wish and they will still see birds, but choosing the right attire to wear while birding can help you see more birds more easily. Savvy birders plan their field wardrobe carefully to maximize their birding.There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing your birdwatching clothes:
Comfort- clothing should be comfortable, this will encourage you to stay in the field longer. Clothes should also be well worn to avoid chafing and blisters.
Function- clothing that is functional is a must. Clothes with pockets (i.e., cargo pants) to hold field guides, notebook and other useful tools are highly recommended. Shoes especially should have good ankle support.
Color- when out in the field, it is important to wear clothes that blend into the environment. Birds frighten easily so wearing camouflage colors will allow you to explore and better enjoy the birds in their habitat.
Beautiful birds are often small or too far away to see well without the help of quality birding equipment.
Binoculars-the most important tool a birder will have is a binocular. A high quality binocular will allow you to see feather details and identify birds from hundreds of feet away.
Bird Spotting Scopes- A spotting scope is a compact telescope is designed to enhance magnifications beyond the range of a typical binocular. Spotting scopes are ideally suited for such activities as long distance birdwatching and nature studies.
Field Guide-of course every birder needs a good field guide. A guide will help (especially novice birders) identify certain bird’s species with details and illustrations.
Birds can be seen all year round, but there are certain times of year that are more productive for birders interested in seeing a wide range of easily identified species.
Spring and fall migration are two of the best times to see many birds. During migration, gregarious species gather in large groups that are easier to see. Birders can also be treated to roaming birds that have become disoriented along their migration routes, and depending on a species' individual route, it may pause between its breeding and wintering ranges in areas that make it very accessible to many birders far outside the bird's typical ranges.
While many bird species migrate and may not be around during the winter months, that action can easily work in birders' favor. Northern species, including Arctic birds, may move south due to weather interruptions that will bring them easily into birders' home ranges, providing unique opportunities to see species that may otherwise be out of reach. Other species on view specifically during the winter are the pine siskin, which feasts on pine cone seeds, the white-winged crossbill and the snow bunting, a mostly white sparrow-type bird.
So no matter what season it is--summer, fall, winter or spring --opportunities await to view many species of birds.
Need a comfy place to stay after a day of bird watching? Visit MammothRentalByOwner.com and have a restful evening. Give us a call at (818)883-2488
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birdwatching
http://birding.about.com/od/birdingbasi ... irding.htm
Yes we have seagulls in Mammoth Lakes
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