By: Sue Freeman

Bird watching is one of America’s favorite recreational activities. People of all ages and abilities savor the sights, sounds and antics of our colorful birds. Follow these tips to find and enjoy birds:

1. Go at the right time of year. Many birds migrate through our area so seeing them can be a function of timing.
2. Pick an appropriate habitat. If you’re looking for eagles you’ll need to know what habitat eagles are found in.
3. Take binoculars along. Binoculars are a big help in seeing the details of a bird.
4. Be quiet and patient. Bird watching is a sport of relaxation.
5. Learn to identify bird sounds. Often you’ll hear birds before seeing them so knowing their songs can help in their location and identification.
6. Keep a personal birding log. Keeping track of when, where, and what you saw is a fun way to record your successes.
7. Try a variety of modes of transportation. See what birds you can spot from your car, from a walk, or from a boat such as a canoe or kayak.
8. Take along a bird identification field guide so you can look up features and put a name to the birds you find.
9. Go where people aren’t. You’re likely to see and hear more birds if you get away from the masses.
10. Incorporate bird watching into your other activities. What birds do you spot driving to work, taking your daily walk, or raking the yard?

A new guidebook is available to get you started bird watching. “Birding in Central & Western New York – Best Trails and Water Routes for Finding Birds” by Norman E. Wolfe is available at www.footprintpress.com or by calling 1-800-431-1579.