How to do a bird calling?

Bird calling, also known as birding, is the recreation of observing wild birds in their natural habitats. It is a rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and requires minimal equipment. With some practice, patience, and the right techniques, anyone can become an expert at identifying birds by ear.

Why Do Bird Calling?

There are many benefits to bird calling. Here are some of the main reasons people enjoy this hobby:

• Being outdoors in nature is good exercise and relaxing.
• It’s exciting to spot and identify different bird species.
• You can observe interesting bird behaviors in the wild.
• It’s inexpensive and requires little equipment to get started.
• Developing your birding skills takes time but is very rewarding.
• Connecting with nature helps reduce stress and anxiety.
• You’ll gain a greater appreciation for birds and wildlife.

Birding is a hobby the entire family can enjoy together. It gets you outdoors exploring new places while learning how to identify the many species of birds. With some field guides, binoculars, and attention to bird calls, you’ll be on your way to becoming a birding expert.

Equipment Needed

One of the best aspects of bird calling is that it requires very little equipment to get started. Here are some basic items every beginner birder should have:

• Binoculars – Binoculars are essential for magnifying your view of distant birds. Look for 8×42 models which offer a good balance of magnification, field of view, and image stabilization.
• Bird Field Guide – A good field guide has detailed illustrations and information to help you identify the birds in your area. The Sibley Guide and National Geographic Field Guide are two popular options.
• Notebook and Pen – Keep notes on date, time, location, weather, and bird species observed.
• Clothes – Dress for the weather in layers. Wear neutral colors to blend into nature.
• Hat – A hat provides shade and also helps conceal your movements.
• Sunscreen – Protect yourself from the sun when birding for extended periods.

Some additional useful gear includes a zoom lens camera, birding app, and portable stool or chair for comfort. However, you can always add more equipment over time as your skills progress.

Where to Go Birding

Now that you have your basic birding gear, it’s time to start observing birds in their natural environment. Here are some top places to spot a variety of bird species:

• Parks & Nature Preserves – Local, state, and national parks protect habitats and attract diverse birds.
• Wetlands & Marshes – Waterbirds like ducks, geese, and swans abound in these areas.
• Beaches & Coasts – Scan for gulls, terns, sandpipers, and pelicans along the shore.
• Deserts – Unique desert species inhabit arid, sandy landscapes.
• Fields & Meadows – Bobolinks, meadowlarks, and sparrows frequent open grassy areas.
• Rivers & Streams – Look for belted kingfishers, ducks, and osprey fishing the waterways.
• Backyard – Attract birds right outside your door with feeders, water sources, and native plants.

Wherever you live, you can find rewarding places to observe local and migrating birds throughout the seasons. As your skills improve, you can take birding trips farther afield to see new species.

When is the Best Time to Go Birding?

Birds are active throughout the day from dawn until dusk. Here are some tips on the prime times to spot birds:

• Early Morning – Get up before sunrise to catch songbirds vocalizing and feeding actively at dawn.
• Late Afternoon – Return to favorite spots in the late afternoon to catch birds before they roost for the night.
• During Migration – Spring and fall migrations bring the greatest diversity of birds moving through areas.
• Nesting Season – Late spring and summer when parent birds are busy feeding their begging young.
• Winter – Some birds like finches and woodpeckers come to feeders more reliably in cold months.
• Anytime! – With patience and practice you can observe interesting bird behaviors throughout the day.

Early mornings typically offer the most bird activity, but don’t overlook evenings during peak migration or nesting seasons. Some birds like owls may also be more easily seen at night.

Tips for Bird Identification

When you encounter a bird, there are certain key characteristics to note to help you identify the species:

• Size & Shape – Note the bird’s overall size and proportions relative to other familiar birds.
• Color Pattern – Look for distinctive markings like wing bars, eye rings, stripes, spots, or patches of color.
• Beak Shape – Pay attention to beak size and shape which indicates feeding habits.
• Tail Shape – A notched, forked, or rounded tail helps distinguish look-alike birds.
• Behavior – Make note of how the bird moves and acts like feeding, flying, nesting, or vocalizing.
• Location – Consider the habitat the bird is in, as many species prefer specific environments.

Use these clues along with a field guide’s illustrations and range maps to positively identify each bird. Over time, you’ll develop sharper birding skills and instincts.

Mastering Bird Songs and Calls

Learning to identify birds by ear based on their songs, calls, and chips is an extremely valuable skill. Here are some techniques to practice:

• Start by familiarizing yourself with your common backyard birds. Try to connect the sounds with bird appearances.
• Use recordings and phone apps to become accustomed to regional bird vocalizations throughout the year.
• Focus on tone, pitch, rhythm, volume, and quality of each call. Note the length of songs and repetition.
• Use rhymes or mnemonic phrases to associate the sounds with species like “drink your tea” for the Downy Woodpecker.
• Pay attention to songs or chip notes you hear while out birding and try to trace them to a bird.
• Practice makes perfect! The more time you spend really listening to bird vocalizations, the faster you’ll learn.

Identifying birds by ear takes patience and concentration but is extremely rewarding. Even experienced birders still hone their auditory identification skills over time. The more you practice, the quicker you’ll be able to discern species by sound alone.

Use Technology to Assist with Birding

Modern technology offers some useful tools to enhance your birding experience:

• Field Guides Apps – Apps like Audubon Birds, iBird Pro, and Merlin Bird ID offer guides with birdsongs and ID assistance for mobile.
• Recordings – Download or stream recordings of bird vocalizations to practice from sites like xeno-canto.org.
• Binoculars & Cameras – Various devices capture high magnification views, images, or videos of birds.
• Range Maps – Websites like eBird share species distribution and real-time sightings.
• Social Media – Connect with the birding community to learn and share sightings on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
• Citizen Science – Contribute to scientific data collection through projects like the Great Backyard Bird Count or NestWatch.

Technology like apps, recordings, and events make birding more accessible. However, don’t let tech replace simply listening and observing nature at your own pace.

Ethical Birding Practices

While observing birds, it’s important to be respectful of their space and needs:

• Use extreme caution around nests to avoid disturbing nesting birds which can abandon eggs and young.
• Watch and photograph birds from a distance without using flash and avoid prolonged staring.
• Do not use audio playback of calls to attract or bait birds during the breeding season as this may distract them from vital activities.
• Ensure feeders, bird baths, nest boxes, etc. are properly cleaned and maintained.
• When visiting sensitive habitats like rookeries, follow rules and don’t overcrowd areas.
• Join local conservation groups that protect important bird habitats and wildlife areas.

Careful birding minimizes any negative impact on birds. Be quiet, patient, and focus on enjoying the experience rather than “listing” species. The welfare of birds should always come first.

Conclusion

Bird calling allows you to creatively connect with nature while building identification skills over a lifetime. Start by equipping yourself with good reference materials and tools for observing birds. Learn the unique traits, sounds, behaviors, and habitats of local species. Practice identifying sight and sound in the field while respecting birds and their space. Patience and perseverance will pay off with memorable encounters and a deeper appreciation of the natural world around you. So get started birding today and see where your avian adventures will take you!