Birding and birdwatching is the same thing. Bird watching is a recreational pastime which involves watching wild birds in their native habitat. It is great because it doesn't take much to get started. A pair of binoculars, a hat and a field guide. You might also want a notebook you can carry in your pocket (this is a place to record what you see and when you write a description it helps you focus on those characteristics on the bird). There are over 800 species of birds in North America, so wherever you live, there will probably be around 100 species that are easy to find.

This is an activity that is for people of all ages. People of all fitness levels can be birders. It is the fastest growing outdoor activity in America. You can have some great fun while making a connection with nature. Birding delivers all the satisfaction of the hunt, even though the prey escapes unharmed. It is great for your health because it gets you outside and walking. It seems effortless because all your attention is on the birds. Birdwatching can unite your family. Parents or grandparents can introduce their children and grandchildren to an interest in nature. If you enjoy being social, it is great. A birder never needs to be lonely. Almost every community has a birding club of some sort and newcomers are always welcome. There are bird watching societies which might offer educational lectures and sponsor trips. But if you enjoy solitude, birdwatching can be an ideal solitary sport. Your mind can settle down and your senses open up.

A field guide is a book that has information about birds. It can be just like an expert birder by your side. It can describe and show pictures of birds and tells you what details in each bird to look for. You might want to get a couple, because each books usually has something another doesn't.

A hat just needs to shade your eyes. So any hat you own can work just fine. But make sure it doesn't interfere with your binoculars.

You can start with whatever binoculars you have. If you don't have any binoculars, get the best binoculars you can afford. Usually, the better the binocular, the more it will cost. But you can find good binoculars in every price range.

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