Birding in Arizona

Arizona, the warm and sunny southwestern state is known for bright days. In fact, Arizona enjoys more sunny days than any other place in the country. Yuma, AZ, for instance, averages approximately 313 days with the sun every year. Because of the weather, many people in colder climates flock here when the winter winds begin to blow. When they arrive, one of the most favorite activities is, in fact, birding. Breathtaking locations such as Ramsey Canyon Preserve and Havasu National Wildlife Preserve offer bird watching enthusiasts more than enough reason to make the trip. It is a unique location adjacent to the Sierra Madre Mountains, the Rocky Mountains, and deserts including the Sonoran and the Chihuahuan which offer a vast range of flora and fauna to be sighted. Over 500 different species are waiting for you to find them there.

Bird Watching Journals And Taking Field Notes: What To Know?

Birding software can provide an incredible boost to your enjoyment of bird watching. However, when we are out in the field, it may be challenging to haul our laptops with us. Even when you use tracking software, it can be very helpful to bring a bird watching journal with you when you are out and about. So, what is a bird watching journal, and just as important, what field notes should you be taking? In this article, we will take a brief look at journals and field notes to help you get the most out of your experiences, and better utilize the birding software you use at home.

A Brief Overview of Bird Taxonomy

Even for the beginning birder, it is soon apparent that a universal system of naming the different birds you encounter is necessary. Fortunately, bird taxonomy is the system used to do so. This may be an unknown or unclear term for those new to the hobby, and a refresher for more experienced birders. In either case, this article will hopefully shed more light on what bird taxonomy is, and why it is so valuable. Though taxonomy is a term used in classifying all living things in nature including flora and fauna, many of the same principals apply. However, in this article we will primarily focus on birds.

Birding and Other Natural Pursuits: What's the Attraction?

Those who have already caught the bug and regularly enjoy the sport of birding already know many of the great reasons to take it up. For those who do not, once they are bitten, their enjoyment only continues to grow. In either case, there are some incredible draws to birding that they may not have considered. In this article, we will look at some of the most enjoyable aspects of birding, and how there may be more to tracking natural species than meets the eye.

Travel for Birding

Traveling is not known for being cheap. Whether driving, flying, staying in a hotel, or camping out, there are many expenses involved. Unless the travel is strictly for business, most people making that investment want to have an amazing experience, to see and do those things they love most. The same principal is true for birders. When these passionate individuals take a trip, they often plan to squeeze in or dedicate the entire journey to birdwatching. Birding is a fast-growing industry and it is not surprising that more and more birdwatchers are taking birding focused vacations. Of course, the obvious reason is to see more species in areas far from their home. However, that is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many excellent reasons for birding away from home. However, it is important to be prepared to have the best experiences possible.

Bird Listing Software: What is it?

Birding is both an enjoyable and educational pastime that can become an even greater experience with the right bird listing software. Bird listing software allows you to keep active track of sightings, enhance your ability to recall past sightings, and determine trends. It also helps you to keep accurate life counts for any region, record additional information related to sightings, and share the data you collect with other birders and scientists. It is much more efficient than using a pen and paper or spreadsheet to record your sightings, and it can significantly boost your enjoyment. There are more than a few birding programs available, and it can be challenging for new birders to sift through the lot and find the most comprehensive without losing essential functionality. You also have to separate your basic Phone Apps from fully functional PC programs that can do more than just record the sighting. So, how does one search for and choose the right software?

Listing Your Birds: The Importance of a System

For the beginning birder, there are tools that can make your experience more enjoyable. We discussed these important tools in a previous article. However, having a system to record your bird watching is a large part of the sport’s overall enjoyment. In this article, we will take a more in-depth look at listing options and the importance of them.

The term listing when related to birding simply means to track, or to record the information related to sightings. Birders and Naturalists record information including the species (or subspecies or identifiable form) they see, and often other details including times, locations, and many other similar details. Most will start small, merely using a field guide to check off birds they've seen, or a pen and notebook with short entries regarding their sightings. As the hobby progresses, many find that more is desired from their listing method. Choosing the best system for your needs can seem to be a daunting challenge. Fortunately, a little research can go a long way in finding the optimal listing method for you.

Top 3 Tools To Make The Most Of Your Birding Experiences

If you love birding but aren’t quite sure what you need to get the most out of your experience, this article can help. Birding is a sport that is enjoyed by people of all kinds and at a number of different skill levels. Some just enjoy tracking the birds that visit their own neighborhoods, while others will cross the globe to find new and exotic species. Wherever you may fall on the spectrum, it is important to have a few critical pieces of equipment. This will make a large difference in both the enjoyment of your birding, and the identification of the birds you see. Birding can be a great hobby for any budget, and just a few simple tools are essential to make it as easy and as enjoyable as possible for you. We will look at the three essential pieces of equipment needed and why they are important.

Top 3 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Beginning Birding Experience

Are you a birder? If so, you are engaging in the fastest-growing hobby in the United States. Over 46 million people enjoy the sport, and it is quickly becoming America's favorite pastime. You may think that you aren't really a birder because you just like to watch birds from your window. In reality, that is birding. If you just enjoy watching the different species of birds in your own backyard, you are on your way to becoming an expert birder. Birdwatching can be an addictive pursuit, and often the serious birdwatchers who travel the world in search of new birds began by staring out the window of their home. Whether you currently have a passing interest in birding or have already caught the bug and desire to learn more, having an idea of how to begin can be helpful. Below, you will discover the top three tips to help you enhance your birding experience.