Birding can be both a scientific and recreational activity.

 

Birding or birdwatching is an activity that can be pursued in a scientific or recreational level by professionals and amateurs.  It consists not merely of watching birds but also in hearing them thus the preference for the more specific term of birding.  Twitching is a more specific activity related to birding which has the main purpose of seeing rare birds and ticking them off a list as they are found.  This particular birding activity requires serious enthusiasts to travel long distances.

The Beginnings of Birding

Birds have long occupied human attention because of their use as food. Man’s interest in birds for purely aesthetic reasons initially came about during the 18th century through collection of eggs, feather, and skin.  Observation of living birds gained popularity with the call for bird protection.  Thus was born the Audubon Society of US and UK’s Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.  Many books containing the travels and bird discoveries of birders and ornithologists have since been published increasing the interest of the public in the past-time.  The local  version of a bird society was established fairly recently in 2003 through the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines.

Birding Activities

The main activity of birding is watching the birds in their natural habitat or in migratory destinations such as patches of forest, coast, and wetland.  Birders therefore can be utilized in determining bird population in specific areas.  Ornithology is the proper term for the study of birds using scientific methods.The most basic birding activity is done through observation of the birds through the naked eye without the use of any equipment and listening to their sounds for identification.

Binoculars, telescopes, and other implements can be used for observation that requires birders to maintain their distance from the birds.  Observation towers and Hides/Blinds are often used by birders to conceal themselves to minimize disturbance to the birds being observed.  Birders often bring with them basic necessities such as note pads, pen, and field guides. Environmental education is a significant component of birding that is of value to humans.  Competition among birders consist of races in completing bird lists and bird photography.

Guided Bird Tours

Birding is both a recreational and educational activity.  There has been an observed rise in the interest in taking part in guided bird tours.  This activity is just what it names implies – taking a tour of identified bird territories as organized by professional service providers.  The Philippines is one of the best birding destinations in the world with over 600 bird species identified to live in it.

My Say

Birding tourism offers huge potentials for the Philippines.  Serious birders will travel great lengths to view rare bird species and that is something the country with all its rich resources should take advantage of.  At present, birding tourism in the Philippines is handled by private groups and service providers.  Birding for recreation is both enjoyable and educational.