Birding for Recreation
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.
clarcy03
We have lots of chirping birds here in our place. And I enjoy watching them so much. It’s just so relaxing. It’s the first time that I’ve heard about “Birding” sounds really interesting.
Teresa Martinez
I have always known it myself as bird watching but I can appreciate the change in name because hearing the chirping of the birds is also one way of identifying the specie to which they belong to.
Gemma|My Dailies
Great family activity idea! – while having a picnic!.. haven’t done it before but it could really be a good recreation!
Teresa Martinez
I am actually thinking the same thing.
ralph
birding, especially twitching is interesting. seeking and seeing rare birds is somewhat fulfilling. hope i could do something like that someday. Yahweh bless.
Teresa Martinez
I am hoping to bring my family in one of the more interesting birding location just for the experience.
Mary Anne Velasco
I’ve seen a movie about birding sometime last year and I so love it — the casts, the plot plus I get to learn a lot about birding. It’s cool to know though that many are so willing to go the distance just to find as many birds as possible to add to their list. Wow.
Teresa Martinez
People do have their ways of pursuing their interests.
R.O.M.E.L.O.
Birding is like another term for Bird Watching… I think Birding is a better idea than buying birds in cages in the many pet stores in the country…
Teresa Martinez
Yes, I think so too so we can learn more about them without taking them away from their natural habitat.
Carizza Chua ۰ᴥ۰ (@carizzachua)
oh i’d love to do this even just once. im always fascinated how they all travel together from one place to another . i’d love to take macro shots too!
Teresa Martinez
I do as well. Hope we can get our desired chances for birding.
Franc Ramon
Birding can be an excellent source of tourism as there is indeed a large variety of birds in the Philippines.
Teresa Martinez
Just goes to show how rich the Philippines actually is in natural resources.
Shela
Interesting post haven’t heard about it until now! ty for sharing!
Teresa Martinez
I actually just got recently informed of the more correct term of birding thus my interest in writing about it.
peachkins
I’m not really a bird person so birding is probably not for me =)
Teresa Martinez
Not much of a bird person either although I am thinking this could probably be a good family activity to do once in a while.
Bless
This really is an interesting hobby/activity. I have friends who are avid bird watchers and they go different places for it.
Teresa Martinez
In the place where we live. we have had the opportunity to observe some bird species we don’t normally see in the busy city and this has been very exciting for my children.
Kaye Figuracion
This is my first time to learn about the term birding as I’m only familiarized with bird watching. Listening to the sound of birds is quite relaxing for me. And, I feel lucky that I can still the sounds of birds in our neighborhood. I oftentimes, see several birds landing in our garage.
Teresa Martinez
The chirping of the birds is really quite relaxing. We don’t even have to go far from our homes.
amiableamy
It is indeed educational and the Philippines is blessed with many bird species … something to be proud of
Teresa Martinez
Our country is so rich in natural wonders that a single lifetime is not enough to discover them all.
Emma
looks like a not so easy hobby but it’s fulfilling due to is complexity (if one is really into it). It’s good to know that Philippines is one of the best birding destinations in the world. Thanks for the new knowledge.
Teresa Martinez
When I learned that the Philippines was one of the better birding destinations, I felt very lucky to be in a country where natural riches abound.
Dhemz
I love bird watching in our backyard. I’m planning to get a better binoculars for Christmas.
Teresa Martinez
Quality binoculars can make birding more fun and exciting.
Claire
This is really a good recreational activity for the whole family.
Gven-Rose
bird watching is surely fun to do.. the chirping of birds is so relaxing
Teresa Martinez
I think listening to sounds of birds is one of the most cost effective way of relaxing.
joy
I used to love taking good care of birds when i was little/kid. It somehow a very fun memory….it’s nice to know about these tips which is helpful for those who are looking to have a bird pet soon.
Teresa Martinez
Birding is a way of getting acquainted with birds without having the necessity to take them in as pets. Some people build birdhouses in their backyards for migratory birds who can come and go as they please.
Teresa Martinez
Birding is a way of getting acquainted with birds without having the necessity to take them in as pets. Some people build birdhouses in their backyards for migratory birds who can come and go as they please.
jheylo
i love birds but i haven’t experience bird watching in the wilderness yet. It must be good to listen to their singing huh?
Teresa Martinez
Singing or chirping birds are such potent food for soul, nothing complicated at all.
Chubskulit Rose
I have seen many bloggers who has this hobby, I would enjoy it myself.
Teresa Martinez
Birders can come from all walks of life, that is the beauty of it.