This is an excerpt from an article I have been working on for our website. Pass it on to someone who is thinking about getting started, but needs a little push.
TEN REASONS TO GO BIRDING (BIRDWATCHING)
1. Birds are everywhere. You will never have to travel far to see birds. They are as close as your backyard or neighborhood park. For more variety, try your nearest urban center, cemetery, airport or even your local land fill. Will you be traveling? Watching birds on your next vacation, camping trip or fishing expedition is a great way to see new birds. No matter where you are, you will find birds.
2. You can enjoy birds every day - there is no closed season when it comes to birding. Different seasons bring different birds, but there are always birds to see on any given day of the year.
3. There are many kinds of birds to watch and keep things interesting. Almost any location will have a at least a hundred species and most locations will have many, many more.
4. The element of surprise is always present with birds. Birds have a tendency to show up in unexpected places and at unexpected times of the year. There is always a chance you will see something unusual when birding.
5. Birds are beautiful. Birds are one of nature's most colorful groups for a variety of biological reasons, but for us, that makes them all the more enjoyable to watch.
6. Birds are active when we are. With obvious exceptions, such as owls, birds are daytime creatures just like us and can be observed easily during daytime hours.
7. Birding is for everyone. Young or old, male or female, techno or aesthetic type, casual or fanatic - there is something for everyone in birding.
8. Birding is very popular. In fact, birding is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities today and more people watch birds than any other outdoor pastime. This means there is plenty of help and lots of company to get started. Birders love to share the fun with others.
9. Birding is a fun way to learn about science, nature and the environment. It is a great way to connect to the natural world.
10. Equipment needs are simple. A binocular and a good field guide will get you started nicely. You can add a spotting scope later to expand your birding opportunities, but the basic tools for birding are within anyone's budget.
