The Big Year movie opened last night, and audiences poured in to watch Jack Black, Steve Martin, and Owen Wilson race around the countryside wielding binoculars. The birds and bird names came thick and fast—and I’m sure some people wondered how anyone learns to identify so many of anything. But like anything, it’s mainly practice—and it’s surprisingly easy to learn. You can do it pretty much anytime you’re outside. Birding mainly involves patience, careful observation, and a willingness to let the wonder and beauty of the natural world overtake you. Here are some tips on how to get started:
This article brought to The Bird Watch by Robert Wall, Sangre de Cristo Audubon Society webmaster.