Dear KelBel,

For my new year’s resolution, I want to start birding. How do I do this?

Staring At Everything But Birds

Dear Staring,

The simple answer is to start looking at the birds instead of away from the birds. Once you have that down, here are some next steps:

Basics:

1. Study 5-10 birds that are common in your area. Ebird is swell for this. So are books. So is your nerdiest friend. If you know David Attenborough, I recommend asking him. He is definitely your nerdiest friend!
   • But for real, if you have a bird buddy – a human buddy who birds, not an avian pal – they would probably be DELIGHTED to give you a list based on your region.
   • HOLD UP, I CAN BE THAT BIRD BUDDY. Leave me a comment with where you live. I will give you a list of starter birds!!!
2. Go outside.
   • And/or you can just peek out of a window.
     • Doors o’ glass also work.
3. Look.
4. If you get a good view, try to match your Bird Studies with the Bird In Front of You.
5. Huzzah! Huzzah! You have identified a bird!

A little more advanced:

1. Study more birds.
2. Invest in binoculars.
   • Here’s a handy guide.
   • Shhhhhh, let Reddit help you process those prices.
3. Go outside to more exciting places.
   • Again, eBird with the great advice. Here are hotspots!
     • Hotspots are where the trendiest birds hang out. Sometimes famous birds, too. It’s okay if you are not trendy or famous because humans get away with absolutely anything at these places.
4. Look.
   • Sometimes, I just use my Human Eyes to notice movement, and then use Binocular Eyes to zoom in on that movement.
5. Maybe now you’ve identified more birds!!!
6. Or maybe not. This is a good time to reflect on the value of making mistakes, forgiving yourself for erroneous bird identification, etc. You’re okay!

This is the extent of my birding skills. I’m sorry. You may have expected more despite my underwhelming-yet-accurate “About” page, but that’s on you. I can’t control your expectations! Sheesh.

Best of luck with all the looking!

KelBel