Bird Watching

So you are interested in bird watching and want to take the plunge and to learn everything you can so that you are able to identify birds. Birds are fascinating to watch and observe and they are such interesting creatures. Most people enjoy bird watching on the weekends, in parks and nature reserves. The best times of the year to bird watch are during migration seasons which are the spring and fall. In Florida the winter brings in many spices that want to take advantage of the mild weather. The best time of the day to observe birds is in the morning when they are hungry and are looking for food. The evening is also an opportunity for sighting birds as they make there way to the evening root. Bird watching can be a very peaceful and relaxing experience. The first step is to learn as much as you can about the variety of birds and their nesting and eating habits.

The Florida Wildlife Commission has a program that promotes birdwatching and birding activities, conservation education. The Great Florida Birding Trail is is a network of 489 sites throughout Florida selected for their excellent birding opportunities. It is a 2000-mile, self-guided highway trail that is designed to conserve and enhance Florida's bird habitat.

Some people enjoy admiring birds from a distance. But, you may find the experience much more pleasurable if you are able to identify the species of birds and study them.

It may be difficult to learn all the different types and varieties of birds. You may want to start off slowly and learn the most common ones first and then study others that are rarely seen or live in other parts of the country.

Hummingbirds are beautiful birds that fly vertically or backwards. They love to drink from flowers and their wings actually hum. They are beautiful, brightly colored birds with feathers that glisten in the sun. In relation to other birds, they are small. The smallest of which are bee hummingbirds which are only 4 inches long.

Florida has a multitude of wading birds and waterfowl. There is so much water in the state that many waders gather in rivers, lakes and sea shores, of which the state has an abundance.

Another very pretty red bird is a cardinal. They tend to be heartier birds that eat seeds. They have very strong bills and their bright red color is unmistakable. Most generally, the males have very, very black faces and the females tend to be gray to brown in color. The most distinguishing feature is their raised crests.

The chickadee. They tend to be smaller in size with a green to gray body with a white under belly. They have very long tails with a black head.

Orioles. They are typically medium size birds that measure approximately 7 inches long. They have a bright orange stomach and chest. The rest of their body is dark black. The males most generally have white wings and the females have grey wings. The males are most generally a very vivid orange color and tend to be brighter in color then females.

Flickers are larger birds that measure 10 to 12 inches long. They tend be yellow or red depending on where they originated. They have a black crescent chest. They have a wide wing span up to 20 inches.

Birds are unique and interesting creatures. If you are interested in bird watching, you will amazed at the variety and multitude of species.