When you find yourself out and about – be it in the park, camping, making your way through the suburbs, at the river, beach, or on a road trip – encourage yourself to notice details of your surroundings. Birds are going to be around you; it’s just a matter of reminding yourself to observe them. While a pair of binoculars will make things easier, even just watching from a distance can give you enough information to identify (and appreciate) a species you encounter.
When I spot a bird I’m unfamiliar with, I try to stand quietly and observe the bird for as long as I can, and I avoid going straight to a bird guide, as it usually distracts me from the bird itself. Instead, I like to soak in as much detail as possible at first glance. I take note of the general size and shape,
