I have observed birds for a lifetime. Our feathered friend have fascinated in many ways. Some birds fly in the air, some birds glide and wade in water. Some bird walk on land. However, they share the planet with us. Birds are warm blooded vertebrates that are closer to dinosaurs than reptiles. They lay eggs like reptiles. Bird eggshells are hard calcified and tapered on one end, while reptile eggshells are leathery, flexible, and are more symmetrical. 

Birdwatching has been a niche activity for a long time. It became a mass activity during the pandemic, and with it a host of conflicts emerged as well. We all remember Christian Cooper and the lady at Central Park. This incident led me to think about etiquettes for birdwatchers. I wrote them below

1. Birds are wild animals. The exceptions are domesticated animals humans breed for food and pets (Imprinting by humans).
2. Birds do not care about human problems.
3. Birdwatchers must observe birds, but they must not interfere with birds’ lives
4. Birdwatchers must let birds affect their live.

Rule number one means to everyone that except for some fowls(Chicken, Guinea Fowl, waterfowls) most birds are wild animal. Rule number two means to birdwatchers that life goes on without humans and it will continue. Rule number three reminds us that we can use technology to observe birds. However, our technology must not stress the birds. The technology that definitely stress bird are our drone cameras. Drones operators fly too close to nesting areas and frighten nesting birds. Now that I have written about etiquette. The next step is to tell what bird watchers can bring to the field. Birdwatchers must have a good pair of binoculars, because human do not see like eagle. Birdwatchers can also bring a good camera to take. Some birdwatchers bring sketchpad, colored pencils and pencils. I do not bring sketchpad to the field, because drawing is not a strength for me. I also recommend birdwatchers to bring their smartphone with them. Even when they do not get signals on the fields. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology developed an app (Merlin Bird Id App). This app assist in identifying the birds seen. These are just guideline to bird watching.

I have done my share of birdwatching, and I have taken pictures as well. Here are some pictures:

The pair above has been a resident of Rankin Lake Park for over a decade. They have had eaglets who fledged over the years. The eaglets can be vociferous at times. The picture below is one of their juveniles.

I hope to have given my insight into birdwatching. Till the next post.