Want to Become a Better Bird Watcher? Read This!

STA. ROSA, Philippines - Oct. 21, 2015 - PRLog -- Many words have been written about bird watching in the Philippines. However, only a handful of writers dig deeper into the traps that novice bird watchers easily fall into. Consider this article as a warning.

1) Rumpelstiltskinism

Rumpelstiltskinism is a belief that knowing how to call something gives you a power over such. applied to bird watching, it doesn't stop at knowing the name of a particular bird. All you know is its name, so why don't you broaden the horizon? Get to know the bird by learning about its origin, its life including its habits, how it lives, what survival techniques it uses, etc. Being satisfied with just a bird's name should never be enough.

2) Creative reconstruction

True they say that it is very dangerous to rely on memories regardless of how accurate our observation may be. another danger is creatively reconstructing observations on the basis of our wishes and own excitement. This is called the inner game, and bird watchers are not an exemption. Birding also has its scientific aspect wherein observations must be based on absolute honesty. Bird watchers need to tell the truth based on what they see. As such, birders themselves need to guard their enthusiasm and skepticism wherein we need to understand that our motivation may color our observation. So, look at the bird and look at it closely, and document based on what you see in actuality. Preserve your objectivity while doing so.

3) Impatience

The difference between experienced birders and novice birders is patience. Thus, the former often encourages the latter to learn patience first. Patience is a virtue, and this could be the most important trait that you need to learn to become a highly-skilled birder. With eager patience, you will get to enjoy the experience and be content with your progress. It takes more than 'seeing' a bird. However, don't be discouraged and overwhelmed by seeing too many birds for the first time or at once. Know that, as a beginner, you will never be able to identify each bird that you see. Even the most experienced birders cannot do that. But, again as birder, you are expected to become your own expert in due time, making your own independent observations and judgments and discussing them with other birders.

In the end, failing to reach the expert level doesn't necessarily mean that you are a failure. You need not be apologetic even if this happens since it is up to you to reach your own expertise level. We are basically different in terms of the sharpness of our senses. Nevertheless, we can all enjoy the same pleasurable experience of watching birds and identifying what we are seeing and hearing.

Beginner's guide to a enjoyable bird watching activity? Visit us here: http://nuvali.ph/see-and-do/parks-and-nature/wildlife-san...