Bird watching
Close to nature: you need this equipment for bird watching
If you want to watch birds, the right binoculars guarantee you the best view.
© Carol Hamilton / Getty Images
Nature is alive: Those who live in close proximity to forests, fields and meadows are very lucky to be very close to it. Birds of all kinds have a particular fascination, as they have an advantage over humans when it comes to living in the air. With luck, numerous species of birds can also be observed in Germany. You can find what you need for bird watching here.
Watching birds can be relaxing and exciting at the same time. Whether it is an excursion into nature or the garden at home, birds can be spotted in different places. Anyone who deliberately sets out to watch birds needs a little equipment for the best view and quick identification of the bird species. Which is it? Tips can be found here.
Binoculars for a better view
Binoculars for bird watching Above all, should offer a suitable magnification (an eight-fold magnification is a good guide when buying). The price and quality range for binoculars varies and how much money you want to invest is a personal purchase decision. The more often you want to go bird watching, the more qualitative the binoculars should be. Another orientation unit is the lens diameter in millimeters (for example 40). If you want to determine the light intensity of binoculars, all you have to do is divide the lens diameter by the magnification. In order to guarantee a bright picture even in twilight and when the sky is overcast, this value should not fall below 3.5.
Identification books for bird watching
There are over 11,000 different bird species worldwide, 307 of which are found in Germany. You see, there are a lot of different species that you can observe depending on the region and the time of year. To safely identify a species of bird, take a closer look at its size and shape, plumage color, behavior, and song. Most of the time you don’t see birds at first when you watch birds and hear the voice first. This provides a good starting point for identifying the species. Experienced bird watchers no longer need any help, but beginners are well advised with a handy identification book. It is used to differentiate between individual species. A good book is characterized by precise color drawings that highlight the differences between the individual species. Further works should also take up the differences in the plumage of young and adult birds and the differences between the sexes.
Feed and watch wild birds in the garden
The Naturschutzbund, or “Nabu” for short, recommends feeding wild birds between November and March. Particularly when there is frost and snow, it becomes more difficult for wild birds to find food naturally. You can therefore help birds to find food during the barren winter months. Not only will the wild birds get their money’s worth, but also you as a bird watcher, because birds can be viewed up close. If you set up a feeding station in the garden or on the balcony, the hygiene of this feeding station should be given top priority. In conventional bird houses, food and bird droppings can easily mix and this can lead to disease. That is why the “Nabu” recommends practical feed dispensers that are self-contained and therefore protected from moisture and excrement.
Source: Nabu
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