Courtesy of Fontenelle Nature Association

Birding – the activity formerly known as bird watching – is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States.

Recent surveys indicate that one in every five Americans enjoys watching birds.

Birding is a hobby for all ages, for most any location, and for all times of the year.  It can be as simple or as complex as you choose. 

You can make it a casual recreational activity, watching birds when an opportunity presents itself.  Or you can make it a passionate commitment, seeking out birds in far-flung locations and maintaining a list of birds you’ve seen throughout your lifetime.  Or you can find some level in between that’s right for you.

One of the great things about birding is you don’t need piles of expensive equipment to get started.  In fact, you’ve got some very important and useful equipment: your eyes and ears.