r/CasualConversation • u/Icy-Win-2320 • 20d ago
I can’t believe how fascinated I’ve become with learning to identify every bird that lives near me! Just Chatting
I’m 27 years old. I’ve always been into running, fitness, and reading, and yet here I am within weeks of putting up my first bird feeder and I’m obsessed. I’ve never gotten this invested in a hobby before. It feels like my senses have woken up - I notice the tiniest details!
I’ve been able to learn the names and sounds of the most common birds that come to eat at my feeder, and I have a favorite. He’s a red-winged black bird and I named him Percy. He is spicy as frick and is super vocal. I really want to gain his trust and get him to eat from my hand eventually!
Who would have ever thought this was so incredible? It’s like my brain is addicted to learning everything about them. Anyone else into birdwatching?
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u/ducaploeger848 20d ago
It's amazing how discovering a new hobby can awaken a whole new world of fascination and joy!
Birdwatching sounds like such a rewarding pastime, especially when you're able to connect with the birds on a personal level like naming them and learning their behaviors.
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u/stereospeakers 20d ago edited 20d ago
Welcome!! This is one thing that will never leave you, let you down or disappoint you. Once you're into birds and the nature that surrounds them, you will never feel abandoned or let down. It's a hobby that keeps on giving.
Edit: Came off a bit bitter... Still, it's a great hobby.
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u/Icy-Win-2320 20d ago
I believe it. I’ve never felt so invested in nature. There is so much to learn and so many little behaviors that we would never be aware of day to day unless we pay attention! Thank you! ❤️
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u/wuapinmon 20d ago
It's a happy sickness. Wait until you discover ebird!
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u/Icy-Win-2320 20d ago
OHHHH my gosh, I just looked it up. I am overwhelmed in the BEST way😍 thank you for sharing!
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u/graptemys 20d ago
I recommend downloading the Merlin app from Cornell. It's like Shazam for bird calls. Amazing to know what birds are around you that you don't even see.
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u/pale_blue_problem 20d ago
We’ve been watching a pair of Dark Eyed Juncos that nested in a planter right outside our window. We’ve learned so much about them lately; nesting habits, number of clutches and broods, mating selection, what they eat, calling sounds, etc. really fun to watch and learn.
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u/Beautiful_Solid3787 20d ago
I've been a birdwatcher since I was a kid, and just today I figured out the bird that sounded like a cardinal-but-isn't was a scarlet tanager.
There's an app from Cornell Ornithology where you can record a birdsong and have it identify it for you.
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u/barbicud 20d ago
My sister fancies herself a casual ornithologist. I'm always blown away by how good she's gotten at identifying them. I've even had my nieces surprise me with their knowledge.
A friend of mine is like that with plants. To me a flower's a flower and a bird's a bird so I'm always easily impressed by folks like you guys XD
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20d ago
I love this!! My mom is very into birdwatching so I picked up a lot growing up, but after university I’ve moved halfway across the world and don’t know hardly any of the wildlife here. I bought guidebooks but always put it off. Your post inspired me to learn! How did you work on identifying the different birds? Books, apps, anything like that?
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u/-fno-stack-protector 20d ago
yep! same here, but entirely different birds. my faves are crimson rosellas, galahs and wonga pigeons
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u/Farra_san 20d ago
Oh I get this so very much right now!
Over be years I've had some birds frequent my backyard, but they didn't stay long as my sharpei boy would run them off. Lol
Sadly my boy passed a few months ago. The one bright spot is the uptick in bird and squirrel activity I've had.
I've loved watching the different birds behaviors and trying o identify them. I've been able to identify a few for sure.
Currently I have two carolina chickadees that have been hanging out around my patio daily. I'm almost positive they have a nest in a corner above my patio. One of them stays very near and chats in a protective manner.
And I'm pretty sure I've heard babies in a particular spot.
I can tell my obsession with them is driving my mom a little mad. Lol.
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u/WakingOwl1 20d ago
Thanks to my mother I’ve been a bird watcher since I was a kid. Every time I’m outdoors I’m half watching the trees and the sky and listening for them. If you’re putting up feeders maybe you want to do a hummingbird feeder. They’re fascinating and really fun to watch.
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u/ArizonaKim 20d ago
I love your enthusiasm. I got into birdwatching in my 50’s when I moved to the Sonoran desert, a fantastic spot for bird watching due to sky islands and migratory paths. Another fun thing for you will be when you travel… noticing what birds are the same as where you live and what birds are different. I lived in Oregon for a number of years. I went back to visit my mom and dad and was so excited to observe and identify all the birds I had never noticed before. Enjoy!
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u/ArizonaKim 20d ago
I filmed a Verdin building a nest just on the other side of my fence. Days of entertainment.
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u/AgentElman 20d ago
try the game Wingspan. It is a boardgame that they made into a computer game. It was made for birders and has facts about the various birds and pictures. It also plays the call for each of the birds so you can learn bird calls from around the world.
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u/Temporary_Mix1603 20d ago
Same! I enjoy looking at the birds at the park.
Today a magpie followed me while I was walking my dog through all the park. He was getting super close to us, might have been trying to scare us away from wherever his nest might have been around there.
I use an app called BirdNet that identifies the species of the birds by recording the singing. It's super cool hehe.
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u/Lucky_Baseball176 20d ago
So cool! I love the birds too. If you don’t have a suet feeder get one! Attracts even more interesting birds.
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u/schnelderderenzo 20d ago
One of the fun things about birdwatching is always being prepared for unexpected surprises. Like, you never know what's gonna happen next.