Bird Watching

Birds are everywhere, from city parks to deep forests. Bird watching means going outside and looking for them. Some people do it just for fun. Others write down what they see to help scientists learn more about birds.

What You Need

You do not need much to start bird watching. A pair of binoculars helps you see birds that are far away. A bird book or app can help you learn their names. A notebook is useful for writing down what you spot. Most of all, you need patience and quiet feet.

Where to Look

Birds live in many places. You can find them in your backyard, a local park, or near a pond. Different birds like different homes, so try to visit many spots. Early morning is the best time to see them. Birds sing a lot at sunrise, which makes them easy to find.

Fun Facts

• There are about 10,000 kinds of birds in the world.
• The world's smallest bird is the bee hummingbird, which is just two inches long.
• Bird watchers are sometimes called 'birders.'

Did You Know?

Some birds, like the Arctic tern, fly more than 40,000 miles each year as they travel between the North and South Poles.