The Great Crested Grebe displays fascinating courtship behaviour in the spring.
Some birdwatchers travel miles to see a rare bird in order to tick it of their list
Pied Flycatchers, Male and Female
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Birdwatching is a pastime, hobby or pursuit that can be practised with any degree of
enthusiasm, and yet will always be rewarding. At one end of the scale, there are people
who enjoy looking at birds from the windows of their home or on their way to and from
work or school. They find the activities of the birds entertaining as well as interesting, and
like to be able to name the birds they find. These birdwatchers may study the birds they
see, perhaps observing the peck order at a bird table or seeking to explain the population
changes or bird movements that take place over the year. This initial interest in birds may
well lead to a greater devotion to the subject. The birdwatcher becomes dissatisfied with
observing the same birds around the home, and begins to look out for new birds when
travelling and on holiday. Often, the collector's instinct begins to take over and the bird
watcher may become obsessed with seeing as many new birds as possible. He or she
starts to make special bird watching expeditions, devoting weekends and even holidays
to the new hobby, and often joining other bird enthusiasts. Mere listing of new species
may then begin to take second place to serious behaviour study and practical projects
such as counting birds and ringing them. Such work is not just of academic value, but may
be important in conservation.
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But however dedicated a bird watcher you may be, from the casual
observer to the committed professional ornithologist, there are certain
'rules' that enable you to make the most of birdwatching. They are
concerned with the kind of equipment you should use, the best ways of
using it and how to behave while birdwatching. The rules aim to give you a
good view of birds in the wild while disturbing them as little as possible.
They also aim to give you the maximum amount of useful information that
can be gained from watching birds. By following these rules, which you can
get from other birdwatchers as well as by reading about them, you will learn
a lot about birds and come to understand them, and you may be able to
help them.
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An Introduction to Birdwatching
A male wheatear
