Beginner Bird Watcher

We're 30+ year birders. We're just avid amateurs not the nutsy kind of birders to drive hours to add a species to their life list. We have a copy of every book listed above. Any of them will work for a beginner. Our latest addition is the Sibley guide.

Also suggest that you get a really good pair of binoculars. You'll spend several hundred dollars for a decent pair. Join a local nature association or birders group. Most do classes for beginners. Birders are like RVers. Most are just regular folks and like to share.

Thanks again, good ideas.

I use an iPad app called Audubon Guides and found it suits my needs really well.

We have The Sibley Guide to Birds. It's put out by the National Audubon Society. This book has a wide variety of birds found throughout the U.S.

If you get a chance you might consider attending a local Audubon Society meeting if there's one in your area. If you decide to join the dues are really inexpensive. Our dues are $20/year. They have monthly meetings with a variety of speakers. Some local Audubon groups have a number of field trips throughout the year where you can do some bird watching with some knowledgeable folks.

Good luck with your birding. We enjoy the birds and have a handful of feeders in our yard.

Peterson's is my favorite but I have them all for comparisons when trying to identify new and strange birds. I think whichever one you purchase you'll get used to it and it will become your favorite. Definitely invest in a good pair of binoculars and your birding will be more enjoyable. Go to a specialized store and compare some and get some helpful advise. Note the model you like and you can probably find it cheaper online. Also, if you hear of a birding festival near you it's an excellent way to learn by going out with small groups. For the most part, birders are very helpful so don't be timid about joining a local birding group in your area. You're lucky, as Texas is a prime birding area. Have fun!

Thanks for suggestions. I knew I could count on my rv friends to help me.

I've got them all, and I love them all.LOL. Join What bird It is a great site for information and they have tons of recommendations for places to bird, what a bird is that you can't ID even with a book (happens always) and some real friendly foiks who will answer your questions and give you advise. (Plus we have a lot of fun over there)

I have several but the National Geographic Field Guide to Birds of North America is the best.

I see it's already been mentioned but it's worth seconding the motion.

hope you also bought a good pair of bino's

Tom N wrote:
Try an app for your iPhone, iPad or iPod. Peterson's is a good one.

-Tom

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