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Birdwatching is the very best kind of fun: easy, inexpensive, healthful and satisfying. It is the observation of birds, usually in their natural habitat with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope. Birdwatchers are often known as "Twitchers".
Popularity
With 3 million people going birdwatching in the UK, it is a very populat past time. It gets you out and about in the countryside and doesn't need to cost the earth to do.
Location
Your back garden or a local park. The RSPB nature reserves provide excellent opportunity to watch birds and other wildlife in some of the most beautiful parts of the country. There are over 150 RSPB nature reserves to visit throughout the UK.
Age
Children can be introduced to the joys of birdwatching from whatever age they are able to take an interest in it. People of all ages and from all walks of life share a common interest in birdwatching.
Ability
You don't need to know anything about birds to enjoy watching them. What if you want to know how to tell one species from another? There are lots of good books which give you a lot of good background information. Or why not join a local club.
Description
Birdwatchers observe wild birds in their natural habitat. Birdwatching means learning to identify the birds and understand what they are doing. There are 572 accepted species of birds on the British list according to the British Ornithologists' Union. Wherever you live, you'll probably find at least 100 species that are easy to find in your area. Life suddenly gets more interesting when you become aware of the varied bird life all around you.
Dedication
Some three million adults go birdwatching every year in the UK. To make it enjoyable for all remember:- avoid disturbing birds and their habitats; be an ambassador for birdwatching; know the law and the rules for visiting the countryside, and follow them. Disturbance can keep birds from their nests, leaving chicks hungry or enabling predators to take eggs or young.
Closely
Related Activities
walking, rambling 486, twitching, Stalking animals with a camera 580,
Cost
binoculars or telescope for close-up viewing
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
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Legs
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Sight
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Hearing
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Speech |
Learning |
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