I didn’t set out to become a birder. It started with curiosity watching a little black-capped chickadee flit around the backyard feeder one morning while I was sipping coffee. I didn’t know its name at the time. All I knew was that it made me pause. And that was enough to open the door.
If you’ve ever stopped what you were doing to notice a bird singing outside your window or followed a flash of red through the trees, congratulations you’ve already started birdwatching! The rest is just practice, presence, and a little patience.
Here’s a simple guide to help you begin, no matter where you are.
🌳 1. Start Where You Are
You don’t need fancy gear or a nature preserve to start birding. Your backyard, porch, balcony, or even your window is enough. Birds are everywhere, especially in the Great Lakes region, where we’re lucky to have such rich birdlife through all four seasons.
Just take 10 minutes in the morning or evening to watch and listen. That’s it. Birding is about slowing down and noticing what’s already around you.
🔍 2. Get to Know a Few Common Birds
Start small. Pick 3 to 5 birds you see often and learn their names, colors, and calls. In my yard, it was the cardinal, chickadee, and bluebird. The more you learn about them, the easier it becomes to notice new ones.
You can use a simple bird guide or free apps like:
- Merlin Bird ID – for easy photo or sound identification
- eBird – to track your sightings and see what others are spotting nearby
You can read my Top 10 Birds To See In Michigan to help you start recognizing common species.
🍽️ 3. Offer a Little Hospitality
Putting out a bird feeder is a great way to bring them closer. Start with a basic feeder and black oil sunflower seeds, most birds love them. You’ll likely see cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches, and finches within days.
Later, you can add a suet feeder in winter or a hummingbird feeder in summer. Native plants are even better because they feed birds and insects naturally and help the whole ecosystem.
Not sure what feeder is best for your yard? Take a look at my article on The 5 Best Bird Feeders For Your Yard to help determine which is best for you!
📓 4. Keep a Bird Journal
One of my favorite parts of birding is writing things down. Keep a little notebook or print out a birding journal page. Jot down:
- What birds you saw
- What they were doing
- What the weather was like
- How it made you feel
It’s such a peaceful practice especially if you’re out with kids. They love pointing out birds, drawing them, and giving them nicknames.
📸 5. Bring Your Camera (or Don’t)
As a photographer, I always have the urge to grab my camera. But some days, I leave it behind on purpose. Birding doesn’t have to be about capturing the perfect shot it’s about connecting with the moment. And that stillness is something I’ve grown to love deeply.
That said, photographing birds has helped me learn even more about their behavior, and it’s deeply rewarding. If you’re into photography too, start by practicing with common birds right near home. You don’t need a big lens just a lot of quiet observation.
💚 6. Stay Curious
The more time you spend watching birds, the more they’ll teach you about patience, seasons, migration, and what it means to truly belong to a place. I believe birding helps us care more, not just about wildlife, but about the forests, the lakes, and our own backyards.
So if you’re wondering how to start birdwatching, the answer is simple: just look up. You’re already on your way.
