While on a field trip at the 162-acre Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve, nine birdwatchers explored trails and saw dozens of birds, including purple martins, red cardinals and olive sparrows.
The Thursday trip, part of The Birdiest Festival in America, was one of many activities for birders over the five-day event hosted by the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Learning Center.
Communications and marketing director MaryJane Crull said more than 200 people from 30 states signed up to participate as of Tuesday.
Halfway through the trip at the Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve, rain forced the group to find shelter at the learning center, where the Caller-Times asked the birders and guide on tips for people who want to start birdwatching.
Be curious about what's around
Curiosity is a good trait to have with birding, as you get to learn and discover new species of birds you might not know are in your area.
"Look up into the sky and learn," Tracey Cummings, of Washington state, said. "That's how I got started."
Get a good pair of binoculars
With binoculars, it’s best to think of Goldilocks and grab a pair that are not too strong, not too weak, not too heavy and not too flimsy. A higher magnification makes it harder to find birds and a lower magnification doesn't bring the birds close enough.
"Get out where the birds are and get a better view," Dwayne Litteer, of Baytown, Texas, said.
Go out with a group of people
Find a local birding group and think of the birders as your neighborhood experts. Not only will it help you know great birding spots, but it will get you involved in the birding community.
"It's really about the community of people," said Mary Carpenter, of Maryland. "It's nice when you have some knowledgable birders with you that can help identify what you're seeing and hearing."
Birding with a close friend or partner can also be a bonding opportunity.
"I'm her bird buddy," Don Cummings, Tracey Cumming's husband, said. "Find a woman who loves birds and she'll teach you everything about it. I grew to appreciate it."
Learn bird calls
Birding by ear is a valuable skill. You can have a more enjoyable experience by recognizing bird sounds rather than relying on visual identification only.
"It's nice to point a name to the sound," Corpus Christi's Roy Molina said. "It's fun hearing the bird calls and figuring out who's actually doing it."
Use a bird guide in your area
When getting a field guide for birding, look for one with drawings rather than photographs. With photographs, lighting conditions and differences in postures can conceal important features or highlight irrelevant ones.
"Grab one and start locally to learn about the birds in your community," Corpus Christi's Christine Molina said.
Take a birding class
Find a birding class from a local group or take an online course to teach you about birdwatching, including what tools you need, more tips and a better understanding of the hobby.
"I learned from experienced birders in my state," Mary Hill, of Colorado, said. "I learned about the birds in my city and state and learned to love it. I started to look out for festivals and it just expanded from there. It takes some practice."
Pace yourself
Slow birding is another form of birdwatching that requires birders to take their time. The option includes studying the birds, learning their behaviors and taking more time to see them in a new light.
"Slow down and pay attention," David Hill, of Colorado, said. "It's very therapeutic."
Enjoy the hike
By walking outside your back door, you're able to discover several birds at your home. If you plan on visiting a trail or nature center, expect to see even more.
"Get a pair of binoculars, comfortable shoes and see what's your environment," said Roy Catalano, of Colorado.
Don't be overwhelmed
If you ever feel overwhelmed by the variety of birds or unsure of where to start, go to the experts.
"Corpus is the best place in the world to birdwatch," Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve manager Sara Jose said. "Start on a guided bird walk and find someone who can lead a guided walk and point things out. We're always here to help."
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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.comor Twitter@johnpoliva.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Birdiest Festival: Here are nine tips from birdwatchers
