|
|
Africa is arguably the most exciting destination for bird watchers. There
are more than 900 species in Southern Africa alone. In East Africa, where
Kenya alone boasts nearly 1,100 species, there is much guesswork by travelling
birders about the hundreds of unidentified species. Birding or birdwatching
is a hobby concerned with the observation and study of birds (the study
proper is termed ornithology). The term "birding" is of American
origin; "birdwatching" is more universal.
The most active times of the year for birding in the temperate zones
are during the spring and autumn migration, when the maximum variety of
birds may be seen, as many species that do not nest or overwinter in given
areas may be observed as they prepare to migrate.
Mornings are typically the best time of the day for birding in view of
the fact that many birds are then at their hungriest, hunting most actively
for food, and thus are easier to locate and watch. Accomplishment in finding
the more remarkable species normally requires thorough knowledge of their
appearance, sounds, activities, and most probable habitat, in addition
to fine method of stealth and persistence.
Birding can be a calming and more relaxing outdoor activity. Conversely,
birders who are enthusiastic rarity-seekers will travel extensively to
observe a recent species to add to the list of birds they have personally
seen (life list, national list, state list, county list, year list, etc.).
Fanatical birders are usually known as twitchers, from the passion that
descends on some when they obtain information of an uncommon bird.
Photography of birds has also become a big occupation. New affordable
camera equipment and long lenses have given most amateur photographers
access to a area which was always the domain of professionals. The advent
of affordable digital cameras and good quality optical equipment like
telescopes and binoculars has made birding a more popular hobby.
|
|
|
FIND
HOTELS BY: 
COUNTRY+ACTIVITY
