Audubon Bird Walks for New Birders are a Great Way to Learn!

As a beginner, I have struggled trying to learn about birds on my own. Bird walks turned out to be the best learning tool that I have found yet!

by Angela Williams

As a beginner, I have struggled trying to learn about birds on my own.  Just because I can hear it or see it, doesn’t mean that I can figure out what it is!  As a result, I decided to join group of more experienced birders at the Audubon Morning Bird Song Walks this spring.  The bird walks turned out to be the best learning tool that I have found yet!

They walks were held early, each week day morning, at several birding “Hot Spots” around the Portland area.  I chose to attend the Wednesday walk at Mt. Tabor because it was close to my home.  There were no fees or pre-registration required for any of the morning walks.  It was an easy, “No Commitment” way to get involved, and learn about birds!  The Tabor group was friendly, and made up birders of all different skill levels.  As a beginner, I didn’t feel uncomfortable or out of place joining them…What a Relief!!

Audubon Society of Portland provided an experienced guide, who really knew his stuff!  He identified all of the birds that were seen, and heard along the walk.  He also pointed them out in the trees, and gave everyone a chance to get a good long look, with their binoculars, before moving on.  I saw many birds that I had never seen before, and was also able to learn many of their songs in the process!

At the Audubon bird walks, I learned the basics of where to spot birds, what types of markings to look for when trying to identify a bird, and what to listen for in bird songs, making identification much easier on my own.  I recommend an Audubon bird walk to any new birder as an easy and fun way to develop your birding skills.