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Start by finding some birds.

 Good news: Birds are everywhere! Some might be more common or obvious than others, but by merely noticing the birds already around you—their colors, their shapes, the fact that one of them has been singing outside your window at 3 a.m. for two weeks—is the first step into a larger world. The next step in your birding journey? Seeking birds out.  

Know where to go.

You don’t have to stray far from home to go birding—or at all. Heading to a nearby green space or open water source will surely turn up aa variety of species, but don’t overlook your own yard, the street trees on your morning run, or that noisy hedge next to your mailboxes. Read on for some pointers on the best places to find birds. 

Be aware of safety for you and the birds.

Birding can be an adventure, but it should never be reckless. Study the American Birding Association’s  to help you minimize your impact on birds and other wildlife, and be sure you know how to keep yourself safe (see below). Finally, developing a quick pre-birding routine can save you a lot of pain in the long run: Check the weather, consider the sun and insect situation, and look up your local species occurrences prior to any outing.

Consider getting some gear.

Every hobby has its essential gear, and birding is no exception. All you need to get started is a field guide, a weather-proof notebook, and an easy-to-use birding app. If you want to take it to the next level, binoculars are a very useful tool. Here are our top picks to get you started below: 

Guides and Journals 

Not only does the ̽����ѡ Bird Guide App (free) feature calls, songs, and in-depth info about 810 species, it also draws on the continuously updated eBird database to help you find specific birds near you.  ($19) is a favorite among new birders. You’ll want to record the varied birds you’re identifying, and the waterproof  ($8) ensures that inclement weather won’t destroy those precious notes. 

Binoculars 

The one piece of equipment that everyone asks about is binoculars. “Do I need them? And if so, which pair should I buy?” The short answer to these questions is, “It depends.” Binoculars are great tools for getting closer looks at birds. They come at a range of price points, but our recommendation is to save up until you can afford a pair in the $120 to $180 range, where the optics are good enough to enhance your bird-viewing experience, not hinder it.

For more information on birding gear, visit our ̽����ѡ Guide to Binoculars for the best bins in every price range!​

Join a birding club.

Ready to see who else is out there? Meetups, chapters, online communities—there are plenty of ways to tune in and meet other birders. Read on for ideas on how you can make those connections.