The great thing about birding is that you can do it where you are. The moment you step outside your door, you’re immediately in another world. The world of the bird.
In fact, you don’t even need to go outdoors, you can bird from the comfort of your own home. All you need is a window or open door to look through.
I’m thinking specifically though of the former, and certainly with current Coronavirus restrictions, it’s something I’m doing more of than normal at the moment.
Today, going for a walk with my wife and Bedlington Terrier, I had my binoculars around my neck, and was on the look out for our feathered friends the moment we closed the door behind us.
Some birders don’t feel comfortable with urban watching, but as long as you’re careful where you point your binoculars, you’re fine.
Don’t look at birds with a school behind them and be careful when houses are in your line of view, particularly windows. It’s about common sense and respect.
Once you’ve got past the general public and their curious stares, just go for it. It’s just a different environment but nevertheless one that still has birds to search out.
Today’s short walk, around Sedgley, resulted in: starling, wood pigeon, blackbird, magpie, goldfinch, dunnock, robin, lesser black-backed gull, feral pigeon, mistle thrush, kestrel, carrion crow.