Millions of people enjoy bird watching in thousands of locations around the world. Birding is an activity which takes patience and trained eye, yet one that can be mastered and enjoyed by people of all ages. It just so happens that The Inn at Honey Run is situated in an ideal bird watching spot here in Ohio, surrounded by a variety of habitats that draw many different species of birds. Here are some great birding tips to help new bird watchers get started on the right foot.
Tips for Those New to Bird Watching
1. Keep your eye on the bird, not the book. It is tempting to rush into the pages of a field guide as soon as you spot a bird, but often this leads to lackluster results. Keeping your eye on the bird allows time to observe the smallest details, and then once the bird moves on (which happens so quickly!), go ahead and see if it can be identified. In Ohio, some common bird sightings include cardinals, bluebirds, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, wrens and the scarlet Tanager.
2. Find a good field guide. There are many guides out there and not all are the same. Make sure to find one that has a comprehensive list of birds for the region, is portable, and has the type of information you want. A basic field guide will include general info about a species but a more thorough book will include migration patterns, nesting, feeding habits, and behavior.
3. Binoculars are important. A quality set of binoculars is essential to an enjoyable birding experience, while a poor set can ruin the day. A good pair will provide a large crisp picture and make it easy to locate the target. A pair with magnification power of 7 or 8 offers a nice blend of magnification yet a broad enough view to avoid the subject moving out of the picture too often.
4. Learn the location. A good field guide will also help with this. Keep in mind the time of year and research what the birds are doing at that time as well as which bird species are in the area. Connect with local groups online and ask questions. Veteran bird watchers will be happy to spread their knowledge to fledgling birders. At the Inn at Honey Run, you can always ask the staff who is happy inspire your inner bird watcher.
Bird Watching at the Inn at Honey Run
The Inn at Honey Run is nestled in a perfect location for bird watching, and offers guests the option to easily begin a birding adventure. Visitors are happy to discover binoculars in every room, as well as one of those useful field guides we so strongly recommend. Surrounded by different bird habitats with trails throughout, including a meadow, pond and forest, there is no shortage of areas to discover different species of birds in their natural homes.
Many birds can be seen right out the hotel windows, where bird feeders are situated for guest enjoyment. The inn even owns night vision goggles for those who’d like to do a little birding after the sun goes down to catch a glimpse of a Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, or Northern Mockingbird. Day or night, The Inn at Honey Run offers some of the best bird watching in Ohio.
Hi,
These are some really good bird watching tips – especially that first one. I’ve noticed too that too many (beginning) birders like to put their nose in a book or guide too quickly.