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In a culture that so often disregards the welfare of our fine feathered friends, bird watching is a great introductory step into the green life. The folks at BirdWatching.com go as far as calling it a "sport" and define it as follows: "Birding and birdwatching mean the same thing. The activity of observing wild birds. (Birds in cages or any form of captivity don't count.)"
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There are over 800 bird species in North America and no matter where you live, you can likely find anywhere from several dozen to 100 different kind of birds to see up close. Thanks to the internets, however, you can now get a jump on your birding hobby (or sport), thanks to "Birds on Google Maps" or Google Earth Blog.
While there is obviously no replacement for seeing the birds live in their own natural habitat, the virtual birding experience may be precisely the inspiration you need to embark on your own bird appreciation expedition.
7 Ways to Get Started in the Green Sport of Birding
- Check Out "Birds on Google Maps"
- Familiarize Yourself With Birds
- Get Your Hands on Some Good Used Binoculars
- Visit Your Local Library for a Field Guide
- Turn Your Backyard in a Bird Sanctuary
- Plan a Birding Vacation
- Listen to Victor Hugo: "Be as a bird perched on a frail branch that she feels bending beneath her, still she sings away all the same, knowing she has wings."
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