6/250/2008

For the birds: Getting started in bird watching
By Mike DePalma

Editor's note: This is the first installment of a regular monthly column on bird watching. Mike DePalma was first introduced to bird watching by observing the birdfeeders at his parents’ and grandparents’ houses.  His knowledge about birds increased while taking an ornithology class at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA.

Binoculars, comfortable shoes and an appreciation for nature are all you need to take in the beauty of the birds that are all around us.  Whether you are at home, on the golf course, on a boat or on the beach, many species of birds can be spotted without too much difficulty.   Birds are all around us at all times of the day and in all types of habitat. Worcester County is very fortunate to be in one of the best bird watching locations on the east coast.

Over the next several months I will be telling you about certain locations that are birding "hot spots" depending on the time of year and what you can expect to see in those areas.  Also, I will focus on one bird each month that is common in our area and where you should go in order to have an excellent chance of seeing it.  There will be further information on the bird's migration patterns, habitat, physical features, song and flight patterns. 

For this column I will focus on getting started.  Bird watching can be done using anything from the naked eye to binoculars to a telescopic zoom lens.  With an increase in magnification there is an increase in the amount of detail that might be seen making identification much easier.  A good bird book is crucial to proper identification of the bird that you are watching.  I use "National Geographic's Field Guide to the Birds of North America."  The Smithsonian's "Handbook to Birds of North America" is another excellent resource.  When deciding on which book to buy look at the quality and detail of the photos of the birds.  Also, see if they show the bird in flight and make sure that the migration range of the bird is easy to follow.  Lastly, make sure that it is easy to carry with you while you are looking at birds.  It is very difficult to carry a five pound book and look at a bird at the same time.

The American oystercatcher is one the more beautiful birds in our area.  It is very easy to see with the naked eye due to its signature black head and long three inch orange bill.  Other identifying traits include white underparts and a white stripe showing on the wing in flight.  If there is another bird that you see that has a white stripe on the wing while flying, but does not have the orange bill, it is probably a willet at this time of year.  The largest of the oystercatchers is a shore bird that is rarely seen very far inland, preferring the ocean and bays which are home to its favorite foods.  As the name implies, they use the long bill to eat oysters, clams, worms, sea urchins and starfish.  

The range for the oystercatcher on the east coast is from Maryland to Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico into Texas.  The Pacific coast has a range from California south into Mexico.  Oystercatchers have a song of "kleep, wheep, or peep" and it usually makes a loud "crik, crik, crik" as it begins to fly.  Identification for an oystercatcher can easily be done visually and sound identification is not necessary in most instances.  It is difficult to get close to an oystercatcher as they are very cautious and are wary of approach. 

Oystercatchers do not feed in flocks, but can commonly be seen feeding with other birds.
Locally, oystercatchers can be observed all year round.  Hot spots to see them are feeding along the marshes and rocks of Assawoman Bay.  Another area where I commonly see Oystercatchers is driving into Chincoteague Island, just before crossing the bridge to get into town.  Oystercatchers also can be seen on the bay side of Assateague Island.  I am certain they would also be on the ocean side of Assateague, although I personally have not seen one.  Oystercatchers are a beautiful bird that is relatively easy to find if you look in the proper locations. 

We are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful area with so many hidden natural treasures.  By bird watching, you not only see the birds, but also the beauty that is all around us.