10 reasons to go birdwatching

CEBU, Philippines - Beautiful birds are all around us!

According to The Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, the Philippines is gifted with more than 570 bird species living in diverse habitats.             

Hornbills, doves and malkohas can be found in the forests; wild ducks, egrets and herons in the marshlands; warblers and munias in the grasslands.

“Migratory season brings in waders and shorebirds to the coastal areas,” the club informed. “Even urban landscapes are home to bulbuls, colasisis, starlings, fantails and fly-eaters.

Wild Bird Club tells us that all we need is to know what’s out there to see. Learning to watch bird is like getting a lifetime ticket to the theater of nature.

 Wild about birds

Wild Bird Club shares the following reasons why every kid should go birdwatching:

10. It won’t cost you much. All you need for this hobby is a notebook, a field guide, a hat and a pair of binoculars. And maybe same insect repellant.

9. Exercise. Birding gets you vertical. It gets you outside and walking.

8. Companionship. A birder need never be lonely. You’ll never know who you might meet or run into. The joy of seeing a bird is best when shared.

7. Solitude. There’s a special pleasure in going out alone to bird watch. Your head clears, your senses open up and nature becomes your friend.

6. The great outdoors. Being outside under the sun always gives a breath of fresh air. Experiencing the outdoors also encourages you to keep the environment in good shape.

5. Travel. Whether it’s your own backyard or the jungle wilds, your search for birds will bring you places.

4. Discovery. There’s always something new to be learned whether it’s about birds, nature, your companions or yourself.

3. The birds! You’ll be amazed at the variety of songs, shapes, sizes, colors and charms of your feathered friends.

2. Fun and Adventure. BIG fun. Something deep seems to get fulfilled. There’s an adrenalin rush you get whenever you go out birding.

1. Happiness. Birding is a quest. You set out to see the birds – but the prize you come back with can only be described as happiness.