Birdwatching Essentials
There are several things that every birdwatcher needs, on this page you'll find recommended bird identification guides, optics, links to bird sightings pages, nature reserves, conservation organisations, nature reserves etc. You'll develop and improve your birdwatching skills and knowledge by attending Club field trips and indoor meetings, but you'll be able to enhance your birdwatching further by using the following links and information. Links are displayed in blue type.
Bird Identification Guides
Books -
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Collins Bird Guide (2nd Edition) by Svensson, Mullarney and Zetterstrom.
This book is the go to guide for the birdwatcher with excellent and thorough descriptions for identification including maps, plumage details and sound descriptions. Detailed colour plates make for easy bird identification.
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For the more advanced birdwatcher the following 2 guides help in separating troublesome species -
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The Helm Guide to Bird Identification by Vinicombe, Harris and Tucker.
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Bird ID Insights by Couzens.
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Bird ID Apps
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Collins Bird Guide App
Based upon the book as detailed above with the addition of bird sounds which can be very useful out in the field. Having the app means you can leave your guide at home and take the app with you on your phone or other mobile device.
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Online Bird Identification Resources
This site is useful to look at for ID videos and pointers.
A collection recordings of bird songs and calls.
Bearded Tit at Leighton Moss by Brian Taylor.
Optics
Binoculars are essential to birdwatching, some birds simply won't let the observer close enough to see all details with the naked eye. Any binoculars will help your birdwatching. Telescopes are also useful for viewing birds and can see much further than binoculars. Telescopes are really useful for getting clear views of more distant birds. Some reserves have telescopes ready for public use in their hides and somebody will normally have a telescope on our field walks. See below links to recommended optic dealers -
Local Bird Clubs and Naturalist Groups
The oldest Bird Club in Lancashire, founded in 1955.
This Club covers surrounding Blackpool, Fleetwood etc.
Shelduck at Martin Mere by Jonathan Fry.
Bird Sightings Pages
The following sites are especially useful to check if you are heading out birdwatching.
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Manchester Birding Forum (for Manchester and out of country records)
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Birdguides (subscription required)
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If on Facebook there are a number of good birdwatching groups that can be joined including -
Local Nature Reserves
Check out our Where to watch birds page for other local sites.
Bird Conservation Organisations
These organisations promote the conservation and study of wild birds.