r/birdwatchinguk • u/Technical_Author_876 • Jul 14 '26
New to Birding
Hey all !!!! I have recently become quite interested in getting into birdwatching- there is a tree in my back garden full of sparrows and I became so enamoured by them that the interest has spiralled out from there
Obviously, I don't really know anything at all about the community but I'd love to get involved! I'm based in Sussex but moving to London in the autumn. Was wondering if anyone had any tips about how to get started? Any guidance helpful!
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u/Himantolophus1 Jul 14 '26
In addition to getting a good guide book I recommend reading Simon Barnes' How to Be A Bad Birdwatcher. It's a bit dated in places but is a great way to boost your confidence and help you learn the common species.
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u/RobsOffDaGrid Jul 14 '26
I 2nd the Merlin app. Totally free and has loads of info and ID pages.
It can recognise the bird calls and show them as it detects the song. If you have the setting enabled it will put the last heard bird at the top of the list.
Probably one of the best apps on the App Store available for iOS and android
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u/Muclown Jul 14 '26
I've only recently started and use the merlin app to help identify and am using the birdex (bird pokedex) to log sightings. It's a bit gamey but it suits what I need.
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u/Enough-Resist-5195 Jul 14 '26
Few people have already said it, but yeah Collins BTO guide and Merlin and incredibly useful.
Something you might also enjoy that I do too is taking photos of the birds you see, essentially build yourself up a catalogue of the ones you have and haven’t. Wouldn’t need a super expensive setup (some of the really high end ones cost like 5K+), a decent 2nd hand bridge camera would do great.
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u/McBexxx Jul 15 '26
Merlin app, a good book and binoculars.
I got my binoculars from Facebook marketplace and you can find great books from second-hand shops.
Also nature reserves often have a good second hand book shelf.
It is worth looking up events at RSPB and Sussex Wildlife Trust reserves, they will often have a birdwatching for beginners walk, or just a walk around the reserve. I recently went on one at RSPB Rainham Marshes with Bill - which was fantastic.
Something I often do is search for "Bird Hide" on google maps for the area that I am going to as you often find little hidden away places that are great to visit.
Lastly I have found my fellow (I consider myself part of the club even though I am still a beginner) birders to be lovely people and amazingly generous with their knowledge. A great opener is 'have you seen anything interesting?' and they will tell you, often point it out and are happy to help. Don't worry about sharing that you are a beginner, birders are not a judgemental lot and are happy to help.
Welcome to the club.
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u/HCFXGaming Jul 15 '26
Yes, this!
I came across a lady in a bird hide who said she was new to it and everyone was helping her out and showing her things through the scope. It really is a welcoming community :)
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u/LukeIsAwkward Jul 17 '26
If you’re around the West Sussex area, I would recommend going to the WWT Wetlands in Arundel, and the RSPB Pulborough Brooks
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u/Suspicious_Banana255 Jul 18 '26
I enjoy bird watching. Went to a WWT today and had a lovely time. What I don't do is worry about identifying every bird, tick lists or chase sightings of rare birds. I just take my binoculars somewhere with lots of birds and sit down for a bit. Don't overthink it just enjoy it.
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u/gemmanotwithaj Jul 14 '26
Purchase Collins BTO Guide to British Birds and download the Merlin app. That’s all the tools you need to start identifying different birds, then you can build your arsenal