Additional Resources
Our team continues to collect and provide quality resources and scientific data to enhance your personal birding experience.
Birding is the recreational activity of observing wild birds in
their natural habitats and identifying them by sight and sound.
As a multi-level hobby that can be enjoyed almost anywhere,
from a backyard to a remote wilderness, birding appeals to a
wide range of people
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Birdwatching is often perceived as a more casual pastime, like observing backyard feeders.
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Birding is often associated with a more active, serious, or
list-driven pursuit, where people travel specifically to find new or rare species to add to their "life list". Ultimately, the terms can be used according to personal preference, and some modern definitions suggest that the joy of watching wild birds is what makes a person a "birder". -
Our resource team provides useful materials for all levels of birding as they relate to the greater coastal Brunswick County region.
A world of help right
on your phone.
There are many resources out there that may help you learn more about identifying birds, both by sight and sound. During our bird walks and excursions, we will be using the Merlin app. We recommend Merlin for the following reasons:
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The Merlin Bird ID app is a free mobile application developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that helps users identify birds through photos, sounds, and descriptions. Powered by eBird data, it offers features like real-time Sound ID, Photo ID, and a Bird ID Wizard that provides potential matches based on user-provided information like location, size, color, and behavior. The app also includes features for exploring bird species in a region and learning more about them, including photos, sounds, and range maps.
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Merlin is considered the best bird identification app because it offers free, fast, and accurate identification through photo, sound, and step-by-step visual guides, powered by the vast Cornell Lab of Ornithology and eBird database. Its user-friendly interface, offline capabilities with downloadable "bird packs," and features like the "Explore Birds" section make it ideal for both beginners and experienced birders to discover and learn about local species anywhere in the world.
Key Features Making Merlin Stand Out:
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Multi-Modal Identification:
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Photo ID: Uses computer vision to identify birds from photos, even from your phone's gallery.
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Sound ID: Listens for bird songs and calls to identify species in real-time.
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Step-by-Step ID: Guides you through a few simple questions about a bird's appearance to provide a list of possible matches.
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More about Merlin:
Go to the app. store on your phone or iPad and download the app for free:
It's almost like having your personal birding tour guide at your side!
What about Binoculars?
Binoculars are indeed helpful for birding as they magnify birds, allowing for detailed observation of their features, and provide a wider field of view to locate and track them more easily than with the naked eye. We've researched and found expert advice on how to determine the best choice binoculars for your personal needs. You'll find that helpful document in our exclusive resource file which you can open, review and download if you wish - through this link:
Where can I buy binoculars for bird watching in Southport?
If you want to buy binoculars for bird watching in Southport, Wilkinson Cameras Southport is a highly recommended local store offering a range of binoculars including Nikon models and expert advice. It is located on Eastbank Street, near Lord Street.
Other options include online retailers like GPO Binoculars, which distributes quality optics through various UK dealers, though they do not have a showroom in Southport itself.
For a wider selection and expert help, South West Optics offers a large range of binoculars and spotting scopes with excellent customer service, though they are not based in Southport.
