Walking Can Be For the Birds

Why are these people smiling? Because they're birding, of course!

Remember to take some birdwalks as the dog days of summer approach. Your local Audubon Society leads walk-based events in settings that range from public parks to city streets or wildlife sanctuaries. If you're not an experienced birder, just look for walks rated "good for beginners"--most clubs have plenty of them and you can check with the walk leader about borrowing the high powered binoculars you'll need to enjoy the sights.

Once you're on a birdwalk, Audubon members--passionate and knowledgeable about birding--help you actually see birds you may never have realized were there. Birdwalks expand your vision of nature as you identify birds and, ultimately, learn more about how they live and fit into our entire ecosystem. For example, those on Maureen Geiger's Purple Martin tour (pictured here) handily used a lunch hour to walk, talk, see dozens of bird species (and bats!). Of particular interest was discovering how Purple Martins have inconspicuously but cleverly adapted urban landscapes to make nests using freeway light fixtures.Find an Audubon Society near you.

Tags: Birdwalk, Audubon Society, Maureen Geiger, Purple Martin