Birding or birdwatching has been defined as a form of wildlife bird observation as a hobby (wikipedia).

Birdwatching was introduced to me one autumn afternoon a year ago by accident. I was enjoying the late afternoon ambiance at my backyard when I observed a number of colorful birds.  My presence seemed to be distressing them and they repeatedly returned to the same grassy spot.  Apparently, they were feeding on something hence the attraction.

I forgot the incident until one early morning the following spring when I let the dog out at the backyard.  There was a flurry of feathers and wings as the dog chased after the birds that had congregated on the same backyard spot.  I wrote about my backyard birdwatching experience because I was delighted with the presence of the colorful birds at my backyard.

Birdwatching at Lake Lewisville Environmental Learning Area (LLELA) was not something that I was planning to do but I was invited to join by my friend, the birder, JJCruz.  I didn’t know what to expect.  I did come across several colorful and interesting birds.  The experience was intense as I felt like I was hunting the birds to get a good photograph.  We hiked, watched, observed, and took the best photographs we could manage.

It was not easy to capture photographs of the birds.  First, the equipment had to be carried around and it got heavier with time; second, stealth is the name of the game so as not to spook the birds; third, even with my long lens I felt like I needed a longer lens to get a close view; fourth, I could never make the birds pose for me!

The best lesson I learned that day, I think, was a reminder to be careful of the surroundings.  The birds are not the only ones present and the other creatures present may not be so friendly!