This will be my last article as the editor of the Birding Site for Bellaonline. I wanted to let you all know that I have enjoyed writing for Bella for the last year and getting to know the wonderful people and of course corresponding with the readers. My decision to leave is simply based on the fact that I can no longer keep up my duties at Bella and my other responsibilities.

More than 47 million people consider themselves either a birder or bird watcher. The natural path is that one is first a bird watcher, observing birds at a local park or from their back yard and that sometimes evolves into being a birder.

Whereas a bird watcher really only observes birds as it is convenient for them, a birder will often seek out new places to view different species of birds. This can mean getting sunburned, frostbite or even poison ivy.

What draws people to birding? A love of nature and the outdoors is one thing. But beyond that birds a truly beautiful creatures not only with their magnificent colors but also their beautiful singing voices.

Another great thing about birding is that it fosters camaraderie. While birding may be practices and enjoyed alone, it can be even more fun when done with one or more companions. Most states have local bird clubs. If you are interested in finding one in your state check www.aba.org (American Birding Association) or www.audubon.org (National Audubon Society).

You will find that when you have identified most of the birds near you either in nearby parks or in your backyard, you will travel greater distances to observe more birds. If you have a partner or group, it is easier to spot different birds as there are mores sets of eyes.

The next likely step or progression is to begin keeping a list of the birds that you have spotted. This is like a journal of the bird species you have seen. Some birders keep lists of the birds they have spotted in a certain location. Others keep lists for every bird species they have spotted. It is really up to you how you want to organize your list.

As, birders become more active with groups and keeping lists, they tend to develop an interest in the conservation of wild life overall. Questions they might find themselves wondering are:

Are the birds healthy?
Is the population in decline?
Has deforestation or chemicals usage led to the decline?

Many club members are advocates for better wildlife conservation.

Thanks to all the readers over the past year. I hope you continue to enjoy birding and observing these beautiful creatures we have all around us.