看鸟—Birding

Last year, I took up the hobby of birding or birdwatching after my friend took me out to observe some birds out near the lake. Basically¹, birding involves observing birds in their natural habitat. (Actually, you don't need to leave your backyard to observe many birds.)

 

The best seasons to watch birds are in the spring and fall as they migrate² from north to south in many areas. I usually go out with my binoculars³ and a field guidebook in the mornings because most birds are very active and feed at that time. You also have to know where to look to see them and how to recognize their bird calls. Because I'm new to birding, I consult my bird guidebook to look up specific varieties of birds. You have to look carefully at their plumage (feathers), the way they behave and move, and their size to recognize many birds because some look very similar.

 

Also, take note of the time of year you see birds because this information might tell you more about their breeding⁴ range and migration⁵ routes. Besides looking at birds, I like the activity because it gives me a chance to exercise as I hike to different locations, and it allows me to relax my mind in the great outdoors.

1 basically   

adv.基本上，从根本上说

参考例句：

• His heart is basically sound.他的心脏基本上健康。
• Basically I agree with your plan.我基本上同意你的计划。

2 migrate   

vi.（候鸟等）迁徙，移居（国外），迁移

参考例句：

• Many birds migrate south for the winter.冬天时，许多鸟类迁徙南方。
• The rich people often migrate in winter to Florida.有钱的人常在冬季搬迁到佛罗里达州去。

3 binoculars   

n.双筒望远镜

参考例句：

• He watched the play through his binoculars.他用双筒望远镜看戏。
• If I had binoculars,I could see that comet clearly.如果我有望远镜，我就可以清楚地看见那颗彗星。

4 breeding   

n.繁殖

参考例句：

• the breeding of horses 马的饲养
• This area of the city has become a breeding ground for violent crime. 这个市区已成为暴力犯罪的滋生地。

5 migration   

n.迁移，移居，（鸟类等的）迁徙

参考例句：

• Swallows begin their migration south in autumn.燕子在秋季开始向南方迁移。
• He described the vernal migration of birds in detail.他详细地描述了鸟的春季移居。