Using the Birda app, I identified several new species as a first-time birdwatcher Watching the birds go by

Ididn’t think I would be so interested in looking for a blue tit, but as I sat in the park, I was searching for almost an hour. While birdwatching doesn’t exactly have the reputation for being the most exciting activities, new apps are making your retired uncle’s favourite pastime accessible, inclusive, and cool.

The research

Having never tried birdwatching before and not being able to identify different species of bird, I saw this activity as quite the challenge. I began by doing some research and finding an accessible area in Cardiff that’s popular for birdwatching.

Described as an “urban treasure” by Birdingplaces, Roath Park Lake is an important habitat for overwintering and breeding birds. The most common birds include: mute swan, great crested grebe, black-headed gull, and coot.

I spoke to Jean Haslam, chair of Glamorgan bird club for some advice as a first timer. She said, “It’s possible to find birds anywhere outside, best tip –the main thing is to look.”

She said it is more fun if you birdwatch with someone else, so I dragged my housemate along. With a combined total of knowledge of three birds, we follow Haslam’s advice to build our species knowledge slowly.

Flying the nest

I followed the path surrounding the lake, suggested by Birdingplaces, as well as venturing into the park as well. I used a birdwatching app, Birda, and I started my session by logging the different birds I came across. The app’s built-in species guide – with photos and descriptions – was especially helpful. Before this, I could only confidently say I knew ducks, swans and gulls.

I visited the park, just a 10-minute walk from my house, on a gorgeous, bright Sunday afternoon. I chose this route because, along with being a lovely park, I felt I knew it quite well. It seemed a lot less daunting going somewhere I know well while doing something I didn’t.

Due to it being a Sunday, the lake was very busy with families, so I suspected the noise may have scared away some of the birds. The most frequent birds on the lake were coots, mute Swans, mallards, and geese.

Overall, I spotted 13 different species. Each time I saw a bird, I logged it straight into the Birda app, which Haslam encouraged. While she suggested a notepad and pen (it’s easy to forget what you have seen), I found using an app a lot better when out and about.

While it was tracking me, it had identified where I was when I saw a type of bird. This makes it easier for avid bird watchers to reflect on their findings. You can also add photos of the birds you saw.

The afterthoughts

I really enjoyed getting out of the house, especially because it was sunny and warm. I learned about several new species, and it really made a difference going with someone who helped me look for birds, take photos, and identify species.

It distracted me from the outside world and anxieties because I was constantly thinking about spotting each bird. Relaxing and insightful, birdwatching is an activity I would definitely try again.