VPS.net’s 12 Days of Christmas – 4 Calling Birds

Our true love must have a thing for birds, as this is our third present involving some sort of fowl, with a couple more on the way too. Could there be a reason for all these birds?

By now, we’re presumably all wondering why there are so many birds in the carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Sure, birds are majestic and beautiful. But do we really need geese, swans, generic birds (is that a thing?) and a partridge on the way? I can only think of one reason for all the bird talk: our true love must be a birdwatcher.
Birdwatching, or birding, is a recreational activity that many outdoor enthusiasts participate in. Photographers particularly are intrigued by birds and their unpredictable behavior. There are thousands of different kind of birds, and many birdwatchers have a lifetime goal to see as many different kinds as possible. Although this hobby may seem boring to some, it is one of those things that you need to experience first-hand to fully understand.
Around the world, many zoos and wildlife conservation areas have focused on providing their customers with a vast array of birds to see. Some birds, such as the Northern Cardinal, are extremely rare but fascinating. This bird sports a bright shade of red that is not commonly seen among birds. Their sharp crest distinguishes them from other birds, and gives them a sense of power and leadership.
Most birders—the official term for someone who engages  in birdwatching—enjoy the peace of being outside and seeing various species of birds. However, some bird enthusiasts take it to the next level and actually participate in birdwatching competitions. Competitions vary, but most consist of either individual or group efforts to identify more species than their competitors. In fact, there is even a club called the American Birding Association for the absolute die-hards.
Birders are all about using technology to their advantage. Sound equipment is used to help birders locate new species,and also helps to record the different sounds and calls of birds. As I mentioned before, more and more photographers are capturing the rare, stagnant positions of birds. Videographers also take part in birding, trying to capture the swift movements of birds.
During this past year, a new app has been developed by students at the University of Maryland and Columbia University called “Birdsnap”. The app uses facial recognition to give birdwatchers the ability to identify different species. While it isn’t perfect, the app does help birdwatchers identify 500 different North American birds.
Believe it or not, there are actually famous birders. Only a few birdwatchers have seen over 7,000 species of birds; there are about 10,000 species worldwide. Stuart Keith is a legend in the birding world, and it is thought that he saw over 6,500 species during his lifetime. His accomplishment stood strong for many years, but Phoebe Snetsinger recently passed him, seeing over 8,400 species in total. Check “The Birdwatcher’s Digest” (yes, that’s a real thing) for more info on these birding phenoms.
I’m going to have to give birdwatching more of a chance. After looking into this intriguing hobby, I have realized just how much is out there. During the Christmas season, try to take up a new hobby – you’ll be amazed at how much there is to learn. If you find out the real reason for so many birds, be sure to let me know.
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