What we’re about
Welcome to BirdNerds Zürich Hangout!
This meetup is perfect for bird enthusiasts, amateurs, and professionals (as we could learn from you!). Join us if you are passionate about bird-watching, identifying different bird species, and exploring their natural habitats in the stunning outdoor settings of Zürich or outside the city.
Connect with like-minded individuals, share your knowledge or just - passion, and appreciate the flying wonders of nature. I am cheesy here on purpose!
There are many bird watchers in Switzerland and many associations (I belong to two). However, I couldn't find a bird-watchers group in Zurich. So here it is.
I became interested in birds about 3-4 years ago thanks to my best friends, who took me on several bird-watching walks, and their passion was contagious! Since then, I learned a bit, but still, I am an absolute beginner. I will post here our group events and the open events organised by BirdLife Zurich and others if I find them. I am very open to a collaborative approach to this group, and your ideas and possible future co-hosts are also welcome!
Note: If you wanna watch birds, it is quite necessary to be equipped with a good pair of binoculars and a bird atlas or a couple of Apps to support this journey.
I use (for iOS): BirdLife CH, Merlin Bird ID (great for bird singing recognition) and BirdNET.
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Below is a bit of nerdy content generated by ChatGPT;)
Bird watching, like any hobby or interest, has slang terms and jargon. Here are some common words and phrases used in bird-watching slang:
- Twitching: The act of travelling to see a rare bird that has been reported.
- Lifelist: A list of all the bird species a birder has seen in their lifetime.
- Big Year: An informal competition among birders to see or hear the most species of birds within a specific geographical area in a calendar year.
- Lifer: A bird species that a birder sees for the first time.
- Rarity: A bird species uncommon or unusual in a particular area.
- Dip: To miss seeing a bird that other birders have seen.
- Pishing: Making a noise that mimics bird distress calls to attract birds for better viewing.
- Warbler Neck: Stiffness or soreness in the neck from looking up at birds in trees for extended periods.
- Jizz: The overall impression or characteristic appearance of a bird, including its size, shape, behaviour, and other non-specific features.
- Flocking: Gathering together to watch birds, often in groups or organised outings.
- Call: The distinctive vocalisations or sounds that birds make, often used by birders to identify bird species.
- Field Guide: A book or resource containing illustrations, descriptions, and information about different bird species to aid in their identification.
These are just a few examples, and many more terms are used in the bird-watching community, reflecting the passion and dedication of birders worldwide.
Feathered Friends - let's gather!
Birdwatchers - let's unite!
