Ask a beginning birder and an expert birder for their favorite birds, and you may wonder if they have the same hobby when comparing these two lists.
10 Birds Most Appreciated by Beginning Birders
- Indian Peafowl – A bird like a Las Vegas Dance Revue.
- Bald Eagle – Who doesn’t love raw power?
- Scarlet Macaw – Flashy is good.
- Atlantic Puffin – Cartoon bird made real.
- Greater Flamingo – A bird as a John Waters film.
- European Robin – “It was on the Christmas card!”
- Northern Cardinal – “It was on the Christmas card!” (US version)
- Rainbow Lorikeet – Why color photography was invented.
- Snowy Owl – Arctic mystery and Harry Potter.
- Common Kingfisher – A jewel flashing by – “it must be rare”.
Somewhere in a birding career, bright colors quietly give way to skulking rails and difficult identifications.
10 Birds Most Appreciated by Expert Birders
- Spoon-billed Sandpiper – Iconic and critically specialized.
- Giant Antpitta – Reclusive and rare.
- Fairy Pitta – Fleeting and endangered magic.
- Wallcreeper – Staring at rocks.
- European Nightjar – Masters of camouflage.
- Wilson’s Storm-Petrel – Worth getting seasick for.
- Arctic Warbler – Self-congratulation for difficult id. Yes, birders can be snobs.
- Slaty-breasted Rail – Probably invisible, but hearing counts, too.
- Red Crossbill – Evolution happening in real time.
- Arctic Skua – Pirates are cool.
Progress in birding seems to be mostly about increased excitement for birds that are smaller, browner, and harder to see.
Photo: Slaty-breasted Rail, Hainan, January 2022
Kai has lived in Shanghai for 22 years. He only started birding after moving to China, so he is far more familiar with Chinese birds than the ones back in his native Germany. As a birder, he considers himself strictly average and tries to make up for it with photography, which he shares on a separate website. Alas, most of the photos are pretty average as well.
He hopes that few clients of his consulting firm—focused on China’s chemical industry—ever find this blog, as it might raise questions about his professional priorities. Much of his time is spent either editing posts for 10,000 Birds or cleaning the litter boxes of his numerous indoor cats. He occasionally considers writing a piece comparing the two activities.
I feel vindicated after this post!
And you rarely do, let’s face it! (subsequent sentences of this comment were deleted by the editor for being too negative and not in the spirit of harmony and friendship we foster here at 10,000 Birds)
I’m pleased to say that I’ve seen all the birds on the beginner’s list, and six of those on the expert’s list. I would very much like to see a Spoonbill Sandpiper, though, as well as Torrent Duck and Cock of the Rock (reflecting the fact that I haven’t travelled much in South America). I remember a school friend whose favourite bird was a Budgerigar (he had one in a cage). When I finally saw big flocks of Budgies in Australia I had to admit he had a point. They were genuinely spectacular.
Beginners’ List: missing the Snowy Owl. I would devise a different Expert List as I don’t think pittas are real. Spoonbilled Sandpiper is on it though!!! What a bird. I’d add an Albatross, a Vulture, São Tomé Grosbeak or another Lazarus species and the Liben Lark.
Instead of heavily criticizing other people’s well-thought-through lists, there is always the option of creating an alternative version and posting it. If that is not too much to ask. (said he in an annoyingly whiny voice)