About

Nicole Keen is a free, plain-English guide for people starting out in birdwatching.

The guides are about one skill above all: being keen-eyed, noticing the small details that tell one bird from another. You do not need a car, a long lens or expensive kit. A window, a notebook and some patience are enough to begin.

What you will find here

• Bird ID Basics: shape, field marks, behaviour, habitat and song.
• Binoculars & Kit: reading the numbers, setting up and finding birds fast.
• Backyard Birds: food, clean feeders, water, planting and nest boxes.

How the guides are written

The guides draw on widely shared birding practice and the published advice of bird conservation charities. Birds, seasons and rules differ by region, so they point you to local field guides and bird clubs for details.

What this site is not

It is a reading guide, not a club, a tour operator or a shop. It does not sell equipment, organise trips or run a rescue service.

Pictures

The images are illustrations made for this site.

Write in

Questions and corrections about the guides are welcome on the contact page.