1. GOOD EQUIPMENT: You must get a nice binocular. 8X42 are the preferred size. This video may help you understand better binoculars. Nice guide to birds of Panama. The Birds of Panama: A Field Guide by George Angher is the most up to date in the market. However if you have and old Guide to the birds of Panama by Ridgley guide book it is just a matter of updating the names on the list and you will have a great book. Also get A Bird-Finding Guide to Panama!
2. LEARN HOW TO IDENTIFY BIRDS As in many other hobbies, practicing is key to become a great birder. Panama Audubon Society offers an introductory tour every first Sunday of the month. They are very good to learn how to ID the common birds of our backyard. You can also make new friends with much more experience that would make the learning process easier. The Inside Birding series of videos are super handy on organizing the process we use to ID birds.
3. KEEP NOTES Sounds simple but it isn't. Keeping track of what and where you saw its not that easy. Fortunately there is eBird now! Great and easy way to organize your sightings, keep them updated and remember what you had seen and what you need to find! Good Luck birding!
