Rich, one to look out for
In reply to i love robins:
Hello Rich and welcome form just outside Brum in the West Mids, heart of HS2 country.....
First, I wish you a full recovery from your Covid heart failure, and hopefully it won't stop you getting out and playing with those bins, and new camera when you finally get one.
BTW, you don't have to walk miles for good wildlife piccies, I'm disabled after a motorist ran a red light, resulting in my lower right leg requiring a major rebuild....
As for new to birding, don't worry about it, I've only been doing it just a shade over three years, and enjoyed every learning moment, and I'm still learning, with the help of the good people here, long with the web and books.
I'm not the best to advise you on a camera, depending on your skills and budget, I'm love my DSLR, there are some good bridge cameras out there, which may save you the hassle of flaffing around changing lenses.
You may find a good smart phone camera or compact will be ideal for you balcony photos just to get you started.
The best thing to do would be visit a good reputable camera store, have a look around, ask the staff some questions, check the costs out, and if you want to share your thoughts here before making the purchase, I know there will be some more than willing to help you.
I know, because I asked for help on what big lens to buy, and received a lot of good informative replies, which made purchasing easier, after trying out lenses.
If you intend to buy a DSLR, then you may see a kit purchase option, where you but the camera and select lenses, and possibly other items, like a bag. Often there are options, the only limit is your wallet.
As for skills, tips and tricks, again, there are many who would be happy to help, or even reading some of trips out postings, sometimes tips and tricks are shared there.
It s a lovely community, and I'm happy to be among them all.
Mike
Flickr Peak Rambler
In reply to Mike B:
In reply to richcastle66:
richcastle66 said:Thank you for your advice Mike. I'm really glad I've found this hobby. It'll help me to relax and to understand the world of our feathered friends much better and to witness their amazing beauty and habits out there. I've only been on here a couple of days now, and I have been made to feel welcome by al my fellow birders and the advice has been amazing. I'll certainly run the camera thing on here before I buy. Cheers. rich.
You're welcome, and along with everyone else, look forward to your stories, and possibly photos in the future.
Don't put too much out Rich, just a small amount to start with, the birds wont know how much you've put out, you are starting from new so it could take time for them to find you. Generally go by how wet the food has got before you change it, if it has got wet give it a couple of days, if it's dry and nothing has touched it you can leave it longer. Again if nothing has been in the water you can leave for it for days.
My Flickr photos
Just a thought, is your balcony big enough for you to have plant pot on it? One of the forumites, Mart in Germany grows Sunflowers on his and has Goldfinches visiting him, something with a bit of colour may attract the birds.
www.flickr.com/.../page3
In reply to Alan.: