Five beginner birdwatching tips for people inspired by Bill Oddie

Bill Oddie has died at the age of 85 – he starred in The Goodies, before concentrating on his love of birds and other wildlife. Here’s how to get into birdwatching

• For beginners, it is recommended to visit local nature reserves or wetlands with hides, such as RSPB Minsmere or the Somerset Levels, to identify species and learn at one's own pace.
• Signing up for a dedicated birdwatching tour with a guide is highly advised, as guides possess local knowledge of species locations, can help distinguish varieties, and foster a social learning environment.
• Essential equipment for birdwatching includes a pair of binoculars, with advice to try them before purchasing, and free apps like Merlin Bird ID can assist in identifying bird calls.
• The popularity of birdwatching is increasing, with destinations like Oman's Daymaniyat Islands, Vietnam's Cat Ba National Park, and Thailand's Doi Inthanon seeing a surge in interest.
• Key birdwatching destinations include the UK's Somerset Levels for winter murmurations, Iceland for puffins and volcanoes, and Tasmania's Bruny Island, an avian haven for endemic species and home to the biennial Bruny Island Bird Festival.