bird-watch

A person uses binoculars to bird-watch in a peaceful forest.

Definition

Verb (intransitive): To observe and identify wild birds in their natural habitat, typically as a recreational or scientific activity.

Usage Examples

• (They observe and identify wild birds there.)
• (She engages in the activity of observing birds.)
• (They come with the purpose of observing and identifying birds.)

Advanced Usage

• : to engage in the activity of observing birds.
  • We plan to go bird-watching in the wetlands tomorrow. (We intend to observe birds there.)
• : a location known for having many bird species to observe.
  • This forest is a popular bird-watching spot. (A favoured place for observing birds.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bird-watching (noun): the activity or hobby of observing wild birds.

  • Bird-watching requires patience and a good pair of binoculars. (The activity demands patience.)

• Bird-watcher (noun): a person who engages in bird-watching.

  • The bird-watcher recorded several rare species in his notebook. (The observer recorded rare birds.)

Synonyms

• Observe birds: to watch birds closely, often for identification.
• Twitch: (informal) to engage in bird-watching, especially with the aim of seeing rare species.

Phrasal Verbs

• Watch for: to look carefully for something (e.g., specific birds).
  • They watch for migratory birds each spring. (They look carefully for them.)

Related Idioms

• A bird's-eye view: a view from a high angle, as if seen by a bird; not directly related to bird-watching, but uses the word "bird."
  • From the tower, we had a bird's-eye view of the forest. (We saw the forest from above.)