One way of keeping close to nature is birdwatching. This can be developed as a hobby. The birdwatching can be source of great joy. The 'field observation’ of birds is also source of knowledge about nature. The life cycle of a bird is very interesting and their habits fascinating. A penetrating eye, keen interest and a pair of binoculars, is all that is needed to adopt birdwatching as a hobby. Birds are always interesting and lovable - the most colourful feathery creatures with their pleasing call or song. Bird watching can be a great hobby for anyone and it can evolve into a co-curricular activity for school education, through which the students can learn the evolution of a variety of bird life.

All vertebrate or back-boned animals are scientifically divided into five different groups. Avis, the bird group that is covered with feathers, lay eggs and incubate, is one among those groups. Avians are further sub-divided into groups called Families, Genus and Species. There are altogether more than 8,650 species of birds in the world today and out of which more than 1,200 species are found in India. Each bird species has its own habits and behaviour, different from one another. Some of the interesting habits and behaviour of birds such as the peacock's dance is to impress the female for mating. The Indian Roller tumbles and perform somersaults in the air before a watching female, Parakeet postures and poses ludicrously standing first on one foot and then on the other, the Jacana builds a skimpy nest on the floating leaves of water plants, the Woodpecker builds a nest in an old hole in a decayed branch and the Koel lays eggs always on the crow's nest.

Over 300 out of 1,200 Indian species come from distant lands in winter. The first step of bird watching is the ability to recognise the common birds of the locality. Therefore, one should know the topography of a bird like external parts of the body and plumage. The second step is the practice and experience to recognise a species correctly, if possible initially one should accompany an experienced bird watcher to master the art of bird watching. It is necessary to posses binoculars, a bird watching field guide and a notebook with pen in order to acquire the basics of bird watching. Bird watching is a part of environmental education. The defence service personnel with posting close to jungle areas can adopt this interesting hobby.