There is a perception that bird watching is boring, even among serious birders there can be a tendency towards the rare and exotic. This in effect means many are missing out on some really amazing things, effectively right in front of their nose.

Right now I am fortunate to live in Singapore, with roughly 400 species within an hour or so of me, there is plenty to keep me occupied. The thing is though if I told people I have been watching sparrows, pigeons and mynahs lately everyone would think I am nuts.

Of course there is a huge thrill at coming across something new or unusual but there is a lot to be learnt from watching the very common also. Sure it doesn’t help life lists but it can benefit you in many ways, intellectually and practically. Pigeons and mynahs – in this case Indian and Java – also what I have heard termed “flying rats” are actually interesting. It shouldn’t be forgotten that Mynahs in particular are very intelligent.

I was watching a pair catch a gecko – Java Mynahs that is. Interestingly they seemed to be working together, or maybe that was assumed on my part. Anyway just watching them get the lizard was interesting. It is also interesting to see just how close you can get to them, and how they respond to different clicks, chirps and whistles I make.

Pigeons are also interesting, I was watching them near the train station, sex is obviously a big issue with pigeons – why there are so many. But just through some “light” watching you start to get a grip with what is going on, dominance and submission becoming quickly apparent. Incidently watching and studying pigeons in particular is a great way to learn about birds. Columbiformes (pigeons and doves), are unique in their own right. They can actually suck water for example, and once you understand why a pigeon bobs it’s head you have already learn alot about bird physiology.

This then means that when I come across fruit doves in the forest I feel I have a greater understanding of what is going on. The fundamental principles don’t change, but my knowledge and experience does. There are differences of course with each species - and I would argue with each individual - but more knowledge is a good thing. But understanding pigeons does help with peaceful doves, orange breasted and so on.

Even sparrows which are everywhere, if Mynahs are flying rats, then sparrows must by flying mice. Still there is very interesting behaviour going on when you start paying attention to them. Again dominance is a huge issue, and you can identify quite easily the seniority when you start to look.

Sparrows at play

My real point is that it is too easy to go chasing after unusual species and never look at what is in front of us. We go travelling the world to see birds and never pay attention to the bird calls we hear around our homes each day. Birds are amazing creatures and there is much to learn from even the “boring” ones.

Incidentally, I can’t say I am a huge fan of introduced birds anywhere, again though by actually paying attention you can start to see the problems and how introduced birds compete with native birds. So again, understanding and knowledge should be taken wherever you can get it.

Spending a day watching Barn Swallows or similar is amazing in itself and you will be suprised just what you can see!