How To Be A Good Birdwatcher - 16 Tips.
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Birdwatching Tips
I have been birdwatching for over 30 years now and have been a "professional" birder since 2008 and whilst I would not claim to know everything, I hope that in this lens I can pass on a few tips and tricks that I have learned to other birdwatchers.
Although birdwatching is a hobby, something that is done for enjoyment, there are many ways to become a better birdwatcher in terms of finding birds, recording birds, being more sympathetic to birds needs and contributing to bird conservation.
Currently, this lens, "How to be a good birdwatcher" , gives 16 tips on how to be a good birdwatcher but more will be added. Hopefully birdwatchers can use these tips to see more birds and to contribute towards bird conservation.
Although birdwatching is a hobby, something that is done for enjoyment, there are many ways to become a better birdwatcher in terms of finding birds, recording birds, being more sympathetic to birds needs and contributing to bird conservation.
Currently, this lens, "How to be a good birdwatcher" , gives 16 tips on how to be a good birdwatcher but more will be added. Hopefully birdwatchers can use these tips to see more birds and to contribute towards bird conservation.
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1. Learn Bird Songs & Calls
A good birdwatcher can see more birds if he/she knows bird calls
Some birds are conspicuous and easily seen. Many other species, however, are more easily located by their call and others can really only be identified by call.Learning bird calls not only makes finding and identifying birds easier, it also allows birdwatchers to learn more about bird behaviour: I learned about the mimickry abilities of Reed Warblers by identifying the calls of 14 species in the song of one individual.
Furthermore, many species can be enjoyed for their calls and songs and ignorance of them can limit birdwatchers' enjoyment. Skylarks singing in the summer are one of my favourites and Drongos mimicking sounds such as car alarms are superb.
By following this tip one will increase the number of birds seen enormously.
An excellent source of bird calls is available free on this website: Xena Canto: sharing bird songs from around the world.
Some Bird Songs On Amazon.com
Bird call collections for sale
2. Join Your Local Birdlife International Partner
Support bird conservation
"BirdLife International is a global Partnership of conservation organisations that strives to conserve birds, their habitats and global biodiversity, working with people towards sustainability in the use of natural resources." - Birdlife International.
By joining your national Birdlife International partner you will be supporting bird conservation projects near your home. Projects range from directly conserving habitats for birds to increasing awareness of conservation issues amongst local peoples.
A list of global Birdlife International partners can be found here: Birdlife International partners.
Join The RSPB
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is one of the world's most effective conservation bodies
If you are from the UK then your birdlife partner is the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. They are one of the most effective bird conservation bodies in the world with hundreds of reserves, conservation action on issues such as climate change and overfishing, and they are now involved in rainforest conservation in Sumatra.Please consider joining them by clicking on this link.
Join The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
3. Do A Bird Survey
Conducting bird surveys really helps birders discover more about the species being surveyed. One can either take part in surveys organised by various conservation bodies or start some self-initiated surveys.Taking part in organised surveys is a good way to help provide data that can be used in conservation planning and also in making birding contacts. The RSPB have an annual garden birdwatch survey that people are encouraged to help with
Self-initiated surveys can give birders a real insight into their survey area/species and can stimulate others' interest and research into the area. Surveys can be as simple as recording the numbers of birds that daily come into a garden or as complex as plotting the territories of a certain species within ones local patch. A survey like this might well reveal locally or nationally important numbers of a species in the area. Take a look at some surveying I have done in Thailand to see what I mean: Waterbird Counts at Muang Boran Fishponds.
4. Buy A Digital Camera
Taking a digital camera on all birding trips/walks in the countryside will give you a valuable tool for obtaining record shots of species which are notable. Even a simple compact camera will give shots good enough for verification of many species.
Carrying a camera will also give the opportunity of taking shots of any illegal, bird disturbing behaviour such as trapping, netting, shooting etc so that it can be used as proof of the crime, such as below.
With a more expensive camera, excellent shots of the birds themselves can be taken. One of the advantages of bird photography is that staying in one place photographing a bird can often lead to the discovery of other species and certainly allows more time to study the behaviour and plumage of the bird being photographed. Photographs also allow for the later identification of difficult species.
Carrying a camera will also give the opportunity of taking shots of any illegal, bird disturbing behaviour such as trapping, netting, shooting etc so that it can be used as proof of the crime, such as below.
With a more expensive camera, excellent shots of the birds themselves can be taken. One of the advantages of bird photography is that staying in one place photographing a bird can often lead to the discovery of other species and certainly allows more time to study the behaviour and plumage of the bird being photographed. Photographs also allow for the later identification of difficult species.
5. Start A Birdwatching Blog
A great way to record and share your bird observations
Keeping a birding blog is really only like a digital version of the more traditional notes that many birders would write after a trip. The advantage of a blog is that it is available for others to see and can serve as a source of encouragement to others, a place for people to share their knowledge and somewhere for birders to spread conservation messages.
By keeping a birding blog it is remarkable how quickly one is able to become an authority figure in the field.
A birdwatching blog can also serve as a place for the self-publication of short ornithological projects and field notes/sketches.
For those of you who are still sceptical about blogging your bird sightings and thoughts about birds, take a look at my birding blog. It's not perfect but keeping it has certainly increased my interest, enthusiasm and observational and recording skills.
Free blogs can be started here Blogger or here Wordpress.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand by6. Get Some Good Quality Binoculars
Binoculars are the most basic tool that birders need. It is possible to appreciate birds with the naked eye but to really observe a large number of species a pair of binoculars are absolutely essential.For beginners a pair of 8x30 or 8x40 binoculars are ideal. 8 is the magnification and 30 or 40 is the field of view. The wider the field of view, the more light that enters the binoculars making for a better quality image particularly in low light conditions.
For more advanced birders 10x40 or 10x50 binoculars are superb. The greater magnification
A Good Pair Of Binoculars For Beginners
Nikon 7216 Action 8x40mm Binoculars
Amazon Price: $79.00 (as of 02/15/2012)
This pair of Nikon binoculars is a great pair for those who are new to birdwatching. The magnification (8x) is in good proportion to the width of the lens (40mm) giving a wide field of view, making it easier for new birdwatchers to find birds quickly in their binoculars.
Additionally, these binoculars are excellent value for money.
A Good Pair of Birdwatching Binoculars
Bushnell H2O 10x42 Porro Prism Waterproof/Fogproof Binocular
Amazon Price: $68.07 (as of 02/15/2012)
This is a good pair of binoculars for those who are fairly proficient using them. The high magnification makes viewing birds at long range easier and the fact that this pair are waterproof is ideal for birding on those wet days. Remember, don't go higher than 10x magnification for birdwatching binoculars - they will be too powerful.
Some More Birdwatching Binoculars
7. Get a Harness Strap
Although it may seem a little silly, a harness strap is an excellent addition to the birdwatcher's equipment list. By distributing the weight of ones binoculars or camera over the back, fatigue can be reduced. If in the field for a whole day, particularly in hot conditions, having the whole weight of ones binoculars on the neck can be very tiring and a tired birder is a less vigilant birder. With less fatigue birders can stay vigilant and spot more birds for longer.
8. Learn To Walk Quietly
I frequently take people birdwatching in tropical forests and it is amazing how much noise even experienced birders can make; to see many species of ground dwelling birds one MUST walk as quietly as possible. Although it can be difficult to walk quietly on a forest floor littered with leaves, clinging vines, spiky thorns and fallen logs, one can learn to minimise the noise in a number of ways;
Lift ones feet for every step rather than scuffing along. Place your feet on sturdy rocks, logs and mud rather than treading on leaves and twigs which will make noise. Walk very slowly and deliberately instead of rushing along. Place ones heels down first and slowly ease the rest of the foot down instead of crashing the whole of the foot to the ground in one go.When on roads, walk on compressed surfaces and not on loose gravel. Learn to use ones whole body when walking to swerve past hanging branches etc rather than taking extra, noisy, steps around them.
Finally, one piece of information that will seem contrary to what most people have been taught: that is to wear trainers/sneakers rather than boots. Although boots give more protection, they also restrict movement and result in a rather noisy, crashing footfall, whereas trainers/sneakers give your foot the suppleness to walk quietly.
Finally, one piece of information that will seem contrary to what most people have been taught: that is to wear trainers/sneakers rather than boots. Although boots give more protection, they also restrict movement and result in a rather noisy, crashing footfall, whereas trainers/sneakers give your foot the suppleness to walk quietly.
9. Feed Your Local Birds
Feeding birds is a wonderful way to see birds close up and to take time to observe features such as feather detail, colours, intricate patterns and other features that are difficult to discern at long range.Birdwatching at bird feeders really allows you to become familiar with distinctive behaviour of certain species and identifying them in the field will become instantaneous just from the characteristic flick of a wing, flight pattern etc.
Feeding birds in the garden is also a great way of helping certain species and many migratory birds such as hummingbirds become dependent on certain feeding stations on their route. Certain species have come to reply on backgarden feeding stations to survivie through the harsh northern winter as agricultural processes have changed.
Bird Feeding Lenses
Bird Feeding
Make your own bird food and feeders using the information in this e-book: Easy To Make Homemade Bird Food Recipes and Bird Feeding.This is the first e-book I have ever purchased and whilst I found it simple and compact, it certainly contains some interesting ideas on making food for specific bird species as well as a very useful reference guide to which species are attracted to which foods. At only £7.95 with a 100% no questions asked money back guarantee if you don't like it, this e-book is worth a look for those interested in backyard bird feeding and wild bird food recipes.
10. Get Yourself A "Local Patch"
A local patch is an area that a birdwatcher goes to on a regular basis and is close to his/her home. A local patch can be your backgarden, some fields or wasteland within walking distance of your home, a park, some woodland or a recognised nature reserve.The point about a local patch is to go regularly.
By birdwatching in the same place on a regular basis you will notice things about bird behaviour, migration, habitat preference, courtship displays, feeding activity and suchlike that you would not be aware of without such regular watching. This is how experts become experts.
One of the appeals of having a local patch that is unique to yourself is that it feels close to your heart and the birds will become your own and with this intimacy you will learn things that you would not without it. Also, you will quickly become the world expert on your local patch.
11. Subscribe To A Birdwatching Magazine
Birdwatching magazines are a fantastic source of information on all things related to birdwatching and the editors and contributors are constantly writing articles to help birdwatchers understand birds and to find birds.
Usually, birdwatching magazines have a letters page where questions are answered, talk about conservation issues, give tips on bird identification, contain articles on where to watch birds and carry reviews of optical equipment and books.
Certainly, regularly reading birdwatching magazines has helped me learn a lot and they will continue to do so.
Usually, birdwatching magazines have a letters page where questions are answered, talk about conservation issues, give tips on bird identification, contain articles on where to watch birds and carry reviews of optical equipment and books.
Certainly, regularly reading birdwatching magazines has helped me learn a lot and they will continue to do so.
WildBird (2-year)
Amazon Price: $25.00 (as of 02/15/2012)
WildBird educates and entertains readers with useful details about North American birds and birding - in readers' back yards and in the entire Western Hemisphere. WildBird encourages readers to share their appreciation for birds and to consider beginner's education and habitat conservation as means of ensuring avian species' survival.
Another Great Birdwatching Magazine
Bird Watching
Amazon Price: $114.28 (as of 02/15/2012)
I have read this magazine (Bird Watching) for years and can highly recommend it for its excellent identification tips, reviews, bird watching locations write-ups and general birdwatching information. It is a UK-based publication.
12. Use An Umbrella
Being an outdoor pursuit, birdwatchers are inevitably going to get wet sometimes (or more than sometimes). Rain can really make birdwatching difficult as birds shelter and raindrops make every leaf move, making it difficult to spot birds in foliage.Well, an umbrella cannot help that, but what it can do (at least in light rain) is to protect you from the worst of the weather, protect you binoculars and at the same time still allow you to listen. Using an umbrella, rather than a hood, allows you to still hear any birds that may call, whereas a hood makes a constant rustling noise next to your ears.
How do I Hold an Umbrella and binoculars?
To do this, you will need the type of umbrella that has a sturdy, long handle, preferably with a hook at the end. The hook can be used to fasten the umbrella to your belt whilst not using it, keeping your hands free. When it is raining and you need to hold the umbrella and your binoculars, the hook can be used to counterbalance the parasol as you rest it over your shoulder. In this fashion, the umbrella can balance on your shoulder, protecting you and your binoculars from the rain, leaving your hands free to hold your optics steady.
It takes some practice, but it isn't that difficult.
Oh, one more thing! Don't forget to get a dark-coloured umbrella so as not to scare the birds away.
13. Get A Good Identification Guide
Identifying birds can be tricky, particularly with species that look very similar. Getting a well-researched, well-illustrated and reliable field guide is not as easy as it would seem when looking at the huge number available. Good field guides usually have a number of features;
1. A good field guide will usually have illustrations rather than photographs.
2. A good field guide will have a number of illustrations of each species, showing both sexes, juveniles and other plumages.
3. Good field guides will have clear range maps on the same or opposite page to the illustrations.
4. The best field guides have informative text, outlining distinctive behaviours, features, habitats that will help identify the bird.
5. A good field guide will have well-spaced illustrations that are clearly numbered, rather than have overcrowded plates.
6. The best field guides are illustrated by 1 or 2 artists so that there is consistency in the plates.
The Sibley Field Guides are recognised as the best for North America; they are perhaps the best field guides in the world.
1. A good field guide will usually have illustrations rather than photographs.
2. A good field guide will have a number of illustrations of each species, showing both sexes, juveniles and other plumages.
3. Good field guides will have clear range maps on the same or opposite page to the illustrations.
4. The best field guides have informative text, outlining distinctive behaviours, features, habitats that will help identify the bird.
5. A good field guide will have well-spaced illustrations that are clearly numbered, rather than have overcrowded plates.
6. The best field guides are illustrated by 1 or 2 artists so that there is consistency in the plates.
The Sibley Field Guides are recognised as the best for North America; they are perhaps the best field guides in the world.
Field Guide To The Birds Of Europe
Collins Bird Guide
Amazon Price: $24.75 (as of 02/15/2012)
In my opinion, Bird Guide, the Birds of Britain and Europe is the outstanding field guide for this region. The illustrations are excellent and accurate, the text is extremely helpful and the range maps are clear. I highly recommend this book.
More Field Guides
The Helm range of identification guides for different regions and different bird families are some of the best published.
14. Understand The Limitations Of Field Guides
This may seem contrary to tip number 13, but as essential as field guides are to birdwatchers, it is also important to understand that they have limitations; they are not closed books.
Even in parts of the world, like North America and Europe, where there are many birdwatchers and species are well understood, there are still many things to learn about bird behaviour, ecology and even their range. By the time a field guide is published, some of the information will be out of date; some birds will have become rarer, some birds will have expanded their range and some may have disappeared altogether.
Field guides for the most heavily watched parts of the world will be the most accurate, but those for areas that are less intensively watched will very much be "guide" books and there will much to add and to improve to them.
Use field guides as a guide, but make detailed observations and use all the information available to you, sometimes behaviour or habitat is much more useful than just simply looking at the illustrations.
Even in parts of the world, like North America and Europe, where there are many birdwatchers and species are well understood, there are still many things to learn about bird behaviour, ecology and even their range. By the time a field guide is published, some of the information will be out of date; some birds will have become rarer, some birds will have expanded their range and some may have disappeared altogether.
Field guides for the most heavily watched parts of the world will be the most accurate, but those for areas that are less intensively watched will very much be "guide" books and there will much to add and to improve to them.
Use field guides as a guide, but make detailed observations and use all the information available to you, sometimes behaviour or habitat is much more useful than just simply looking at the illustrations.
15. Get A Copy Of Laura Erickson's "101 Ways To Help Birds"
101 Ways To Help Birds
Amazon Price: $11.33 (as of 02/15/2012)
Becoming a better birdwatcher is also about how you can help birds and assist bird conservation. The more time spent finding out about ways to help birds is more time spent understanding birds; understanding their ecology, behaviour, habits and needs. As you learn more about these aspects of birds you become more proficient in finding birds and identifying them.
16. Look For Sources Of Water
Birds, like all living things, require water. Most birds need to drink regularly and to do so they require a water source.During times of low availability of water, birds' requirement to drink can be used advantageously in finding birds.
In times of drought small puddles in a river bed, the vestiges of a dried up lake or an ornamental pond can be excellent places to wait and observe birds when they come to drink. This tactic can sometimes lead to sightings of very secretive birds which are seldom seen as they are forced to go to the few remaining water sources available.
Remember that water shortages occur during very cold weather as well as very hot.
In very cold times most standing water will freeze and this means that the avilability of drinking water is reduced. Not only that, but birds which feed in the water will find it hard to forage. Finding an area of unfrozen water or creating one will mean that birders can enjoy views of many species as they come to drink and/or feed. On my local patch there is a spring fed watercress bed which does not freeze and in very cold winters is a superb place to see many species such as Woodcock, Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail, Water Rail and even Bittern.Bird Baths
Provide birds with a water source
Providing a water source for birds can allow birdwatchers to see more birds in their garden and help birds survive through very hot and very cold weather.
Now How To Be A BAD Birdwatcher
Bad birdwatchers are really good birdwatchers
How to Be a Bad Birdwatcher
Amazon Price: $7.05 (as of 02/15/2012)
This charming book details how birds bring light into our lives at many levels and how almost everyone is a birdwatcher to some degree. Indeed, this book delights in that the bad birdwatchers may just be the best birdwatchers after all. An excellent read for anyone who has an interest in birds, be it feeding them in the garden or watching them on country walks.
My Other Birdwatching Lenses
Anything To Say About How To Be A Good Birdwatcher?
Your comments please
Photo by Alex Vargas
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annmackiemiller
Jan 13, 2012 @ 10:05 pm | delete
- wonderful bird article, blessed
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JeanJohnson
Jul 23, 2011 @ 9:28 pm | delete
- Thanks for the information, I look forward to trying a couple of these tips.
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BruceBair Jun 18, 2011 @ 10:02 pm | delete
- I appreciate the lens and that you don't recommend 2000 dollar binoculars to new bird watchers. Your advice is appreciated.
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dustytoes
Mar 23, 2011 @ 10:21 am | delete
- I enjoy all your birding lenses. Some advice would be to list this lens in the sub-category "birds" so it can be more easily found (maybe). Leaving a blessing.
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nickupton
Apr 13, 2011 @ 11:23 am | delete
- Thanks for the tip - I have done it.
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About The Lens Author
by nickupton
nickupton
I am a full-time, professional birdwatcher who is in the field for more than 200 days a year. With this amount of time spent watching birds, I am now... more »
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