If you are new to the hobby of bird watching, you will require some actionable tips to make your first experience more fun and memorable, and we are here to offer some practical tips.
You will be surprised to find out how easy bird watching is, and you can enjoy it almost anytime you are outside. This hobby primarily involves keen observation, patience, and a willingness to allow the beauty and wonder of nature to overwhelm you. Check out some essential tips to find out how to get started.
It is better to have the sun behind you.
The simplest trick is to have the sun at your back. The rays will catch the feathers of the birds - causing the colours to illuminate, creating a contrast with the background and enabling you to spot them easily. But if you try to spot them with the sun in front of you, they will only be visible as a dark silhouette. You cannot fully enjoy their colour and plumage. Since the process of bird watching mostly involves visual identification, it is essential to keep this tip in mind.
Get yourself a pair of good binoculars.
Your bird-watching experience largely depends on how incredible those feathered creatures look through your binoculars. Therefore, invest in a pair of binoculars that are particularly designed for bird watching, with bright and crisp images. As a beginner, you may purchase a binocular with a magnification strength and objective length of 8x42s and upgrade later.
Always prepare a target list before every birding trip
Before you set out on your next bird-watching trip, prepare a list of target bird species that you are hoping to spot. For instance, if you are planning to visit a birding spot by the lake, try to gather information about the birds found in that area and what fishes they feed on. Learn more about their appearance and their calls.
Learn the “freezing technique.”
Birds are unsteady creatures, and as a bird watcher, you must be very careful about not spooking them out. Noise, light, and movement can scare them away. To get a closer and better look at them, you must learn the freezing technique. It involves stopping after every few minutes to stay very still and watch your surroundings.
Avoid wearing bright colours.
If you wear bright clothes like pink or white, it will create a contrast with your surrounding environment and maximize the visibility of movement. Wear earthy tones or dark colours to camouflage into the background.
Follow these tips on your next bird-watching trip. Have fun!
