Birdwatching is accessible to all, as long as a few basic principles are respected. You don't have to be a birdwatching expert to admire the wildlife that surrounds you. Discover the golden rules of birdwatching.
Go at the best times for birdwatching
"The world belongs to the early bird. This adage lends itself perfectly to birdwatching. Indeed, the peak of activity for most species occurs within two to three hours of dawn. The morning is also a good time to listen for song.
However, note that some birds are crepuscular, which means they are much easier to observe at dusk.
On the other hand, if you're looking for birds of prey or storks, it's best to concentrate on the warmer hours of the day. In fact, large sailboats take advantage of thermal lift to gain altitude with less effort.
Note: the species of birds that live in a given environment can change throughout the year, depending on breeding, wintering and migration periods.
Listen and stay focused
©Photo by Ryan Magsino on Unsplash
If you listen carefully, you' ll hear the bird long before you see it. For birdwatchers, song is not only the key to spotting a bird, but also to identifying it. However, this practice requires a great deal of practice.
In avian species, song or call is used to attract a mate or claim a territory. For birdwatchers, it can also be used to locate an animal hidden in the vegetation.
To locate it for sure, pay particular attention to the slightest signs of movement in bushes, trees, hedges and so on.
Be as discreet as possible when birdwatching
Most birds are tetrachromatic, which means they are able to perceive more colors than humans. This is why it's best to opt for discreet clothing, preferably pastel colors with little contrast.
Make as little noise as possible to avoid frightening your subjects:
- Avoid bulky bags that collide with the slightest obstacle.
- Avoid clothes that rub noisily, such as K-way jackets.
- Put your cell phone on silent mode.
- Avoid chatter and shouting.
- Prefer excursions in very small groups.
And when you see a bird, don't stop suddenly to take your binoculars out of your bag. Instead, keep moving forward smoothly, hiding behind the first possible hiding place (a bush, a tree, a rock...).
On the whole, slow, silent movements are less likely to be noticed by birds, allowing you to observe them at their most private moments (feeding, grooming, singing...).
Finally, resist the temptation to get too close to the wild bird you're observing, as there's a good chance it will fly away with all its family hidden around it. It's essential to respect wildlife so as not to disturb its daily routine.
Equip yourself with the right observation equipment
Binoculars, an identification guide, a notebook... to enjoy wildlife to the full, make sure you have the right equipment.
Binoculars
An essential piece of equipment for any birdwatcher, binoculars enable you to observe birds at length without frightening them. The great advantage of binoculars is that they take up very little space, and today's models are light enough not to weigh you down.
Choose binoculars in the 8X40 or 10X40 range, bearing in mind their weight.
Spotting scopes
A powerful monocular optical instrument, the spotting scope can achieve much higher magnifications than binoculars. In fact, it's the only instrument that can be used to identify species with long "escape distances", such as waterfowl and birds of prey. This cutting-edge equipment is generally more popular with specialists and birdwatching enthusiasts, as it requires a tripod.
The identification guide
An identification book is just as indispensable an accessory as a good pair of binoculars. It enables you to identify the birds you encounter on your bird-watching excursions. Inside its pages, you'll find the names of the different species, their physical characteristics, as well as valuable information on the seasons and regions suitable for birdwatching.
The notebook
Bonus equipment: don't forget to take along a small notebook. It's an invaluable tool for recording your observations and improving your ability to identify species.
Identifying bird populations
Observing a bird is not an end in itself. The best thing is to be able to identify it. To do this, ask yourself a few essential questions:
- Is its beak tapered, short, hooked, thick...?
- Is its tail forked, rounded...?
- Are its wings rounded or pointed?
- Does it fly in an undulating, straight line, or on the spot?
- How does it behave?
- Does it live near bodies of water, in forests, on plains...? ?
Write down your answers in your notebook. That way, you'll have plenty of time to consult your identification guide once you've lost sight of the bird.
Tip: identifying a bird requires a precise knowledge of its various body parts (mantle, wing feathers, under tail...). So don't hesitate to practice on specimens you already know very well, like those in your garden, for example.
Coloration and visual characteristics
Birds' plumage is particularly shimmering and identifiable. When observing one of them, focus on the various clues provided by its feathers, such as :
- their dominant colors ;
- contrast between head and back ;
- eyebrow and orbital circle;
- stripes on the flanks ;
- chest patches, if any;
- wing bars, if any;
- tail patterns ;
- and rump markings.
Also take an interest in the colors of the bird's plucked limbs, i.e. its beak and legs, as these are also valuable identification clues.
Note: if in doubt, wait long enough to see the bird fly away. The colors of the outstretched wings will help you avoid any confusion.
The size
Birds come in all sizes. While the hummingbird measures around 5 cm and weighs less than 2 g, the Andean condor has a wingspan of over 3 m and weighs up to 15 kg.Estimating size and weight is therefore an invaluable aid in identifying the species observed.
A few essential precautions
There are a few precautions you should take before and during your birdwatching excursions.
- Define your itinerary according to your physical condition (accidents are often linked to poor health and/or unsuitable equipment).
- Equip yourself with footwear suited to your route, offering perfect comfort and good ankle support.
- Carry a cell phone, water, food, warm clothing, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen and a garbage bag in your backpack.
- Find out about the hunting season at your observation site, especially if it's a forested area.
- And don't forget to check the weather forecast.
- If a thunderstorm breaks out during your outing, don't take shelter under a tree or in a cave, and stay away from metal structures (pylons, fences, etc.).
- Respect the environment by taking all your garbage with you.
- Keep your dog on a leash so that it doesn't wander off the trail and disturb wildlife or herds (and ruin your chances of birdwatching).
