Watching birds in the garden is a hobby that provides both pleasure and relaxation. However, our feathered friends are easily frightened, and will fly off at the slightest suspicious movement. Here are our tips for observing them discreetly, so you can enjoy the show without disturbing their peace and quiet.
Prepare your garden for discreet observation
In order to observe birds without frightening them, start by preparing your garden to create an attractive environment that will then offer you magnificent observation opportunities.
Install feeders in the right places
Install your feeders in strategic locations:
- perfectly visible from a window in your home ;
- far enough away from high-traffic areas;
- high enough to protect birds from predators.
Tip: choose feeders specifically adapted to the bird species you wish to observe. The platform feeder, for example, is suitable for many garden birds, while the tube feeder is better suited to smaller birds (chickadees, finches...).
Plant species attractive to birds
To attract birds to your garden, grow shrubs and flowering plants that provide them with food and safe shelter.
Fruit trees are particularly popular with birds. While many species bear fruit in summer, others provide food for birds in winter (such as elder, holly and hawthorn).
As for flowering plants, opt for sunflowers and echinaceas, which provide seeds much appreciated by many bird species.
Tip: it's best to grow local plants that are better adapted to the needs of local birds.
Create a watering hole
Don't forget to install a shallow water supply point for garden birds. This will enable them to drink and bathe. This will attract a wide variety of species, particularly in times of drought. However, be sure to change the water regularly to prevent the spread of disease.
Ponds are also very popular with birds and many other animals.
Attracting insects to attract insectivorous birds
Most of the birds in our gardens are insectivores. So, to attract them to your home and observe them at your leisure, start by encouraging the presence of insects outdoors. Piles of dead wood and herb gardens are perfect for attracting insects and bringing the birds in after them.
Techniques for observing garden birds discreetly
Watching garden birds without scaring them away requires patience and discretion. A few discreet observation techniques will help you admire them up close, while minimizing disturbance.
Use hiding places and blinds
For greater discretion, you can set up hiding places or screens made of natural garden materials to camouflage yourself. Branches, foliage or trellises covered with climbing plants are all free options for creating these structures. Make sure you place your hiding places in a location with an unobstructed view of the areas where the birds feed and rest.
There are also hideaway tents designed for observing wildlife up close without being seen. Easy to set up and move around, they offer a practical solution for staying hidden in comfort.
Birdwatching from the comfort of home
For your birdwatching sessions, you can also choose to stay indoors. Choose a window with a good view of your garden. Install a light veil to avoid reflections, and keep the glass clean. The window sill also provides a comfortable vantage point for observing through binoculars or a camera.
Tip: invest in a good pair of binoculars so you can enjoy every detail without getting too close. In particular, compact binoculars are ideal for fast, mobile use.
How to avoid frightening birds away
Move slowly and smoothly so as not to startle garden birds. Avoid any sudden movements that might frighten them away. If you wish to approach them, do so in stages, stopping often to observe their reaction.
Once you've reached your vantage point, force yourself to stand still. Choose a comfortable position (sitting or lying down).
Finally, avoid sudden loud noises. Speak in a low voice if you're observing in a group.
New technologies to make birdwatching easier
New technologies now make it possible to observe birds efficiently and without disturbing them.
Installing cameras and webcams in the garden
Placing cameras or webcams in strategic areas of your garden allows you to observe the wildlife that thrives there without disturbing them. Ideally, opt for cameras with motion sensors that start recording as soon as a bird enters their field of vision.
Connected to your Smartphone or computer, these cameras let you monitor the birds in your garden live. You can observe them without being physically present, which greatly reduces the risk of frightening them away.
Note: there are even cameras with zoom and remote control that let you adjust the angle and focus of the image without having to get close.
Recorders for capturing birdsong
If you just want to capture the songs and calls of the birds in your garden, you can use directional microphones. Your recordings will then help you identify the species present.
For optimum sound, place your microphone close to feeders or watering holes. Make sure it is protected from the elements and positioned to avoid interference.
Apps for identifying garden birds
A number of mobile applications make it easy to identify the bird species you see in your garden.
These handy tools offer comprehensive databases that enable precise identification through photos, and even recordings of songs.
Observing birds responsibly and respectfully
Respect is a very important notion when it comes to observing birds, whether in the garden or elsewhere. Even more so today, when bird populations are dramatically declining. So it's crucial to take every precaution to ensure that your human presence doesn't have a negative impact on the birds you're observing or on their environment.
Be careful not to disturb nests
Have you been observing the constant flurry of birds carrying food and other materials in their beaks? Nesting season has begun! Once you've spotted a nest, avoid approaching it as much as possible.
Keeping a certain distance between you and the nests will avoid stressing the parents and chicks. Use binoculars or a zoom camera (placed far enough away from the nest) to observe this fascinating nesting process without getting too close.
Protecting birds from predators
Your feeders and watering holes should be installed in such a way as to prevent access by terrestrial predators, especially cats (a real scourge for birds).
If you have a cat, fit it with a collar fitted with a small bell to alert birds to its presence.
Avoid using pesticides and chemicals in the garden
Pesticides and herbicides are also responsible for the decline of bird species. They poison birds and kill their main food source, insects.
So opt for natural growing methods in your garden.
Create a protected habitat
A garden planted with hedges and shrubs provides welcome protection for garden birds, as well as much-appreciated nesting spaces. Choose dense plant species that offer particularly secure shelter, since they are inaccessible to predators.
