Birding Tips

Birding is like encountering a new language, which once learned leads to a deeper connection with the natural world. It doesn’t take much effort to start, other than being attentive and mindful of your surroundings. Early morning and dusk are particularly good times to go out, along with periods of low tide and soon after a rainstorm, as this is when many birds are most actively searching for food. However the timing can vary depending on the species. For instance, hawks can often be seen midday or in the early afternoon since they like to soar by catching rising columns or warm air known as thermals. Once you start actively looking for birds, they may surprise you in unexpected places. Your eyes and ears are the most obvious aids in identifying birds, but a few additional tools can make birding even more fulfilling.

Binoculars

A light pair of binoculars will come in handy, as does a camera with the ability to zoom in 60× or more. Portability is key in both cases if you plan on biking or walking long distances.

Merlin App

Developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this app provides multiple ways of identification, including a step-by-step input of information (size, when and where it was seen, the main colors), by photo ID if you manage to snap a decent image, and by the bird’s call, allowing the user to record in real time and comparing this to a vast database of sounds to find a match. The sound ID feature is one I found particularly helpful when starting out, since knowing which bird is making a particular call allows you to keep an eye out for corresponding shapes and colors.