In our blog on Monday we shared ideas to help you find and identify birds in the field. If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, please do! In part two, we’re going to share ways to make your birding day even more enjoyable.
Be Prepared
Watch the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Since most birding excursions start early (the early bird gets the worm…) the temperature is going to change. Judy Morr recommends dressing in layers, that way you can make wardrobe adjustments as the temperature rises or falls. Long pants and lightweight long sleeves offer protection against mosquitoes and no-see-ums. Some shirts even have sun protection up to SPF 50 built right in.
Be comfortable while you’re birding. Many birders like to bring a backpack or belt bag to hold keys and other small items. This keeps your hands free to carry binoculars and/or a camera.
And in that backpack? Three things are a must. Water, snacks, and bug spray. Don’t leave home without them! Tissues come in handy too, you’ll see.
Hats are easier than sunglasses for keeping the sun out of your face, plus it’s harder to see through binoculars with dark sunglasses.
Gina Sanders highly recommends wearing appropriate shoes. A good pair of sturdy, comfortable hiking boots are a must. We don’t always follow the beaten path and you won’t enjoy your day if your feet hurt. If there’s a chance you’ll encounter water, make sure your shoes are waterproof. And boots that lace up tend to stay on better than slip-on sneakers. Especially if you’re walking through the muck in marshy areas. There’s nothing worse than taking a step only to find your shoes didn’t come with you. (Ask her how she knows!)
Speaking of comfort, most binocular manufacturers also sell harness straps. These distribute the weight evenly and fit much more comfortably across your back and shoulders, rather than pulling down on one shoulder. You’ll appreciate this even more if you’re out for a few hours.
Carrying a camera too? Crossbody straps can help with the weight distribution and keep your camera close at hand, right at your grasp. Several companies make these straps but Jen Jerome, Jackie Brooks and Gina Sanders like the harnesses made by Cotton Carrier. They make a variety of straps and harness that help you juggle both camera and binoculars with ease.
Everything else
Some other random tips worth mentioning:
Know where to find those “last call” restrooms, before you head out on the trail. Remember the tissues? They might come in handy!
Check out the nearby restaurants for a nice lunch after birding, you’ve probably worked up an appetite!
Make sure your binoculars are clean. Follow the cleaning directions recommended by the manufacturer and clean them often. Bug spray, humidity, sand, dust, and salt spray can build up and possibly damage the coating on the lenses. Taking good care of your equipment helps protect your investment.
Do you ever misplace items? Joleen Ardaiolo has an Apple Air Tag on her binoculars, just in case!
If you’re taking a camera with you, don’t forget to pack an extra battery and memory cards. At least one of each! If you’re keeping the eBird list, you may also want a portable battery charger for your phone as GPS tracking consumes the battery.
If walking or standing for long periods of time is uncomfortable, there are several tripod-style hiking chairs you can carry with you. They’re very lightweight and really come in handy if you need to get off your feet for a minute or two, or if you want to spend a little extra time in one spot.
Take your time, enjoy your outing. Sitting or standing in one spot for a bit allows the birds to come to you. Don’t chase your bird, all you’ll see is the back side as it flies away. Patience is a virtue when birding.
Don’t forget to look up! Look for birds in flight, you can often get a glimpse of whole flocks moving from one area to another, especially during migration. It’s also a great chance to see soaring birds that you rarely see perched or on the ground.
Bob Mercer reminds us that right now is a great time to get serious about birding. The summer months, frequently considered by birders as the doldrums, are the time to build your skills. The breeding birds stay in one area and actively gather food to feed their young, making them quite visible. Many of the birds are at their “prettiest.”
Also, this is the time of the year when the birds are most numerous. Baby birds are everywhere in summer, and often not savvy enough to be shy, giving you more time to observe. When you find a bird, don’t just identify it, watch it. Note its behavior as well as all the field marks. By the end of summer, you will be skilled enough to tackle the confusing fall migrants.
And have fun! Enjoy your time outdoors with nature. Fresh air, sunshine, and exercise are all benefits of birding. Using these tips will help you make the most of your time with our feathered friends.
To learn more about Cotton Carrier products, click here.
To see an example of the hiking chairs some of our members use, click here.
Submitted by Gina Sanders
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