How To Be A Polite Bird Watcher

Couple Bird Watching

One of the joys of bird watching is that it is a hobby with no rules. You can spend time doing it on your own but it’s often fun to spend time with other people, either with friends, in a local group, or on an organised walk or tour.

Even if you’re out in the field alone, the chances are you’ll run into fellow birders and outdoor enthusiasts, particularly at nature reserves and other wildlife hotspots.

Unfortunately, it only takes the bad behaviour of one to ruin everyone else’s enjoyment.

Don’t be that person. Although there is no formal bird watching etiquette, following these simple guidelines will help you be a bird watcher and a brilliant advocate for the hobby.

01

Keep quiet

Put your phone on silent or airplane mode, hold conversations in a low voice, and don’t shout or run around. Loud noises will not only scare away birds but also make it difficult for other birders nearby to hear songs and calls that may help them identify species.

For many, bird watching is a chance to spend some time in a peaceful, natural environment away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Be mindful of others and don’t be that loud-mouth who spoiled the day by never shutting up.

02

Step aside

If you’re bird watching on a footpath and need to stop to observe a bird, step slightly off the path so that walkers, runners, bikers, and other birders are not forced to go around you.

Don’t trespass on private property. If you think you’ve seen a bird in an area that’s not open to the public either get permission to enter or keep out and watch from a distance. If you’re lucky, a property owner may tell you where to look for birds on their land.

03

Share and share alike

If you’re bird watching in a group, be prepared to share field guides, spotting scopes, and other equipment with the other members.

Not everyone will have the same resources, and while nobody should expect to use someone else’s things, it is polite to offer a peek through a scope or share a field guide reference so that everyone has a chance to see as many birds as possible.

At the same time, come to the field prepared with your own materials so you are not dependent on the generosity of others to make your own observations. This also means packing the appropriate clothing for the weather and bringing enough water and snacks to last the day.

04

Keep the view clear

Don’t walk in front of anyone using binoculars, telescope, or camera to find your own vantage point. When a small bird is particularly secretive it can be difficult to find a position to see it well, and it is rude to step in front of someone to get your own view. Stay quiet and either stop beside them or move a short distance away so you don’t scare away their find.

If you’re lucky enough to have a good view of a shy bird, offer to move aside once you’ve had a look, so others get a chance to see it too. Unless you have a powerful lens and can take photos at distance if you need to get closer to a bird to shoot it, wait until everyone has seen it and then ask if its ok to do so.

05

Be patient

Along any bird watching trail, in any group, and on any field trip, there will be birders of all levels of experience. When you spot a familiar bird, don’t assume that everyone else is able to identify the species. Be patient with new birders and help them learn more, and never disparage someone getting excited about a bird they find just because you’ve seen it before.

When you’re out with your binoculars and book, passers-by may wonder what you’re up to. Be an ambassador for bird watching and share with them what you’re doing.

Answer any questions, tell them about your most interesting sightings, and you never know, you may inspire them to take up bird watching too.

06

Keep groups small

Many organised bird watching field trips have limited participation numbers for good reason; the more people there are in the group, the more likely it is that birds will be disturbed and therefore difficult to see.

While it is perfectly acceptable to invite guests who are interested in bird watching if you have permission of the organiser, avoid bringing anyone along who has no interest in birds. In particular, very young children may not have the attention span or patience for an intense bird watching trip and their presence may be distracting to other birders.

And don’t bring your dog, no matter how well behaved you think it is.

07

Share rides

If you can’t take public transport, walk, or cycle to your bird watching destination then consider sharing your car. Carpooling to get to field trips is better for the environment and fewer cars are less likely to disturb any birds nearby.

Sharing rides also gives you a unique opportunity to meet other birders and share favourite anecdotes, identification tips, and local birding information. If you plan on driving, make sure the seats in your vehicle are free from clutter so everyone has plenty of room.

08

Stick together

Organisers of trips have enough to contend with without worrying about where members of the group have got to. It can be tempting to stray from a group when you spot a bird in the distance or if you want a better look at a bird when others have had their fill.

While any group of bird watchers will naturally spread out, try not to stray too far so you don’t become lost on unfamiliar trails, hold up others in the group, or miss the next bird to be found.

09

Pay attention

Most bird watching field trips are organised by one of two guides who will be familiar with the local area and its birds. Paying close attention to these guides is a respectful way of acknowledging their expertise and the best way to learn more about the birds you see.

Furthermore, guides may offer tips about nearby birding locations, or warnings about restricted areas or local dangers that you should be aware of.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and remember to thank them for their time at the end of the trip. Some groups like to show their appreciation by collecting tips so take some cash with you, so you’re not caught short.

10

Share sightings

When you see a bird, or even just a flutter of movement, or flash of colour, share your observations with other members of the group. More pairs of eyes looking out for a bird means a better chance that it will be found and identified.

Offer clues to its location using surrounding trees, bushes, other birds, and landmarks so everyone can spot it easily.

11

Leave no trace

Take only photos, leave only footprints. This famous quote is used throughout the world, particularly by sustainable travel companies, but it applies equally well to the bird watching community.

Put any rubbish in designated bins or better still take it home with you. If you see litter on the ground, and it is safe to do so, pick it up and dispose of it properly. The birds and wildlife will thank you for it.

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