Bird Watching Tips for Beginners

This article gives some tips for beginners in bird watching. Your garden or local park may be a good place to start. If watching birds in your garden, bird tables, bird baths, and having a bird feed can all attract them in. Remember though that cats are a threat to birds, and will deter them from your garden. I would recommend having a good bird identification guide (often called a field guide), and if you are out looking at birds from a distance, a decent pair of small, light and waterproof binoculars. Binoculars can be expensive, but I use a cheaper pair I got second hand.


Always be wearing the binoculars, with the strap Telegram Number Data short so it isn't hung low down to your stomach. You may need them at a moments notice, and not have time to get them out the case, or even look away. When watching birds in wider surroundings, many bird watchers also take a telescope, but I suggest this is beyond the remit of a beginner. If you do take a telescope, you will ideally also have a strong tripod. Try not to wear bright clothes, or clothes that make loud scrunching noises when you move. Turn your phone to silent, keep your voice down, and try not to point or move around too much. You want to blend into the background as much as possible.



Imagine you're hunting. Some bird watching venues have hides you can use. The more invisible you are, the better bird watching experience you will have, as disturbing the birds just causes them to leave. You will be fairly still for a long time, so wear something warm. If your going out in the woods, wear boots and maybe leech socks to keep insects away. Maybe take something dry to sit on, and a flask of hot drink. Wearing a dark coloured hat isn't just good for keeping warm, it can help camouflage you.