How To Avoid Using This
Four-Letter Word While Birding

There’s a four-letter word I often hear used when talking with other birders. This word is certainly not as offensive as other four-letter words, but in my opinion, does not need to be used in conjunction with our favourite pastime. The four-letter word I am referring to is slow.  

When out in the field I often run into fellow birders. I am always happy to stop and share my observations while hearing what birds they have encountered. I find myself hearing others describe the birding as slow on days outside the major migration windows. I can’t help but wonder why they consider the birding slow. Is it that they are not seeing enough species? are they only observing common species? were they hoping to find a rarity or perhaps a new bird for their year or life list? I do admit to keeping a life list but don’t obsess over a year list in hopes of bettering my total from the previous year. 

For me, birding is simply about seeing birds, any birds, regardless of how common they are. On many of my outings, I do observe and photograph my fair share of birds that are frequently seen in our area but regularly encounter upwards of 25 to 30 species every time I venture out. In my opinion, this is a good day birding and am more than happy with the results. If you consider this slow birding then I guess we can agree to disagree; however, I would not use that four-letter word to describe my day.  

Each time I go birding I make a plan keeping a few things in mind before I start. This isn’t like planning a vacation which can take weeks or even months of preparation. A few minutes while getting my gear out of the car is all it takes. Next time you are heading out birding keep these tips in mind to increase the number of birds you observe.

• Pay Attention To Wind Direction

Using the wind to my advantage is huge in helping me increase the number of birds I see. In most cases, birds will position themselves out of the wind. This helps the birds expend less energy by not having to struggle to balance on a moving perch. Wind also pushes insects into these protected areas providing a buffet for birds to feed on. Areas protected from the wind are also warmer during winter months or periods of cooler weather. By concentrating my efforts in these sheltered locations rather than those exposed to a gusty wind greatly improves the number of birds I see. Paying attention to the wind helps me decide which trails to follow and eliminates the amount of ground I cover in order to find birds. Large concentrations of birds are often found in small areas.  

• Use Your Ears

Listening for birds will point you in the direction of their location. Once close, you will be able to find their exact whereabouts, in turn, offering a great look or even an opportunity to capture a photo. You don’t need to be an expert in identifying birds by sound for this to be effective, simply knowing the sound you hear is a bird and following your ears will work just fine. Birds often congregate in the same areas regardless of species based on the availability of food or shelter, so just because you only hear one species doesn’t mean there won’t be others nearby. 

• Keep The Light At Your Back

Before starting a hike I plan my direction based on where the sun is in the sky. In the morning I walk from east to west and in the afternoon/evening west to east. This ensures the sun is at my back which puts the light on my subject. This accomplishes a couple of things. First, a well-lit subject makes for a better photo. I can’t tell you the number of times I come across others I see photographing birds while shooting directly into the sun. Approaching from the opposite direction in most cases and if possible would certainly result in better images. Second I can see/identify birds easier. Trying to make out a bird while staring into the sun is almost impossible and some birds could go unnoticed. In areas where trails go in a loop considering where the sun is helps me decide between following clockwise or counterclockwise.  

• Move Slowly And Avoid Excessive Noise

Sudden movements and unfamiliar sounds are two things that will startle birds causing them to flee before a quality look or chance for a photo take place. I do almost all of my birding in parks, whether they are national, provincial, or municipal. These areas are well used by people and therefore the birds which inhabit them become accustomed to humans. That being said, avoiding sudden movements and loud noises will keep the birds in view much longer. I always choose clothing manufactured from materials that do not make noise with friction ensuring I can move around quietly. Watching where I step is equally important as a snapping stick underfoot or splashing in a puddle are sounds that will cause a bird to flush. 

In my opinion, there is no such thing as slow birding. There are always plenty of birds around regardless of the time of year. For me, I simply enjoy being outdoors observing and photographing all birds even if they are not lifers or rarities. I can’t help you avoid using all four-letter words while birding, but I certainly think if you follow these tips you can avoid using the word slow to describe your next outing. 

Good birding,
Paul