Having trouble watching your birds? How many of these birdwatching “sins” are you committing?
1) Not Bringing Binoculars (or Using Poor-Quality Ones)
A good pair of binoculars is essential. Inexpensive or poorly adjusted binoculars can make it hard to see detail, frustrating the whole experience.
2) Wearing Bright Clothing
Birds are easily spooked by bright or flashy colors. Subtle, natural tones help you blend in better with your surroundings.
3) Being Too Noisy
Talking loudly, crunching through leaves, or playing music can scare birds away before you even see them.
4) Ignoring the Importance of Timing
Many birds are most active early in the morning or late afternoon. Midday outings might be pleasant for you, but it’s quieter in the treetops.
5) Not Learning Local Bird Calls
Relying solely on visuals means you’ll miss half the action. Learning calls and songs can help you locate and identify birds that stay hidden.
6) Skipping the Field Guide
A field guide (book or app) helps you identify what you’re seeing. Skipping it can mean missed opportunities to learn and improve.
7) Not Recording Sightings
Keeping a birding journal or using apps like Backyard Bird Tracker or Merlin lets you track what you’ve seen and where—helpful for spotting patterns and future visits.
8) Approaching Too Closely
Trying to get “just a bit closer” often results in birds flying off. Use your binoculars (see #1) and keep a respectful distance.
9) Feeding Birds Improperly
Offering the wrong food or using unclean feeders can harm birds. Research the right types of feed for your region and clean feeders regularly.
10) Focusing Only on Rare Birds
Obsessing over rare or exotic birds can lead you to overlook the beauty and behavior of more common species. Every bird has something interesting to offer!
Almost all of these problems are easy to fix. Now that you’re aware of them, change what needs changing so you can enjoy more birds.
Got any more suggestions? Tell me about them.