Birding Behavior: Some Tips on Field Etiquette

This is the time of year many birders anxiously await. Colorful warblers are moving through, many “first of year” sightings are made, and birding hot spots become overrun with scope-wielding ornithological enthusiasts!

Hey, what’s everybody looking at? (courtesy of Nancy Rabke)

Those new to birding may feel a bit intimidated or afraid to ask what all those binoculars and spotting scopes are focused on. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the world of birding etiquette:

  • Try to be quiet as possible. For someone focused on a bird, it can be frustrating to have a loud group approach and scare off a potentially cool species. Quiet conversation is okay but if you notice the birds all heading for the hills as you approach, you are likely being too loud!
  • Leave the dog at home. This may seem like an obvious one, but you’d be surprised.
  • Yes, some birders can be loners. If someone doesn’t seem interested in engaging or letting you know what they’ve seen and where, don’t push, and don’t take it personally. For many, birding is a solo endeavor and an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time observing nature.
  • If you come across birders actively observing something it’s okay to quietly approach to see if you can get a look at what they’re focused on. The vast majority of people are happy to point out what birds they’re observing and many experienced birders enjoy helping a beginner who wants to learn more.

Now– get out there, enjoy the spring, and find some birds!

Young birders at Provincetown’s Beech Forest

This post was contributed by Wellfleet Bay’s public programs coordinator Christine Harris Bates, an experienced birder and naturalist, who leads numerous birding programs year-round and is always happy to meet new birders.

 

2 thoughts on “Birding Behavior: Some Tips on Field Etiquette

  1. Kathleen

    I would like a list or certain area where the whip or will have been reported. Very interested in protecting these birds along with the nighthawk. Thank you

    Reply
    1. Wellfleet Bay Post author

      Hi, Kathleen– Whip-poor-wills like open wooded areas. Here on the Outer Cape, the Marconi area fields in South Wellfleet are usually a reliable spot and sparsely-wooded areas around salt marshes. Old County Road from South Truro to Wellfleet often has a couple of singing birds. Also,ebird is awesome for finding where people are hearing them. Both whip-poor-wills and night hawks like open areas which are becoming more scarce in Massachusetts with the return of the forest. Marconi is managed in part for these birds as is the Crane Wildlife Management area in Falmouth. They should be back and singing in a couple of weeks. People have already reported them at Marconi!

      Reply

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