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On Land
- Get up early and stay out late. Early birders get the birds. Many
species are most active during the coolness of morning and evening.
- Birdsongs and call notes can alert you to the presence of birds before
you see them. Also listen for the alarm calls that small birds make when they see predators. A sudden riot of scolding songbirds, for example, may mean that an owl or snake is nearby.
- Listen for unusual sounds, such as the drumming of ruffed grouse on a forest log.
- Although they fly through the air, birds can leave plenty of evidence on the ground that’ll help you discover where they can be found. Look
for such signs as feathers, nests, eggshells, owl pellets, tracks in the
sand or mud along the river, and trees pecked by woodpeckers. Whitewash
on cliff faces can mean the presence of cliff-nesting birds.
- It’s more difficult to move silently on land than on water. Wear soft shoes and clothing that doesn’t rustle when you walk. Try to move
slowly, and ask your companions to talk softly, if at all.
- There’s one exception to the rule of quietness: If you make squeaking
or pshpshpshpsh noises, an inquisitive bird may come to investigate.
- If you see a group of birds fairly close by as you’re walking, keep on going, but watch them from the corner of your eye. Quite often you can
get beyond them and then slowly stop to have a good look without
disturbing them. If you stop right away, the birds may fly off because
you’re acting like a predator.
- Think like a bird. On hot days, raptors will be soaring on thermals.
Small birds may seek the cool shade of the forest canopy. On cold and
windy days, look for spots that are warm and sheltered, such as a sunny
cliffside, instead of a cliff in the shade.
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