Be a successful woodland birder
WOODLAND birding can be difficult in summer as the leaves on the trees provide good cover. Here are some tips to help you succeed.
• Go early: birds are always very active just after dawn as they need to feed, and find food for any young they might have. Getting out as early as possible is always a good move. There will also still be a dawn chorus in June.
• The right weather: choose a calm day. Wind is not good when birding in woodland as it causes too much movement as well as noise. On a sunny day make sure you have your back to the sun as much as possible as good light always helps.
• Blend in: don’t wear white or brightly coloured clothes. Use natural cover to conceal yourself and stand in front of a tree trunk or dense bush to disguise your outline. Always move slowly and quietly.
• Listen carefully: birding by ear is one of the keys to success when you can’t easily locate birds by sight. Try to judge where the sound is coming from and, if possible, carefully get closer. Even if you do not recognise the sound, it will help you to get the bird in your bins. Many birds are feeding young, so listen for squeaks from nestlings.
• Follow a path: it is essential to be as quiet as possible. Breaking twigs and stepping on dry leaves will alert birds to your presence, so try to follow a trail which will help you keep silent. Moving around will bring you into the territories of more birds, and give you a greater chance of seeing more.
• Watch for movement: branch or leaves moving can alert you to a bird’s presence. Wait in an area with a good wide view and be alert for the smallest motion. Remaining still for a while allows a bird to relax and carry on with what it is doing. When you see something try to predict where it will be next and watch that area carefully. Chris Harbard