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Learn about birdwatching....
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Going Birdwatching
Birdwatching is an occupation for which you must dress in the right way. Any wild bird that you meet is going to think that you are an enemy, so it is best to make sure that you are not too visible. This involves camouflage, by dressing in dull or dark green, brown or grey colours that will merge in with the landscape. Wear a hat, because it will help to break up the line of your head. Gloves will help too, and avoid having shiny surfaces on metal objects such as cameras and binoculars. Remember that you will be standing or sitting about for long periods and could get cold, so dress in warm clothes if necessary. Carry a rucksack for your equipment, and include an inflatable cushion if you want to be comfortable. Attention to the right footwear is especially important. Plan your birdwatching trip carefully. Consult tide tables if you are going to the coast, and aim to be there at low tide. Otherwise, it is often a good idea to start out early. Birds are up with the sun, and you can have a long day ahead of you. Think about companions, two or three of you can spot more birds than one, and company can make the day more rewarding. Once you have arrived, search for birds quietly and carefully.
Pick out the most likely place to see them and settle down to find something interesting. If possible, make yourself inconspicuous by hiding behind a bush or some other obstruction. Use your binoculars to search for birds. If you look for them with the naked eye and then raise your binoculars when you see something, the bird may have flown before you can get it in view, especially if it is startled by your sudden action.
If you want to get really close to birds, particularly to photograph them, then you may need a hide. This is a portable tent in which you can conceal yourself. A hide is rather large and heavy to carry about, and you can use netting camouflaged with coloured material instead. The netting is spread over some bushes, or you may be able to drape it over yourself. At bird reserves, permanent hides are available for use by birdwatchers. Remember that birds are not stupid, and will not come near a hide if they think someone is inside it. Several people may have to go in and then some come out, before the bird is likely to accept that it is safe to approach the hide.
The country code
All birdwatchers have a responsibility to birds, and must not disturb them unduly, particularly if they are nesting. In any case, it may be against the law to interfere with them. The wishes of other people should also be respected. Take care not to trespass on private land or to damage crops, gates and walls. Do not leave litter and beware of starting fires, for example by throwing down lighted cigarette ends.
Birdwatching is an occupation for which you must dress in the right way. Any wild bird that you meet is going to think that you are an enemy, so it is best to make sure that you are not too visible. This involves camouflage, by dressing in dull or dark green, brown or grey colours that will merge in with the landscape. Wear a hat, because it will help to break up the line of your head. Gloves will help too, and avoid having shiny surfaces on metal objects such as cameras and binoculars. Remember that you will be standing or sitting about for long periods and could get cold, so dress in warm clothes if necessary. Carry a rucksack for your equipment, and include an inflatable cushion if you want to be comfortable. Attention to the right footwear is especially important. Plan your birdwatching trip carefully. Consult tide tables if you are going to the coast, and aim to be there at low tide. Otherwise, it is often a good idea to start out early. Birds are up with the sun, and you can have a long day ahead of you. Think about companions, two or three of you can spot more birds than one, and company can make the day more rewarding. Once you have arrived, search for birds quietly and carefully.
Pick out the most likely place to see them and settle down to find something interesting. If possible, make yourself inconspicuous by hiding behind a bush or some other obstruction. Use your binoculars to search for birds. If you look for them with the naked eye and then raise your binoculars when you see something, the bird may have flown before you can get it in view, especially if it is startled by your sudden action.
If you want to get really close to birds, particularly to photograph them, then you may need a hide. This is a portable tent in which you can conceal yourself. A hide is rather large and heavy to carry about, and you can use netting camouflaged with coloured material instead. The netting is spread over some bushes, or you may be able to drape it over yourself. At bird reserves, permanent hides are available for use by birdwatchers. Remember that birds are not stupid, and will not come near a hide if they think someone is inside it. Several people may have to go in and then some come out, before the bird is likely to accept that it is safe to approach the hide.
The country code
All birdwatchers have a responsibility to birds, and must not disturb them unduly, particularly if they are nesting. In any case, it may be against the law to interfere with them. The wishes of other people should also be respected. Take care not to trespass on private land or to damage crops, gates and walls. Do not leave litter and beware of starting fires, for example by throwing down lighted cigarette ends.
1. Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work
2. Guard against all risk of fire
3. Fasten all gates
4. Keep your dogs under close control
5. Keep to public paths across farmland
6. Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls
7. Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone
8. Take your litter home
9. Help to keep all water clean
10. Protect wildlife, plants and trees
11. Take special care on country roads
12. Make no unnecessary noise
2. Guard against all risk of fire
3. Fasten all gates
4. Keep your dogs under close control
5. Keep to public paths across farmland
6. Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls
7. Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone
8. Take your litter home
9. Help to keep all water clean
10. Protect wildlife, plants and trees
11. Take special care on country roads
12. Make no unnecessary noise
The BTO Birders Code
Following the birdwatchers' code is good practice, common sense and should enable us all to enjoy seeing birds.
Almost three million adults go birdwatching every year in the UK.1 Following The birdwatchers’ code is good practice, common sense and should enable us all to enjoy seeing birds. It puts the interests of birds first and respects other people, whether or not they are interested in birds. It applies not just when you are at a nature reserve, but whenever you are watching birds in the UK or abroad. It will be most effective if we lead by example and sensitively challenge the minority of birdwatchers who behave inappropriately.
Five things to remember:
* Avoid disturbing birds and their habitats – the birds’ interests should always come first.
* Be an ambassador for birdwatching.
* Know the law and the rules for visiting the countryside, and follow them.
* Send your sightings to the County Bird Recorder and www.birdtrack.net.
* Think about the interests of wildlife and local people before passing on news of a rare bird, especially during the
breeding season.
Following the birdwatchers' code is good practice, common sense and should enable us all to enjoy seeing birds.
Almost three million adults go birdwatching every year in the UK.1 Following The birdwatchers’ code is good practice, common sense and should enable us all to enjoy seeing birds. It puts the interests of birds first and respects other people, whether or not they are interested in birds. It applies not just when you are at a nature reserve, but whenever you are watching birds in the UK or abroad. It will be most effective if we lead by example and sensitively challenge the minority of birdwatchers who behave inappropriately.
Five things to remember:
* Avoid disturbing birds and their habitats – the birds’ interests should always come first.
* Be an ambassador for birdwatching.
* Know the law and the rules for visiting the countryside, and follow them.
* Send your sightings to the County Bird Recorder and www.birdtrack.net.
* Think about the interests of wildlife and local people before passing on news of a rare bird, especially during the
breeding season.
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