Top 10 Do’s and Don’ts of Birding in the Field

The seasons are changing. And if you’re like me, that means you’ll be out birding, looking for all the cool migrants that will be passing through. I’ll for sure be enjoying some group walks at my local nature center or at least visiting local parks where there will no doubt be other bird-watchers around. When you find yourself out birding in the field with others, there are a few basic birding etiquette tips you should follow.

Here are a few I came up with!

1. Do Put Your Cell Phone Away

Sherry Nicholson

Let me preface this by saying that I’m what I like to call a “Google birder.” If I’m not sure what a bird is, I do a quick Google image search on my iPhone. Things like that are OK. What I mean by this one is don’t be the person checking your email or texting your friends while you’re on a group bird walk. You’ll appear uninterested and quite frankly, you’ll be missing out on the birds!

Check out 5 birding apps to give your skills a boost.

2. Don’t Forget You’re in the Birds’ Habitat

You’re entering their turf–where these birds eat, sleep, nest. Stay on the designated trails, don’t get too close and don’t do anything that will spook them.

To see more birds, go bird-watching in different bird habitats.

3. Do Enjoy Common Birds

Courtesy Erin Calamusso

Northern cardinals are gorgeous. Just ask my mom. It’s the only bird she seems interested in. Don’t forget to stop and enjoy cardinals, robins and goldfinches, too, even though you might see them every day.

Here’s 15 common backyard birds you should know.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Eat a Snack

I’m the kind of person that needs to eat every two hours. So on my first ever half day birding trip, I immediately thought, “When are we going to eat?!” Rest assured. You’re out there for four or six hours at a time. By all means, eat that granola bar you packed. Just stuff the wrapper back in your bag.

Check out the best bird field guides for birders.

5. Do Speak up if You’re Not Getting an Eye on Birds

Courtesy Evelyn Johnson

You know when everyone in your group is excited about that chestnut-sided warbler that is seemingly right in front of you and you just don’t see it? It can be a little embarrassing to then raise your hand and declare you have no idea what their excitement is about. But do it. Speak up. Someone will help you get your eyes on that cool bird.

Check out more spring warblers you should know.

6. Do Learn “Bird Directions.”

Unfortunately in the bird world saying things like “Right there!” in response to “Where’s the bird?” just won’t cut it. Not everyone is skilled at giving “bird directions,” but trying to accurately describe where the bird is will help everyone around you.

Psst—you can go birding in the city: Here’s how to be an urban birder.

7. Do Point Birds Out Even if You Don’t Know What They Are

If you’ve got your eye on something, let others know. There’s no shame in simply saying, “I see a bird with a white eye ring.” Then use those handy dandy bird directions from above to get others to see your bird. Then you can ID it together.

Learn how to identify mystery birds.

8. Don’t Worry About Calling Out the Wrong Bird

I admit that this is still a great fear of mine. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a purple finch and confidently declared that I’m looking at some type of sparrow. The good news? Being wrong is a learning opportunity. Take the time to figure out what characteristics are throwing you off and chances are, you won’t make that mistake again.

Discover more ways to be a better birder.

9. Don’t Be Scared to Ask Questions

This is mostly relevant when you’re on a guided bird walk. Squeeze as much knowledge out of your guides as you can. If you’re a beginner, ask them about ID tips and tricks and the songs you’re hearing.

Learn how to buy binoculars with our birding binoculars guide.

10. Do Have Fun!

If you’ve never gone on a guided bird walk or participated in bird events in your area, I encourage you to do so. You learn so much from fellow birders. I promise that birding is more fun with friends!

Next, make your month-by-month birding resolutions.