Birding Tips

When you become interested in discovering more bird friends, you shortly understand you need to learn a lot more and to go to different habitats to discover a lot more. You need to go observe the birds -- they won't fly to your door ! Don't forget your region, your state , your country and other countries which have scads of birding locals you will want to savor.

Tip #1

The period from December to March is the peak season for winter bird watching in Korea. Hardy birders braving the cold weather tramp through desolate fields under a winter sky are rewarded with splendid group dances and superb flying by thousands of migratory birds. More than 100 species of birds migrate from Siberia and Northern Manchuria to winter in Korea, and over 100 more species pass through Korea on their way further south.

Tip #2

Top North American Birding Hot Spots - Try Mount Washington in New Hampshire, USA. Take the toll road during the spring and summer and listen for Bicknell's Thrush. Check out Jefferson Notch as well. You may see a Ruffed Grouse.

Tip #3

Top North American Birding Hot Spots - Try Padre Island National Seashore in Texas, USA. 70 miles of unspoiled beach is home to gulls, terns, shorebirds and a few Peregrine Falcons.

Tip #4

Top North American Birding Hot Spots - Try Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in Rhode Island, USA. Visit during the fall and winter for seabirds. You may see Purple Sandpipers and rafts of Eiders.

Tip #5

The Isle of Mull in Scotland is a great place to see Eagles; however, it is also a very good bird watching destination, if you want to see other birds of prey, such as the Peregrine Falcon and the Hen Harrier. The Short Eared Owl, Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrow hawk are also seen around the island. The Short Eared Owl is quite unusual as owls go, because he only hunts during the day. It is a bird which will give you really close views if you are looking in the right habitat, which are small conifer plantations bordered by undulating moorland. Our other owls are usually nocturnal, though you can occasionally see newly fledged young owls sitting around during the day. These include the Long Eared Owl, Barn Owl and the reasonably common Tawny Owl. The most common owl to be heard late at night is the Tawny Owl.

Binocular Tip

In bird watching you are trying to spot small objects that move very fast. The best way to see a bird is to first focus on it just with your eyes. Then without losing focus bring the binoculars up to your eyes. You can easily practice this before going on a bird watching trip.

Binocular Tip

Undoubtedly the leading makes of optical equipment for birding – the ones that the majority of keen birders own, and many of the rest would like to own – are, in no particular order, Leica (formerly Leitz), Zeiss, Swarovski and Kowa. All make equipment which is optically outstanding and robust enough to withstand intensive use in the field. However, they have prices to match. (The top-of-the-range Nikons and Questar are also top makes, but have even higher prices.)