Birding Best Practices and Tips for Beginners
- Move slowly and scan for bird movement both near and far and keep an eye on the sky
- Memorize as many bird calls as possible – tapes and field exposure
- Listen consciously to birdsongs around you to locate new opportunities
- Learn to bird by habitat and to ‘see through’ foliage and ground cover
- Get out and about as often as possible and explore new birding areas
- Study as much reference material as you can locate on Uganda birds
- Learn from experienced fellow birders
- Keep field notes to maintain an accurate record of every bird you see where and when you see it
- Study and master the identification of the small stuff (LBJ’s) – every ‘tick’ counts equally
- Keep up to date with birding developments in your area – websites, club newsletters, networking and ‘rehearsal’ time in the field
- Keep well back from nesting sites, roosts and important display areas
- Keep habitat disturbance to a minimum
- Respect the interests, rights and skills of other birders
- Keep sight times to a minimum with rare and endangered birds
- Don’t approach closer than necessary
- Use the scope for magnified views
- Avoid stressing the birds during observation
- Respect the law and rights of property owners
- Practice common courtesy in contact with other people