Page 53 - Complete Birds of Britain and Europe (DK - RSPB)

WATCHING BIRDS

CODE OF CONDUCT
There is one simple rule for birdwatchers to
follow: the welfare of the bird comes first.
It is easy to get carried away, and to inch
forward while trying to see a bird that you
think might be rare or is one that you have
not seen before. It may be tempting to chase
a bird if it starts to move away, or to try
flushing a bird out one last time, but all you
will do is scare it away. Most birds are not
bothered too much by everyday disturbance,
but use your common sense. Don’t disturb
birds while they are at their nests, as you may
put them in danger, and never be tempted to
handle eggs. Keep all types of disturbance to
a minimum – for the sake of the birds, other
people, and your own view.

VIEWING CONDITIONS
Viewing conditions are an
important consideration.
It may seem obvious but
many people forget that
a white bird will look dark
against a bright sky, while
a dark brown bird may look DAWN MISTY MORNING MORNING LIGHT
remarkably pale against Low, weak, misty light with an Mist may make a bird look large Low light may exaggerate
orange glow, which is not good but it hides detail of colour and contrast, but the brightness is
a ploughed field or winter
for revealing detail. pattern, or even shape. perfect for seeing detail.
hedgerow.White gulls lit
by low, evening light may
look orange on the sunlit
side and quite blue on
the shaded side; in strong
sunlight they simply look
brilliant white and dark
grey. Dull light in rain MIDDAY INTO THE SUN EVENING LIGHT
or snow may reveal the Overhead sun can cast surprisingly Looking into bright light makes Lovely soft, warm light, but
deep shadows and “washes out” it difficult to see much more than beware a rather orange cast to
subtleties of their greys
the colours on the upperside. a silhouette, even on a pale bird. many colours.
and whites much better.
USING BINOCULARS
If you see a bird that you want to view close-up,
keep your eyes on it as you lift your binoculars.

USING A TRIPOD
Modern telescopes are short and
need support, preferably on a
good, firm tripod. This is a clumsy,
heavy combination but the reward
is unbelievably close views.

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