How to catch more birds

(published 10-16-24)

The eyes have it! 

Ten years ago, I wrote a column about birding and fishing, noting the many things they have in common. It’s true! Both pursuits are addictive, both contain an element of mystery and surprise, and of course both often generate tales of “the one that got away.”

I’m not an angler but I could see myself becoming one. Maybe that’s why I always read Steve Sarley’s outdoors column in the Sports section. His words hook me every time.

One of Steve’s recent writings, “A few tips for catching more fish,” made me realize that it’s been a while since I’ve offered up any basic advice about birding. The pandemic created scores of new birders, and reactivated interest among those who had let their binoculars get a little dusty. Birdwatching and other outdoor activities suddenly caught fire.

For those who felt the spark, and especially those who are brand new to the hobby, I’ll try to provide a useful nugget or two.

Baltimore Oriole on grape jelly feeder

Start with the backyard. Knowing the common neighborhood birds is essential, plus it’s fun to see what you can attract. A tube-style feeder filled with black oil sunflower seeds is best. Place it for easy viewing and, for bird safety, not too close to a window. You can build out a feeding station to bring in more species. Consider a suet cage, specialty seeds and nuts, and a birdbath. Oh yes, a hummingbird feeder from May through October. Keep the feeders clean and the water fresh!

Record your sightings. Most birders find it motivating to keep track of what they see. In the yard and elsewhere, you might be amazed by how quickly your various lists grow. Celebrate new feeder visitors and first-time encounters in the field. A “lifer” can make your day! Download a handy checklist at illinoisbirds.org—under the Records tab, click on IL Field Checklist. The roster features more than 300 species that live in our state or pass through it every year.   

Use good equipment. For the most part, birding is cheap. All you really need is a decent pair of binoculars, attainable for $200 or less. Many people spend much more on optics and don’t regret it. Seeing bright, sharp images makes a difference. When birding in a group, don’t hesitate to ask for peek through another person’s glass—it might help with your next purchase decision. Consider owning a second binocular and keeping it in your car.

Power in the pocket

Get the free apps. Printed field guides are still valuable. I prefer the David Sibley books. But electronic field guides (downloaded to a smart phone) are easier to carry and offer sound. I use the Audubon Bird Guide for photos and vocalizations. Whatever you do, get the Merlin app—it’ll ID the birds you are hearing with amazing accuracy. Merlin, along with eBird, are products of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. One of my favorite eBird tools (among many) is the daily email I receive with rare bird sightings—one for DuPage County and one for Illinois. You can sign up for any county or state, or even the whole country. Before a trip, use eBird to track what’s being seen at your destination. Knowing what to expect before a bird walk is super helpful.

Bird with others and by yourself. Birding (like fishing!) can be a group or solitary activity. Both approaches have advantages. New birders certainly benefit from being around “experts.” Try going on a field trip with the DuPage Birding Club, Kane County Audubon, or Forest Preserve District. These and other groups offer organized walks—a sure way to learn and see new birds. Be a sponge and ask questions. Solo outings to a local “patch” close to home are beneficial, too. Finding interesting birds on your own, at your own pace, and then working out the IDs is time well spent.

Additional resources. A Cornell Lab membership will grow your skillset while supporting the hobby and bird conservation. Ditto for the American Birding Association and American Bird Conservancy. All three of these nonprofits publish fine magazines, too. Be a joiner.

“Find More Birds: 111 Surprising Ways to Spot Birds Wherever You Are,” by Heather Wolf, is an excellent new book for all birders, loaded with practical advice. A few older publications geared to newer birders remain golden: “Sibley’s Birding Basics”; “Birding Essentials” from National Geographic; and “New Birder’s Guide” by the late Bill Thompson III.

Books about backyard bird feeding are plentiful as well. Perhaps better yet, stop by your local birding supply store. Places like Wild Birds Unlimited in Lisle offer guidance along with the merchandise.

Spotting this statue-like American Bittern took a sharp eye
and careful scanning last month at Lincoln Park's South Pond
in Chicago. Practical search methods are discussed in 
Heather Wolf's book, pictured above. Bittern photo by Russ Smith.

Famous birdman Pete Dunne once said that to be a good birder you must bird a lot. Makes sense to me. If you have bird feeders, watch them intently. Get outside as much as possible to see what’s around. In our region, the birdlife is always changing. With time, you will get a feel for the seasonal comings and goings.

Pretty soon, you might find yourself “always birding,” even when you’re not. It’s one of the best things about our hobby—you can see birds almost anywhere, and while doing other things. When I play golf, I’m birding. Sorry Steve, but if we go fishing, I’ll be birding then, too.

As watchers, we become more aware of our surroundings, and more observant. These traits, plus a strong curiosity about “what’s out there,” are the foundation for successful (and joyful) birding at any level.

Copyright 2024 by Jeff Reiter. All rights reserved.