10 Steps To An Enlightened Birding Experience

 Every now and then I have one of those perfect birding mornings. The weather is perfect, the scenery is spectacular, and all of my senses seem to be operating in high definition. It can be a spiritual feeling that reminds you of how great it is to be alive. Naturally, watching birds on days like this is also great. You have more of an appreciation of each bird you see. I've tried to figure out which conditions or circumstances lead to such a day and came up with the following list of suggestions.  

 
1) Select a birding destination the night before you go:  Choose a location that is secluded, has comfortable walking trails, is naturally scenic, and has good birding habitat.

2) choose a day with ideal weather conditions: I prefer a day with low humidity, little or no wind, and  sunny to mostly sunny conditions.

3) Do tomorrow's chores today: If you have to cut the grass, paint the hatchway, make out bills,  go shopping or whatever, try to get it done today. This will clear your schedule so that you won't be thinking about what needs to be done after you're finished birding.

4) Have all of your equipment and supplies ready to go: Decide what you'll be bringing for your trip such as camera, binoculars, snacks, drinks etc. and have them organized the night before. This way, you can just grab them and go in the morning.

5) Make sure you get a good night's sleep: A good night's sleep will help you feel at your best so that your ready for step 4.

6) Get up early enough so that you can arrive at your destination at day break: This is probably the most important thing.Early in the morning the air is fresher, there's less unwanted noise pollution, the lighting conditions are better, and it gives you more time to enjoy the best hours for birding and photography. Birds seem to be more active and less easily spooked just after daybreak.

7) Coffee, tea, or breakfast? Having a good breakfast will ensure that I won't be thinking about food an hour into my birding trip and a little coffee helps sharpen the senses.

8) Don't think about the past or the future: When you arrive at your destination try to turn your mind off. Concentrate only on what surrounds you at that moment. This may be easier said than done but it is key to being in the zone.

9) Concentrate on your breathing: The air should be clean and cool early in the morning. Take deep, slow, breaths. Listen to the sound of you breathing and feel the air entering your lungs. This type of breathing helps you to relax and stay focused.

10) Use all of your senses to pick up every detail: Listen closely to everything you see, smell, or hear; leaves crackling under your footsteps, the sound of dew drops falling from the trees, the scent of pine mixed with the morning mist, or the subtle movement of leaves in your peripheral vision. Even pay attention to the silence that surrounds the sound.

 Don't worry about which species you see, just enjoy each and every bird to the fullest. I can't promise that these ten steps will lead to a morning of enlightened birding but hopefully it will enhance your overall experience!