6 Ways To Re-Ignite The Birding Fire

My interest in birding never disappears but the intensity of interest wanes from time to time. I had an enjoyable outing yesterday as I explored the landscape surrounding the old Middletown landfill area which now has short walking trails.

The view from the top of the hill which was formerly a mound of trash is now topped with solar panels but also has a nice view of the boggy meadows below. I think that an enjoyable outing when it comes to birdwatching, like many things, is all in your state of mind. There are scores of ways that can help that re-spark your birding interest but here are 5 that came to mind yesterday.

1) Treat The Surrounding Landscape As If It were A Painting: Instead of targeting birds like you're on mission, just stop and absorb the landscape. Treat it as though it is a rare work of art in a museum. Nature, after all, is a work of art that deserves to be savored. By taking this approach you may look for birds in places you may not have thought of, be more alert to their presence, and it will help slow you down so that you become a more patient observer. 

2) Clean Up Your Laptop Or Replace It If Needed: Many birders also take photographs, keep records, post on social media sites, blog etc. I personally find that it helps to do basic things like delete unwanted photos or update things. In my case I bought a laptop about 6 years ago that was a lemon from practically day one. Tring to do get anything done on it was like trying to walk through a foot of snow wearing cement shoes. It was so slow that it kind of put a damper on things. I don't know why I waited so long to replace it except that I was determined to get my money's worth out of it first. If your time on the computer doing bird related things are more pleasant it may inspire you to get back out in the field as well.

3) If A Bird Is Putting On A Show Just Stand Still: If a bird or birds are showing off for you just stand still and observe. It sounds simple enough but many of have a tendency to take a quick look and just move on.

4) Clean Your Binocular And Camera Lenses Properly: I don't do this often enough because overcleaning can lead to scratches. Usually, I'll just breathe on a smudge and spot clean it with a microfiber cloth. I took out the old kit the other day and gave it the works-dust-blower, camera brush, lens spray cleaner, and finished off with a lens cloth. It may be partly psychological but everything seemed to be a little sharper.

This serves more than one purpose. For one, you get to enjoy the behavioral observation aspect of birding but this patient observing can also lead to other species that may emerge from the shadows. 

As in this case when Yellow-rumped Warblers and various sparrows  came into view as I was focused on observing the Carolina Wren 

(above). To round things off here are 4 and 5. 

5) Wear Warm Clothes And Boots In The Winter: You would think this one would be common sense but I grew up in a time when guys would use phrases like "tough it out" and we'd around in short sleeves in the winter. The most common heating source while you were out fishing or in the woods was a shot of blackberry brandy. It might taste good but on a scientific level it doesn't work. Those days are long gone. Now I dress as warmly as possible in the winter and this simple concept can turn a nearly intolerable outing into a very comfortable one.

6) Go To Places That Other Birders Aren't Going: This is one I try to remind myself to follow as much as possible. While it's nice to know that you can see certain species that others have already reported it can also take some of the magic out of it. You might be focused on trying to find birds others have already seen and even if you find what you're looking for it takes away the element of surprise and the excitement of discovering something new while exploring an area that hasn't been on the radar.