Spring Alive is a project organised by BirdLife International to inspire and educate children across Africa and Eurasia about the wonders of nature and bird migration. Through workshops, school activities and family events, this initiative aims to create the next generation of conservationists.
You’ve heard how much fun birdwatching can be, and you’re raring to get out there and start right away. But before you rush out of the door, wait! There are some important things you should know first. These tips will help you have a great time, stay safe, and be kind to birds.
It’s that time of year again! Birds are gearing up for another magical migration season, and so are Spring Alive staff, teachers and parents as they prepare nature education activities across Europe, Central Asia and Africa. Our work continues to be funded by HeidelbergCement, who have supported BirdLife for several years as part of their commitment to protecting nature.
This year, we would like to welcome a new Spring Alive focal species: the Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula. This small wading bird joins the gang to better reflect the kinds of species spotted by our participants across Africa.
Our theme for this year is how to be a good birdwatcher. As birds migrate from their African wintering grounds to their breeding sites in Europe, children all along the way will be looking out for them. We’ve put together a code of practice for anyone who wants to observe birds in their natural habitat.
- Dress for the occasion
Imagine going to school in your pyjamas, or playing tennis in a suit and tie. Pretty weird, right? Every activity has an appropriate type of clothing, and birdwatching is no exception. Try to wear dark, camouflaged colours so that birds don’t see you coming. And no matter what the weather’s like outside, make sure you bring clothes that will keep you warm, dry and protected from the sun – you may find yourself observing the birds in fascination for longer than you expected.
- Pack your birdwatching bag
No good birdwatcher leaves the house without these key items in their bag: a pair of binoculars (any brand will do), a pen and paper to record their sightings, and a bird guide. Make sure to learn the words and expressions that bird guides use: it makes identification much easier. And don’t forget to bring drinks and snacks – birdwatching is thirsty work. You may also want to take a camera, but remember to turn off the flash (see the next point…)
- Avoid disturbing birds
Imagine you’re a Common Cuckoo that has just migrated 8,000 kilometres from the UK to Angola. You land on a branch, desperate to find some insects to eat and get some rest. Suddenly, a loud group of humans rushes towards you. Oh no! Predators! You spread your weary wings and take to the skies once again. Dinner will have to wait…
No matter how much fun you’re having when you’re out birdwatching, always remember that the safety and welfare of the birds comes first. Scaring birds stresses them out and stops them from feeding, breeding and resting. Instead, walk slowly and softly, speak quietly, put your phone on silent and, above all, don’t get too close – that’s what your binoculars are for! All you need to do is find a good place to sit, be patient, and let the birds come to you. Birds are always a lot more fun to watch whey they’re not flying away in fright…
- Leave nests in peace
Any parent will tell you that looking after babies is hard work. When it comes to bird breeding grounds, it’s especially important to keep your distance. Disturbing a nest can cause the parents to fly away, leaving chicks hungry with nobody to feed them, or exposing the eggs or chicks to predators. If you hang around a nest for too long, the parents may become so wary that they abandon it altogether. The best thing you can do if you come across a nest is to quietly walk away.
- Use bird hides
Bird hides and observation towers are the ultimate “life hack”, allowing you to get a great view of birds without making your presence known. They’re also the perfect place to shelter from the sun or huddle with a flask of hot chocolate on wet and windy days. You’ll be surprised at how many bird hides are out there – have a quick search online to see if there’s one near you.
- Follow the laws of the land
Whether you’re going round to your friend’s house for dinner or going out birdwatching, it’s always important to be a good guest. Remember to be considerate to the people who own the land that you’re visiting. Close all gates behind you, stick to the path and never trespass on private land – you don’t want to give birdwatchers a bad reputation!
- Leave no trace
Go by the motto: “take nothing and leave nothing behind”. Never drop litter or trample over vegetation – you may be damaging the homes of the birds you’re trying to watch.
- Look for birds everywhere
Think cities don’t have birds? Think again! Birds are everywhere once you start looking. Think outside the box when searching for birdwatching spots: parks, churchyards, market squares, canals and even rooftops all hold surprises. If you put a bird feeder in your garden or balcony, you can even watch your feathered friends from the comfort of your own home.
- No birds? No problem!
Even seasoned birdwatchers have bad days. If you set out brimming with excitement, only to find that all the birds in the area have decided to spend the day somewhere else, don’t get disheartened. Instead, unleash your inner detective and look out for clues that birds have left behind: footprints, feathers, even food leftovers. Where might a bird live if it has a webbed footprint? Why are broken snail shells scattered across a flat rock?
Alternatively, try listening rather than looking. Can you hear any birdsong? If so, what does it sound like – fast, slow, high, low? Can you guess which bird it belongs to? There are lots of great birdsong identification apps to help you, and soon, you’ll be able to do it all by yourself.
- Spread the joy!
When you’re out and about with your binoculars and bird book, passers-by might be interested in what you’re doing. Be a pioneer for birdwatching: take the time to explain and share with them your most interesting sightings. You might inspire them to follow your lead and become birdwatchers too! Be friendly to your fellow birdwatchers as well – they may have some interesting tips and knowledge. The more friends you make, the richer and more vibrant the birdwatching community will become, helping you to spread the love and respect for nature far and wide.
For more information please visit:
www.springalive.net
