Top 10 Tips to See More Birds
- Timing - birds are most active early in the morning and the late in the afternoon, so this is generally the best time to go birding. Many species lie low during the midday heat. The presence of migratory birds also varies throughout the year. A good field guide will tell you when and where you can best expect to see our international visitors.
- Location - different habitats attract different birds. Check out different environments to see a full variety of species: beaches, seacliffs, pools and ponds, mangroves, mature forests, pastures, parks, shrublands, roadsides- even your own backyard. Garbage dumps and sewage treatment works also attract birds - though these locations are, perhaps, for the truly dedicated ! Make sure to obtain any necessary permission before entering private property.
- Clothing - avoid bright, vivid colours, which attract attention to yourself. Light tan, olive, or other natural shades are best. A hat or cap will shield your face and provide some useful shade from the sun.
- Choose the right binoculars - binoculars are not essential to enjoy watching birds, but you will see much more if you invest in a pair. A good pair of binoculars will last a lifetime. Do not be tempted by advertising boasts of “high magnification”. Magnification x7, x8 or x10 are perfect for birding. Higher magnifications are difficult to hold still, and produce a darker image. Make sure to choose a pair which are light enough for you to carry comfortably- for long periods. Never look at the sun through binoculars, you can seriously damage your eyes.
- Modifying binoculars - always carry binoculars out of the “carry case” - birds will not wait around while you struggle with zippers and clasps. For some strange reason, most binoculars are supplied with a lengthy strap, which will hang down somewhere around your groin. Shorten your strap until your binoculars sit high on your chest. This will stop them swinging when you walk, and also reduce the time it takes to lift them up to your eyes.
- Finding birds through binoculars - many people find it difficult to locate birds through binoculars. Practice is the key. Try the following:
- focus on the bird with your eyes
- lock your gaze
- bring the binoculars up, straight in line between your eyes and the bird.
If you do this, the bird will automatically be in the centre of your field of view. Practicing on stationary objects will also help build your skill.
- Pick a good spot - some of the best birding locations around the Cayman Islands:
- GRAND CAYMAN
Barkers, West Bay - accessible mangroves, quite beaches, coastal forest, pools
Mastic Trail, Northside - primary dry forest, interpretative signage
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park - woodland trail and flower gardens offer a variety of habitats.
Governor Gore’s Bird Sanctuary - small permanent freshwater pool attract a surprising number of birds during the dry season. - LITTLE CAYMAN
Booby Pond Nature Reserve - breeding seabird colonies, visitors centre - CAYMAN BRAC
Brac Parrot Reserve - primary dry forest, boardwalk, interpretative signage Lighthouse trail - marine cliffs, breeding Brown Boobies
- GRAND CAYMAN
- Quiet - birds generally avoid noise. If you are quiet you will see more- and hear more. Foraging birds often give away their presence by tapping on bark / rustling leaves. You will see more if you leave your dog at home- the same goes for noisy companions!
- Let the birds come to you - with a little planning, you can develop and extensive bird list without ever leaving your home. You can attract birds into your garden by planting native trees and plants which bare fruit and berries - these also make for attractive landscaping. The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park has established a Native Tree Nursery - which includes a section of the best “wildlife trees”. Providing food and fresh water (e.g. a regularly maintained bird bath) will also attract birds to your yard. Make sure that any food or water is raised up off the ground - or you will run the risk of attracting wondering rats and cats.
- Be prepared - if you are heading out into the bush, make sure someone knows where you are going. Be especially careful when visiting unfamiliar areas, and always take appropriate kit. Good walking shoes, mosquito repellent, sensible clothing and head gear, plenty of water, a field guide and note book will help make your birding enjoyable and safe.
