Becoming a Better Birder: Deepening Your Connection with the World of Birds

Written by Anna Sorenson

If I were to take you on my favorite walking route through the forest, I imagine the experience would feel a bit like touring a museum:

“If you look to your left, we have the tree cavity where white-breasted nuthatches nested two springs ago.” Anyone strolling by the tree might’ve witnessed the pair carrying beakfuls of juicy green caterpillars inside, or, as was more often the case, passersby were met with a nasally warning.

“And if you look up, you will see a particular tree branch, smooth and worn bare, where great-horned owls have perched year after year.” It must be the perfect spot to soak up the winter sunlight while keeping an eye out for food.

I consider it a great honor to have developed such intimacy with this forest and its inhabitants – especially the feathered ones. I imagine that everyone has a slightly different idea of what it means to be a “good birder,” but mine revolves around this intimacy; this accumulation of memories, experiences, and moments of connection. Becoming a better birder, then, comes down to deepening your relationship with birds and broadening your understanding of their world.

So, what are some ways to do this? I’ve broken this article into four sections: knowing your area, finding birds, utilizing tools, and protecting birds. It is my hope that no matter how long you have been birding, you will be able to apply something new and helpful to your next outing, creating a greater sense of closeness to the natural world.

Cape May Warbler - Photo by Anna Sorenson

Knowing Your Area

Your environment contains clues about the bird species that may be present. Picture the Elm Grove Village Park, for example. Which plants might birds find attractive for habitat, nesting, or food purposes? What specific features of the park might certain species be drawn to? Have you spotted a tree cavity that looks perfect for nesting, or perhaps a quiet and concealed nook that most people walk right past? This is all useful information to hold onto when looking for birds in a particular location.

If you have a birding spot you visit on a regular basis, consider recording your observations year-round. You will start to notice patterns that will inform your adventures each season. Keeping with the Village Park example, in the springtime, I’ve noticed that the group of flowering trees near the gazebo are popular among warblers who search for insects within the blossoms. I’ve also found that small migratory birds seem to like following the creek throughout the park; perhaps they appreciate that they can forage with a bit more privacy. This past May, I even spotted an active warbling vireo nest high up in a tree along the creek, and I have been keeping an eye on it ever since! Developing a keen knowledge of your environment will help you understand where birds are likely to be found.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - Photo by Anna Sorenson

Finding Birds

If you are hoping to spot a specific bird, you will need to know where they like to spend their time. Consult a field guide or Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s All About Birds to learn about a species’ habitat preference, diet, range, nesting habits, and more. Just as you know that milkweed begets monarchs, you can learn to associate thistle with goldfinches in the summer, and old growth forests with tree cavities that provide cozy nooks for sun-basking screech owls in the wintertime. Get as specific as you can about your target species’ way of life, and you will narrow down where and when to look for them.

If you’re not searching for a particular species and you just want to see more birds, check eBird to locate hotspots near you. I find this tool especially useful in winter when the sporadic sightings in my backyard just aren’t enough! In fact, utilizing eBird, I learned that many interesting diving ducks (like scaup, goldeneyes, and buffleheads) spend their winters by the lakefront. It led me to venture out to new parks along the lake, and I was amazed that a short drive could result in such a different assortment of birds.

Speaking of winter, try not to let uninspiring weather get in the way of your endeavors. I’ve seen some of my most memorable birds on the crummiest days, so throw on your wind pants, grab an umbrella, lace up your boots… do whatever you need to do to get out there! (Of course, if it’s not safe to go outside due to the cold/heat, or if accessibility is a barrier for you, consider inviting feathered friends to your yard by providing resources for them. Read about how to safely feed birds here.)

Finally, be sure you are not just looking, but listening. Listen for the calls and songs of birds, of course, but also hone in on the less obvious cues. The faint rustling of leaves on the ground might lead you to discover a thrush tossing up leaf litter in search of insects. Critters like chipmunks and squirrels have specific alarm calls that may indicate the presence of an impressive raptor. Tune in to the soft splishing of water; there might be a small songbird bathing in the creek. Go slow and pause often. With time, you will strengthen your sensitivity to the subtle sounds and movements of birds.

Solitary Sandpiper - Photo by Anna Sorenson

Utilizing Tools

Apart from looking and listening for birds wherever you go, you can become a better birder by taking advantage of a variety of tools and devices. Try digital learning tools like the Merlin app for sound identification, and, as I brought up earlier, use eBird for insight into which birds have been spotted where, and All About Birds for general information about individual species. In addition to digital methods, don’t underestimate the value of a good ol’ notebook to record your personal observations (unless it’s the dead of winter and your mittens are too thick to hold a pen). Birding books, documentaries about particular species, and of course the wonderful birding backpack donated by the Birders of the Grove are all available at the Elm Grove Public Library, so stop by and check something out! If you’re looking to learn in a more structured and guided way, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology offers educational courses through their Bird Academy. Personally, I like to carry a camera and snap photos to review later, while my partner opts for a good pair of binoculars. It all comes down to preference and how you learn best.

I am also classifying group walks as a tool for becoming a better birder. Walking with others increases your chances of spotting birds that you might have missed if you were on your own. Additionally, in my experience, fellow birders are often happy to share their knowledge, tell you about upcoming bird-related events, and pass along tips regarding the latest uncommon sightings in the area. The Birders of the Grove offers lovely Waterfowl Walks and Songbird Strolls, which take place in the Village Park. Check out the Milwaukee Birders if you’re looking to venture a little outside the Village. Additionally, many nature centers host guided nature/birding walks on a regular basis as well as educational events, so check their websites for these opportunities!

Great Blue Heron - Photo by Anna Sorenson

Protecting Birds and the Environment

One of the most important ways you can become a better birder is by actively supporting and protecting birds. Here are some of my favorites that I have participated in and would recommend to everyone, beginning with these citizen science projects.

eBird: You can contribute to this aforementioned resource! Simply go birding anytime and record when and where you saw or heard your species. This is a free and easy way to provide scientists with valuable data about bird populations. You can also use eBird to participate in scheduled events such as Global Big Day and the Great Backyard Bird Count! Check out the eBird page for the Elm Grove Village Park here.
NestWatch: Have you found a bird nest? Consider monitoring it and logging the information you collect on NestWatch. I am currently monitoring a black-capped chickadee nest (with 5 adorable speckled eggs)! Again, this is an easy and free way to supply data to scientists.
Project FeederWatch: We all need a little something to brighten our winter days! If you have a bird feeder you maintain, or even just a window from which to observe birds in a singular location, Project FeederWatch might be for you. Report the species that visit from November to April, and strengthen your identification skills along the way. There is a small fee to participate.

Even more ideas include:

Familiarizing yourself with the American Birding Association’s Code of Birding Ethics.
Installing a bird feeder, bath, and/or nesting box in your yard.
Growing native plants that support your local bird and insect populations.
Keeping cats indoors.
Adding anti-collision stickers to your windows.
Advocating for policies and regulations that support local ecosystems and protect the environment (sign petitions, reach out to local representatives, and more via the National Audubon Society’s Action Center).
Participating in fundraisers like the Great Wisconsin Birdathon.

By applying the tips in this article, you are sure to enrich your relationship with the natural world and deepen your appreciation for birds. In turn, your next outdoor adventure will be even more rewarding! Good luck, and let the wonder, fulfillment, and joy of birding inspire you to become a better birder day by day.

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