6 Reasons I Like Winter Birding

With the exception of days when we have severe weather conditions winter is one of my favorite times of the year for bird-watching .
Here are 6 reasons that I like winter birding:

1: Trees with bare branches and fields of gold: That makes birds much easier to find.
2: The silence of freshly fallen snow: There is something very peaceful about taking an early morning when the ground is coated with freshly fallen snow.The snow provides natural soundproofing which makes everything seem quiet and peaceful. 

 3: Appreciation of more common birds: Once spring arrives everyone is chasing tropical migrant birds. You tend to forget that we have some beautiful birds year round.

 4) The air seems cleaner in winter: This makes everything seem stand out vividly, including birds.

 5) Interesting birds sometimes show up in winter: For example, crossbills or Pine Grosbeaks as seen in the photo above. 

6) There's always the shoreline: Inland birding can be hit or miss during the winter in Connecticut but there are always plenty of birds near the shoreline. Every January birders doing a "Big January" are able to find over 100 species (sometimes nearing 150) in Connecticut. A good portion of those birds are found along Connecticut's shoreline.

So there may be days when it's too snowy or too cold but I'm looking forward to plenty of great mornings of birding in Connecticut this winter!

5 Of The Most Hated Birds In Connecticut

 Other than people who curse at pigeons and gulls for making a mess on their freshly-washed cars  I don't think there are many bird haters in Connecticut. Surprisingly, most of the negativity I've encountered have come people who have an overall interest in birds.

In no particular order here are 5 different species of birds that I've heard complaints about:

1) House Sparrow: House Sparrows are not native to North America. They were introduced species and many birders dislike them. They can be noisy and are known to overpopulate in areas near homes and businesses. There was a movement to build bluebird nestboxes to increase the population of the native Eastern Bluebird and House Sparrows seemed to move into many of these nestboxes. In some cases, those who tended to nestboxes would  remove House Sparrows nests, eggs, and the birds themselves to help improve the chance to increase the numbers of nesting bluebirds. Why? Bluebirds are native, more well-behaved and prettier than House Sparrows. If the House Sparrow were the native bird and the bluebirds were introduced I wonder if they would get the same treatment? These days bluebirds are plentiful and the numbers of House Sparrows seems to have declined. I just see them as another species of bird doing their best to survive and were brought here by people. When they nest in my nestboxes I just leave them be.

2) European Starling: The are also not native which is a strike against them.They flock in great numbers and do a lot of damage to fruit crops. I love the interesting noises they make and find it fascinating to watch their flight movements when they gather in huge flocks.

3)Mute Swans: They were brought here to decorate lakes and ponds. When they are nesting they can be aggressive and have been known to become a dominate presence on some bodies of water.Although birders have a negative view toward Mute Swans they are well-loved by many for their beauty.

House Finches not wild but not Hated: I've haven't heard a lot of negativity directed toward house Finches even though their population started from birds that were released from pet store cages many years ago.

4) Canada Goose: For a time they were protected as a migratory species but then we figured out that they are here year round. Too many Canada Geese make a mess of a park pond which makes them unpopular to some. 

5) Brown-headed Cowbird: This species of bird is native to North America but they knock the eggs out of other birds nests and then lay their own eggs leaving other birds to raise their young. I once saw a baby cowbird in a Scarlet Tanager nest. It's kind of creepy, like a scene from the movie Invasion of The Body-Snatchers.

I'm not going to say that these are my 5 favorite birds but I enjoy seeing all birds to some extent and have a hard time understanding how people can hate any birds. As they say, they're all God's creatures (although I have my doubts about mosquitoes).

Rating My Interest In Random Birding Topics

(morning Scene from Wangunk Meadows in Portland)

( adult male Northern Harrier (gray ghost) which I saw at the meadows last weekend)

 While I'm out birding at various places I often run into other people who strike up conversations with me (or vice versa) about birds or other aspects of nature. While we may not always share the same views, I can still appreciate listening to someone who is passionate about their interests. 

 The following topics have some up over the years on more than one occasion. I've added a few personal thoughts and assigned a rating of 1-10 based on my level of interest in each topic.The higher the number the greater the interest.

Preserved Land- 9 : I've probably spent hundreds of hours exploring Wangunk Meadows Wildlife Management Area (above) and get really fired up when I discover a new place that has land which has been set aside for preservation. What stops it from scoring a 10? Some of these protected lands turn out to be duds when it comes to birding action.

Rare Birds-6 : I don't get overly excited about sightings of rare birds unless they are super rare, super interesting to look at, or  I've never seen one before. My favorite part of driving out to see a reported rarity is that it is like a concert event for birders. It's fun to be a part of the scene.

Native Plants- 5: I believe its a good idea to use native plants when  landscape you backyard but I don't think the birds are always impressed. I visited one field on several occasions that has been cleaned out and replanted with a variety of native grasses. I've never seen any of the birds there that they were hoping to attract.Also, I've noticed that birds seem to eat the berries off of non-native plants just as much as the native ones. They don't care-they just want food! Unfortunately, birds eating everything also leads to the spreading of  invasive plants.

Invasive plants-7 : There's some nasty invasive plants out there that like to wrap their vines around trees or choke out other plants. I hate the chore of having to pull them up out of my backyard. it seems like a lost cause but I give thanks to those who go to park and preserves to try to clean them out.

Introduced Birds-9: I don't understand why people get so worked up about species of birds that were brought here by us against without their consent. House Sparrows, European Starlings, Mute Swans etc. are here to stay unless nature decides otherwise so why stress about it? I guess the melting pot mentality does not extend to birds. I wonder if there would be a campaign to destroy House Sparrows if they looked and acted like bluebirds? Something to think about.

Have you Seen Any Eagles?-7: This has been one of the most common questions that others ask me when they notice I'm carrying  binoculars. Sometimes I get a little tired of the question. Then I remember a time when I rarely saw them so I am thankful that I can now see Bald Eagles almost every time I'm out birding in my area.There are a lot of people who aren't into birding that think eagles are cool so it's a good conversation starter.

Species that are difficult to identify-4: I never liked piecing together the blue sky section of a puzzle and in the same way I don't like the challenge of scrutinizing tiny details in birds. I prefer species that are easy to identify and have very distinct markings of their own. I get bored with picking out a difficult to identify gull or trying to tell the difference between a Western and Eastern whatever look-a-like. However, if there are other birders around who are into that stuff then I'll be glad to listen to their identification pointers and let them do the work for me.

Brand of binoculars-3: I used to hear a lot about top of the line binoculars but the cheaper binoculars have gotten better so I don't hear much talk about this binocular versus that binocular much anymore.

Reporting Rare Birds-4:  I generally only report a bird it if I think it is truly rare or uncommon in a specific area. If I don't have a photo of it or feel that it's unlikely to be relocated I might just let it go because I don't want to be bothered with the scrutiny. Sometimes I just use e-bird.

Bird photography-7 : I don't know how to properly use the settings on a camera and don't  like the challenge of using one. I just want results. When I see photographers I sometimes ask them for advice. If it weren't for the fact that I need bird photos for this blog then I don't know if I would bother using one. 

Elitist Birders-5: On many occasions I've heard complaints about elitist birders. I don't really know who they are or really care but I'm sometimes amused by some of the stories I hear.

Dishonest Birders-2 : Obviously it's wrong to make false reports about bird sightings and it makes me curious as to why someone would do such a thing. I don't really get fired up about the topic. The idea that those who are suspected of such an act are shunned from the birding community for life is more interesting than the act itself.

 So there you have it. My ratings of random birding topics. Are any of these hot button topics for you or do you have one of your own? 

10 Things On My Spring Birding To-Do List

During the coldest days of winter I start to long for spring and start to think of different ways to enjoy spring birding. Here's what I've come up with for this year. 

1) Birding by boat or Kayak: I used to own a boat but haven't birded by boat. I'm hoping that I'll be able to get some photos but imagine it could be difficult if I'm using a kayak.

2) Birding by habitat: Instead of going to areas known for certain species I want to go where there is a specific type of habitat to see what species I find.

3) Follow the stream: I found a small stream with plenty of room on the side to follow it and that's just what I'm going to do.

4) Stationary Birding: There are benefits to sitting in one place to watch birds instead of walking around looking for them. It's not in my nature to sit still so I'm putting this on my list as a reminder.

5) Head to the mountains in search of a Black-backed Woodpecker: I've been to areas of Vermont and New Hampshire that are known to have Black-backed Woodpeckers but have always managed to miss them. I want to try an area in the mountains in late spring or early summer this year.

6) Birding from dawn till dusk: I would like to dedicate at least one entire day just for birding at one great area. 

7) Introduce 2 new people to birding: Introducing someone to birding for the first time is something I find enjoyable. it doesn't happen often enough.

8) See the movie: "A Birder's Guide To Everything": I've heard  this movie is playing at a film festival in New Jersey. I just hope I get a chance to see it in Connecticut.

9) Set up a permanent bird blind: I don't know exactly where or how I'm going to do this but I would love to have a place where I could set up a chair and have a perfect place to take photos of birds where I get a close view and good lighting.

10) Join up for a field trip with an out of state bird club: It would be fun to join in with a bird club outside of Connecticut. I plan to do this in an upcoming vacation.

I probably won't get to all of these but I can always carry some over to next year's list. 

Do you have any special birding plans for this Spring?

7 Reasons I Will Do A Big January This year

1)There are some great birds to see in Connecticut during January - like this Snow Bunting.

2) It gives you a reason to get off the couch and out the door: I like being outdoors, even in the winter but sometimes it takes a little motivation to brave the elements. Making a list of the bird species I see in January is a good motivator.

3) Gas finally dropped below $3.50 a gallon: There's no doubt that driving around looking for birds eats up gas. $3.50 a gallon is still expensive but not as bad as $4.00 a gallon.

4) Big January helps make the winter go by faster: I like winter but it does seem to drag on after a while.

5) It's a fun tradition: I  know several bird bloggers who look forward to doing a Big January each year.

6) Big January Makes ordinary birds seem extraordinary: The American Tree Sparrow is a nice bird but in January it's an excellent bird!

7) It gives me something to blog about for the entire month: I don't have to waste too much brain power trying to figure out what to post about this month. I already know what the topic is-Big January. It's almost like a blogger break!

What is Big January? Make a list of all the bird species you see from January 1st until January 31. I count birds only in my state but
you can set your own boundaries. It's difficult to compete with someone who doesn't live in your same region but it's still fun to compare notes. Are you doing a Big January this year?

Happy New Year Everybody!

10 Things A New Birder Isn't Required To Do

  Birdwatching was once seen as a hobby that was intended mainly for nerds. In recent years the image of birding has changed and is now a popular pastime that appeals to a wide variety of people. According to US fish and Wildlife, it is now the number 1 sport in America. There are so many tools available for someone who is interested in getting started in birding these days: outstanding optics, a wide selection of field guides, birdjam, e-bird, bird clubs that offer field trips-and the list goes on. Most new birders are impressed by all this but there are some that are intimidated by this modern day version of birding. They just want to go out and see some cool looking birds.

    Some beginners are reluctant to go on a field trip because they feel that their birding skills aren't good enough. I've talked to people on field trips that don't become more involved with the birding community because they are concerned they might be expected to  take notes, keep lists of species seen, chase rare birds, or enter sightings on e-bird. 

    If you talk to someone who is really into birding then you might get the impression that there is a specific way to go about birdwatching  but the truth is you can watch birds in any manner you please. 

   There is plenty of information about how to get started with birding-just google something like: How to get started with birding . 
 Instead of making a how to get started in birding list I decided on this list instead:


10 things a new birder isn't required to do:

1) You don't have to call yourself a birder: Birder and birdwatcher mean basically the same thing. If you go to different places trying to find and identify birds you can use either term or make up your own.
2) You don't have to buy expensive binoculars: It's okay to buy a pair of  7x35 binoculars in a  department store-just try them out in the parking lot after you buy them.That way you can return them right away if they don't work for you. Just make sure you don't take them birding in the rain or swim with them since they probably aren't waterproof.
3) You don't need to be good at identifying birds to attend a field trip: There are trips that are specifically offered for beginning birders but many trips in bird clubs are open to anyone. If you're not sure just contact the leader and ask them.
4) You don't need to buy a spotting scope: It isn't necessary to spend additional money to get a spotting scope unless you want to. Binoculars will do the job in most circumstances and other birders will often let you have a look at a bird through their scope.
5) You don't have to force yourself to learn the song of every species of bird: You can start by learning the songs of birds you hear most often and then learn the others when you're ready.
6) You don't have to enter your sightings on e-bird: E-bird is a great tool that a lot of birders are using these days but it's by no means a requirement.
7) You don't need to keep lists of birds you see: Many birders keep lists of birds they see but not all of them do. Keep lists if you want to but you're not in danger of losing your birder's license if you decide not to.
8) You don't have to track down rare birds that have been reported: You may hear about rare birds being reported around the state. Some birders follow reports about these birds and go see them because they want to see them or add them to their list. Some birders chase rare birds frequently, some occasionally, and some not at all.
9) There is no time table to learn how to identify species of birds that you find difficult: If you have difficulty learning to identify  certain types of birds like shorebirds or sparrows there's no need to be in a rush. Learn at a pace that's comfortable for you.
10) You don't need to follow my advice by reading this list: My point is that people enjoy watching birds in many different ways. Not everyone is a serious birder that follows a specific sets of rules.  Take time to learn about all the great things that birding has to offer and take advantage of the ideas that interest you.


As for me, I appreciate that there is access to so many great resources for birders these days. I may not always take advantage of them but it's nice to know they're available when you need them.

Hurricane Irene is on it's way to Connecticut-let's hope for the best!

Ten Factors For A Good Day Of Birding

Here is my top ten list of factors that help make for a good day of birding. I tried to put them in order but not necessarily in exact order.

1) Preparation-If you leave things behind such as binoculars, field guide, camera, scope, batteries,field notebook,directions, jacket, or any other needed items it can put a real damper on things. Not leaving early enough can also detract from the day.

2) Sleep-Feeling well rested definitely enhances the day. I tend to be more perceptive in my hearing and vision. I am also much more enthusiastic if I've had a good night's sleep.

3) Weather-You can adapt your day to do some form of birding in any weather conditions but a pleasant day can enhance the overall experience.

4) Location-Exploring a scenic area, hot spot, or a location that you've never tried before can make things more interesting.

5) Birds-Seeing lots of birds, a good variety of species, interesting bird behavior, or new species can definitely help make it a great day of birding. Discovering a really rare bird can make for an exceptional day.

6) Optics-Having superb optics makes everything look so much better. It's not just the quality of the optics though. The viewing conditions- (lighting,air quality etc.) have a definite effect on the performance of whatever optics you do have.

7) Season-There are certain days in each season that exemplify the beauty of that particular season. -The perfect Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter day.

8) Time-I probably should have put this one higher on the list. Not having any time constraints allows you to bird at a much more relaxing pace without feeling that you have to squeeze everything in.

9) Food-It's nice to start the day with a cup of coffee and breakfast of your choice or perhaps hold off on breakfast till a little later in the morning.

10) Company-Although I enjoy birding alone, it's nice to go birding with others for a change of pace.

Which of these would make it to the top of your list? Do you have any that you'd like to add?