I've only been bird watching a few weeks, mainly in the East Kent area e.g. Grove Ferry. Reculver, Pegwell etc. Thoroughly enjoying it but wondered if any more experienced birders have got any top tips for a beginner e.g. dos and don'ts of birdwatching.
Thanks
Selhurst
Hi,
I suggest a guide to where to watch birds in your county. I believe my old mate Don Taylor did one for Kent :))
S
For advice about Birding, Identification,field guides, binoculars, scopes, tripods, etc - put 'Birding Tips' into the search box
Selhurst, the best piece of advice that I was given as a beginner was "identify every bird you see"
When thou seest an eagle, thou seest a portion of genius; lift up thy head!
I went out this afternoon and tried my best to follow the excellent advice I've been given. Highlight of the day was undoutedly seeing my first ever Red Kite. Ironically I hadn't even got out the car when I saw it as it was flying over the dual carriageway I was driving along! Tried to make more use of the bird song which was great. Definitely heard a willow warbler or 2, just couldn't locate them. Oh well onwards and upwards.
Thanks again for all the advice.
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What's (ideally) the best time of day to go birding, or does it not really matter that much?
Thanks for the advice.
First 3 hours and last 2 are traditionally the best .. BUT-
Immediately after a thunderstorm or rain at migration time.
After a night of gale force wind, check reservoirs, lakes, coast etc.
In Norfolk , migrants often appear around Noon - 1400 in autumn because they left scandinavia at dawn ; At least that's the current reasoning :)
In Kent I'd say any time it's blowing SE in Spring or Autumn would be good at Dunge, North Foreland etc.