To mark my flying visit to Scotland, here's a post about birdwatching.
I was up for the weekend to see family and surprise a friend or two, and to spend some time with my mammy.
She’s a proper keen birdwatcher, so I suggest we go and gawk at some hawks.
A nearby RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) reserve in Loch Leven has birdwatching hides to duck into so that we don't spook the wildlife.
It’s a gorgeous day which means that there's a better chance of seeing more of the birds.
A morning at the reserve
Loch Leven's reserve is a haven for birdwatchers/ornithologists/twitchers. It's just as I remember it when I was a kid: a small, stone building with arches to gallop through and crunchy pebbles underfoot.
The hide is our hideout for the next wee while, looking out over the marshlands. The deep, dark brown of the hut keeps us out of view of the birds but the inside is colourful, scattered with bird charts, bird books and little knick knacks to help us identify and understand them.
You can see the birds swooping down, tearing their talons into the swamp, trying to grip the earth. The ducks are out to impress with their bright and alluring bills while a heron stands alone, so slender that it almost disappears into the backdrop.
Can you spot the heron?
Everything is so still, the mood so peaceful.
I’ve got Mum’s good binoculars but for whatever reason, I'm peering out of one lens like Popeye. Agugugugugugug...
The hide is a great beginner's spot because we can have a chat about what we see. In an hour we've clocked some mallards, gulls, a swan, a heron and a robin, amongst others.
One of the downsides is not being able to hear the birdsong in the hide, which would've added another element to the experience.
But the peace and quiet is broken by a low-level stomach grumble, so we retire to the café for coffee and a slab of toast with a generous slathering of hummus.
A shot through one binocular lens... or an undiscovered planet?
The fun doesn’t end there though; the café is where these babies live. The higher vantage point makes up for the fact that we're further away from the wildlife.
So with super-projected splendour, we carry on watching the birds for a little while, listening to the gentle rumble of the café.
Interested in trying birdwatching?
I have a chat with Colin, MDO at RSPB Loch Leven, to find out more.
How to get into birdwatching
Colin recommends picking things up from TV and nature programmes as well as going to nature reserves to learn more about birdwatching. Buying a chart is a must for beginners. You can get the Guide to the Top 50 garden birds fold out chart for £4.99 from the RSPB shop.
Keep an eye out for local birdwatching courses too: “We’ve just done one today (opposite) – beginners are learning about birdsong, habitats and where to find [the birds],” says Colin.
Starting in the garden
“Bird feeders are good for bringing birds in – you could go for a table of hanging feeders.”
There are different types of food for different birds, so make sure you buy the right one.
“[The feeder] won’t necessarily get used immediately, but once they find it, get your ID chart,” he says.
The easiest birds to spot
“Pigeons – they’re everywhere!” laughs Colin.
“In terms of garden birds, there are usually chaffinches, blue tits, great tits, coal tits, robins and thrushes.
“Get their size, colour, leg colour (dark or pale), bill colour and shape. Their plumage can change with the season, but these things won’t change.”
If you’re struggling, the RSPB has a Bird Identifier which could help you out. Just enter the colours, shape and rough size of the bird and it’ll tell you what birds it could be.
Source: RSPB
Side note: comedian and birdwatcher Bill Bailey also recommends starting with ducks as they have distinct markings which are easier to match up with books and charts.
Have a look at Bill Bailey’s Remarkable Guide to British Birds (£15-£20 from most good books shops) and Bill Bailey's Birdwatching Bonanza (Sky2) for a funny insight into the world of ornithology.
Useful pieces of kit to have
You can get things like binoculars, bird books, feeders and tables from the likes of the RSPB shop or other online stores. A high-quality pair of binoculars is recommended so if you’re going to shell out a decent amount on anything, make it your binoculars.
Those who want to go a step further can invest in breathable, waterproof outdoor clothing. Colin says you should opt for neutral colours which blend into the background.
“Nothing too garish!” he laughs. Though he says that if you’re sitting in a hide, your clothing shouldn’t matter too much.
Urban birdwatching
Colin tells me that you can find peregrine falcons in many cities.
“There’s lots of nature around people, but they don’t notice because they don’t always stop and look.
“You don’t have to be out in the countryside – you can put feeders on your windows to draw birds in.”
Get in the know before you go
A lot of wildlife is safeguarded the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
“All birds’ nests are protected when they’re in use. People don’t like the mess that house marten and swallow nests cause, but if they disturb them, it’s illegal. They could be sent to jail.”
Disturbing nests in the wild could let predators in and put chicks at risk.
“The best thing to do is ask other birdwatchers or come into places like this to ask questions," says Colin.
Birdwatching in other parts of the world
Twitchers in the USA should try the Peterson Field Guides, apps and podcasts if they're just starting out. National Geographic Field to the Birds of North America is also a good shout.
When you're out and about, expect to see woodpeckers, sparrows and blue jays.
Contact your local Audubon society or nature center for more on birdwatching in your area.
And for the Aussies out there, The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia (45 AUD) and The Slater Field Guide to Australian Birds (32.99 AUD) are perfect for beginners.
You’ll be looking out for a more colourful flock like rainbow lorikeets and cockatoos as well as the kookaburra and its one-of-a-kind chuckle.
Contact BirdLife Australia for more information about ornithology and local birding groups. Some groups focus on seabirds, raptors and waders, if you're so inclined.
Do any twitchers out have some tips for newbies? And how do you spell Popeye's laugh? Let us know in the comments below!
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