Think birdwatching is for experts? Think again. Join us as we share top tips and inside info about how to begin your birdwatching journey.
Birdwatching, or ‘birding’, is the practice of watching birds in their natural habitats (surprise!). From the outside, the hobby can seem like a bit of a closed shop – something reserved for experts or those who can afford special equipment.
However, the truth is you don’t have to have the best binoculars or qualifications to be a birdwatcher at all; you just have to watch birds. Ever watched a Robin hopping around your garden or a Kestrel hovering above the motorway verge? You’re a birdwatcher.
So, if you’re keen to spread your birding wings, below you’ll find some birdwatching tips for beginners to help you get started.
The positive effect that spending time in nature can have on our health and wellbeing has now been proven. It helps us to switch off, de-stress, and recharge. Such is the impact that nature can have, that we’ve led the rollout of Nature Prescriptions, which enable healthcare professionals to proscribe time in nature as part of a patient’s treatment plan.
With that in mind, birdwatching is a perfect way to get outside and spend some time in nature. From gardens to the great outdoors, not only do birders escape to some truly spectacular landscapes, but immersing yourself in the simplicity of wild life is a real tonic in today’s non-stop culture.
Connecting with nature to improve health and wellbeing.
To begin with, all you need is an outdoor space, a bit of patience, and a keen pair of eyes. Look in your garden, local park, or even out of your balcony window. What can you see? From pigeons to Peregrine Falcons, you’ll be surprised at the different species you can spot on your patch.
Make a note of what you see, too. What did they look like? What behavior were they displaying? Noticing the little things will help you switch off and build your knowledge.
Struggling to tell your Blackbirds from your Bullfinches? A simple, illustrated bird ID guide is an ideal companion as you take your first steps into birdwatching. You can pick one up from the RSPB online store or any RSPB nature reserve shop.
You’ll also find plenty of inspiration on our Birds of the Month hub – a month-by-month guide to some of the top birds to see, with ID tips, where to see them, and an audio guide to their songs and calls.
Sign up to our free, fortnightly Notes on Nature newsletter to receive regular bird ID guides alongside Wing Tips, a monthly guide to spotting some of our most stunning species and seasonal spectacles.
A good guide will help you become familiar with our most common birds but it will also open the door to recognising those you’ll see less often. Identifying raptors, or birds of prey, like Buzzards, Kestrels and Red Kites, can be a particular challenge for birders new and old.
The same can be said for the host of little brown birds you’ve probably spotted in your local green space. Give yourself a wing pat on the back the first time you can pick a Dunnock out in a flock of House Sparrows!
Keen to learn more? See our Top Tips on how to ID birds or check out our ID hub for tips and tricks on how to ID birds.
Once you start getting into birdwatching, it’s a good idea to get yourself some binoculars. The price of optics, like binoculars, can vary, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to improve your birdwatching experience greatly.
If you don’t know where to start, we have our own range of binoculars and scopes designed with beginner-birdwatchers in mind. Fly over to our shop to see for yourself!
You can also attend an RSPB Binocular and Telescope Demo Weekend at your nearest participating reserve to try before you buy!
The UK sits right on the East Atlantic Flyway, a superhighway in the sky that millions of birds use every year to migrate between the Arctic and South Africa. As a result, in autumn and winter our bird numbers are bolstered by hundreds of thousands of migrating species.
So, keep a weather eye out for who’s about as the seasons change. The chance to spot a breathtaking seasonal spectacle, like the Whirling Wader Spectacular at RSPB Snettisham, could be just around the corner.
Every month as the seasons change, what we see in nature changes too. Spotted something special? Or looking for a bit of inspiration? Find the answers to your questions in our seasonal guides.
The best place to go birdwatching is the place most accessible to you, whether that’s a window in your flat or one of our beautiful nature reserves.
Our network of more than 170 nature reserves offers some of the best birdwatching around. From booming Bitterns to magnificent White-tailed Eagles, they're home to some of our rarest and most iconic species, and each has a unique range of habitats and wildlife to enjoy.
Many of our nature reserves also host exciting events to help everyone from solo spotters to family flocks to connect with nature. Our guided dawn chorus walks are perfect for early birds beginning their birdwatching journey. See the sun rise, hear the birds sing, and benefit from the expertise of one of our fantastic guides.
Visit our Nature Reserves page to find a reserve near you! Or explore over 170 wild places throughout the UK.
Finally, don’t be afraid to chat to your fellow birders – they’re only too happy to share tips, tricks and boast about their latest sightings. Just make sure you’re respectful, particularly in hides where being quiet is key!
When planning a trip to an RSPB nature reserve (or any wild landscape), make sure you’ve read up on the site’s guidelines. For example - can you take a dog? If so, make sure to keep it on a lead unless told otherwise. The facilities at our nature reserves vary too, so it’s important to check them out before you go.
Some have cafés, shops, pathways and play areas while others are wilder and more isolated. Pick the right reserve for you, check the weather forecast and tides, and make sure you’re well equipped for the landscape you’re visiting.
It won’t surprise you to learn that much of the wildlife you’re watching is sensitive to disturbance. So, once you’ve pulled up a perch, be as quiet as possible. Birders are a friendly bunch, but they won’t thank you if you spook their subject!
Certain species, such as Little Terns and Nightjars, nest on the ground too, so always stick to paths and follow any signage to reduce your chances of stumbling upon unsuspecting birds.
You’ve done the prep, you’ve picked out your perch, and your binoculars are primed... but nothing’s there. Patience is the name of the birdwatching game.
Many bird species, like Bitterns, are rare, shy and camouflaged perfectly in their preferred habitats. Others like Tits and Robins will be more forthcoming but either way, patience is key. So, keep your eyes peeled and enjoy the process. Afterall, this is about spending time in nature, not how many birds you can see.
Above all else, it’s important that you watch birds your way. This is your new hobby, so make sure you enjoy the experience.
Here are some handy hints and tips on what to consider when you’re stumped.