Birdwatching: it’s more than just peering through binoculars and hoping something with feathers flies by. It’s about catching moments that make you feel like you’re in on nature’s best-kept secrets. It’s about slowing down, tuning in and letting stories unfold right above your head. Whether you’re staking out a spot at dawn or sneaking a peek at the neighborhood flock, birdwatching is part detective work, part meditation and all about finding a little slice of wonder.
Believe it or not, birdwatching wasn’t always this serene. Back in the early 1800s, it was more about blasting birds out of the sky than admiring them in it. Naturalists were collectors first and observers second—think shotguns instead of field guides. Then came John James Audubon, the original bird-nerd and patron saint of peaceful observation. Instead of treating birds like feathered trophies, he painted them with such life and detail that people started to see them as something worth watching rather than hunting.
Fast forward to today, his legacy lives at the Connecticut Audubon Society in Fairfield, where birdwatchers gather to swap spotting tips instead of shooting stories. Milan Bull, the Society’s senior director of science and conservation, makes it sound downright simple to get started: “First, get a good pair of binoculars and learn how to use them, if you don’t already.” Think of them as your personal zoom lens—getting up close and personal with a warbler without spooking is a real feather in your cap (pun totally intended).
Once you’ve got your gear squared away, it’s time to meet the locals. “Get to know your common birds,” Bull advises. “Which ones are in your backyard, your bird feeder, and neighborhood?” It’s like forming your own neighborhood watch but way cuter—keeping tabs on the area’s regulars like chickadees, cardinals, and those sassy blue jays who act like they own the place. Milan says downloading the free Merlin app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a great way to boost your bird IQ without feeling like you’re cramming for an exam.
Next up: finding your prime perch. “Find a good spot and visit regularly,” Bull says. “Sometimes just sitting and waiting for birds to come to you is productive.” Whether it’s your porch, a local park, or that one bench that seems to be a bird hotspot, consistency is key. And don’t be a night owl about it—get out early. “This is when birds are most active.” Dawn is like rush hour for birds—you can catch their morning routines as they flit from branch to branch like tiny commuters.
As much as you might want to pull out all the stops to lure in that elusive owl or majestic hawk, be mindful of your methods. In our suburban areas, where birds like red-tailed hawks and owls are becoming more common, Bull warns against using playback calls – apps that use audio snippets to mimic a birds’ call. “We do not advocate the use of playback calls in any areas,” he says, as they can be very stressful for the bird. The American Birding Association also recommends keeping recordings to a minimum, especially where rare or endangered species are involved. Basically, let the birds put on the concert—you’re just there to enjoy the show.
One of the best ways to level up your birding game is by joining forces with fellow enthusiasts. “Connect with some local birders,” Bull suggests. “They are happy to share information and help you find some good locations.” The Connecticut Audubon Society and the Connecticut Ornithological Association both offer field trips and workshops geared toward beginners, so you won’t have to wing it on your own.
Birdwatching is all about being curious, patient and open to surprises. Sometimes the rarest sightings happen when you’re least expecting them—like that time a peregrine falcon swooped through a downtown intersection, or a tiny hummingbird made a pit stop on your windowsill. So grab your binoculars, claim your spot and let the sky tell you its story. •
