Stalking Birds | Hiking and Camping Site

Basic Tips for Backyard Bird Watching Stalking Birds

September 3rd, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

For those of us who enjoy spending time quietly stalking and watching other creatures, we may find that it’s almost impossible to do so when surrounded by others. Birds, however, being smaller and frequently unaware of the forces that follow and watch them, are ideal for backyard viewing.

There are a few simple rules and procedures to make your back yard bird watching sessions as enjoyable as possible. Birds are surprisingly predictable creatures, unlike human beings. Select an area where there’s ample food, water, and sunlight and a bird will surely find its way there. Choosing a spot to stake out the eventual arrival of your feathered friend can be as easy as finding hollow beside a tree or a comfortable spot behind an untrimmed hedge.

Once you’ve found your quiet place to hide, sit there quietly, don’t make any loud or sudden noises, wear clothing that will blend in with your surroundings, and you’re ready to stalk some birds. One tip that’s been offered a few times is the old switcheroo routine. Birds aren’t quite capable of adding past one or so. If you set up a nice alcove or box within which you can hide and watch your birds feeding you can trick them into thinking you’re not really there.

Simply supply food in a bird feeder every day. After you walk away, your subject will fly in and take the offered food. Now, take a friend with you and quickly hide inside your box, or alcove, or whatever enclosed area you choose, and have that friend walk away. The bird should be sufficiently fooled by your trick and fly in for the food, leaving you with a prime viewing position to watch him feed.

Another common stalking trick is to make bird-like noises, a kind of squeak or hiss. Known as splishing, the sound will occasionally draw a bird near, intrigued by your attempt at its language. While this doesn’t always work, it’s very successful when it does.

The art of bird watching (and stalking) starts on a very simple level with the ability to out-think a bird and make them feel safe in your presence so that you can watch them. Once you get started you’ll discover the many aspects of how birds react to certain situations.