Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
A project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society, eBird
enables birders to contribute their sightings to a permanent database online. The inform-
ation then becomes accessible to scientists and birders alike through maps, graphs, and
tables.
Birderswhohavekeptelectronicrecordsinotherformatscanuploadtheirsightingsto
eBird as well. Anyone can enter sightings of birds at any time, whether from this morn-
ing's bird-watching trip or from a list from decades ago.
The Ins and Outs of Bird-Watching
Q I have so many problems spotting birds in the woods. I can hear plenty of them in
the trees but usually can't see even one! What am I doing wrong?
A
The thick branches and foliage of trees and shrubs makes forest birding a challenge.
You'll need to be patient to be successful. Get into the habit of looking along every
branch, and if you're hearing any voices, looking patiently through the branches for the
singer. Sometimes it's hard to gauge direction and distance from a bird by sound unless
we walk around a bit — making a couple of steps to your right and left may help you
figure out more precisely where the bird is.
Some birds flit about as they sing, so the sound will be moving with the bird. Some
birds hold still for many minutes while singing. If you can't pick out their shape, you're
notgoingtoseetheseuntiltheyflyoff.Ifthesebirdsareattreetoplevel,theycanbeespe-
cially tricky to find because so many leaves and branches obscure them. Looking around
forbettervantagepoints—abigboulderortreestumptostandon,alittleopeninggiving
you a wider view — will help.
During migration, warblers, vireos, kinglets, and other migrants often seek out
chickadees to associate with. Chickadees know every little thing about their woods, and
don't mind company, so migrants associating with them can more effectively find food
and elude predators. It's a good idea to listen for chickadees and paying special attention
to any little birds moving about when chickadees are around.
Lower-power binoculars are especially useful in forests. They give a wider field of
viewthanhigher-powerones,sothere'satleastalittle higherprobability that“your”bird
will be in view; and for the same size, they provide a brighter image than higher-power
glasses, which is especially useful in shady areas with a dense canopy.
Birders in forests often try “pishing,” which means making
spish spish spish
sounds
that may sound like a baby bird in distress. Pishing sometimes brings birds in for a mo-
mentary view. You still have to be alert, because when birds come in to check you out,
they may still be concealed in foliage.
