Spring migration is a-coming, and it’s a fantastic time of year to go birding. The Arboretum is a home to many bird species, and many migrators visit as they follow the spring thaw north. Going out to look for birds can seem daunting, but it is an accessible, rewarding, and frequently thrilling activity.
The best place to start, like many adventures, is in preparation. Many birds tend to be most active within a few hours of sunrise, which is when they are easiest to spot. If you aren’t an early riser, it’s perfectly fine to go at other times, the birds just may be a little trickier to find.
In terms of equipment, binoculars are an excellent tool for seeing birds in better detail. Carleton Birders, our very own birding club, has a few that you can borrow by reaching out to Maxima Gomez-Palmer or Ava McQuain. They also lead walks and host speakers! For identification, field guides can be an excellent aid, as can Merlin, which is a free app that can be used to identify bird calls, as well as a bird’s physical appearance.
When you’re out in the field, stick to the trails and try to stay as quiet as possible so as to not startle any nearby avian passerby. The Arboretum has many different environments, each with its own bird inhabitants. Start by looking for birds on exposed perches, branches, and fence posts. It’s easier to start out focusing on silhouettes, sizes, and flight patterns, and less so on patterns or colors. Birding isn’t always easy, so don’t get discouraged by challenges, and don’t be afraid to ask questions!
If you would like to know more about birds, you can investigate the bird page of the Arboretum website. A huge thank you to Student Naturalist Maxima Gomez-Palmer for sharing her birding expertise!
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