Since the Mesozoic era, birds have achieved a remarkable conquest of the world. They occupy almost every environment on the planet, from the poles to deserts, from mountains to equatorial forests. In the air, they soar to the highest altitudes, and in the seas some swim and dive with the agility of fish. Their capacity for adaptation is remarkable. So why not watch birds on your hikes? It will, without a doubt, be a delight every single time — a source of discovery that adds an enjoyable and enriching purpose to each of your outings. Here are a few tips to help you discover birds in their natural habitats. Let yourself be surprised and amazed as you watch them.
Where to watch birds?
Everywhere! Thanks to their adaptable way of life, birds manage to survive almost anywhere, as long as they can find food and a safe place to rest. Some species are extraordinarily rare, reduced to just a few pairs, while others are very common, counting several million individuals.
In France, they can be spotted wherever nature dominates — in towns, in the mountains and beyond. Protected areas such as natural parks and national parks will make your observations easier, as the presence of guides and information boards will support you on your hikes. You'll be able to discover various migratory and non-migratory bird species: the Greater Flamingo in the Camargue (easily spotted), the Golden Eagle in the high French mountains (very few pairs in France), and the Common Starling (present in large flocks in towns).
And what about beyond our borders?
If you decide to explore Iceland, you can spot the famous Atlantic Puffin, known as the "sea parrot". With its striking appearance, exotic beauty and often "comical" reputation due to its rather awkward waddle, this bird rarely goes unnoticed. Or if you decide to travel through the Andes, you'll cross paths with that iconic bird, the Andean Condor — a sacred bird for centuries among the peoples of South American countries. You'll be captivated by the beauty of its flight and its impressive wingspan.
Birdwatching: what time of year?
We can watch birds all year round. However, certain periods are more conducive to observation as they correspond to key moments in the lives of birds. Spring, for example, is an interesting season because nesting birds are breeding. Activity is intense: nest-building, feeding the chicks. Birds are constantly on the move and therefore more often out in the open. Males sing to attract females and to defend their territory. What a wonderful sight it is to watch a Great Tit feeding its young. If you observe carefully, you might catch it, for example, perched on a branch near the nest, with an insect in its beak, ready to feed its offspring.
Migration periods are also rich in observation opportunities. From July to November, you can discover passage species and impressive, large flocks of birds in flight. You'll be able to admire the passage of Common Cranes that have bred in Northern Europe and are heading to warmer regions.
Far from home, you can witness a spectacular autumn migration along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast: the passage of White Storks, Pelicans…
What equipment do we need to watch birds?
Birds are best observed from a good distance, which is why a pair of binoculars is essential. An 8x42 magnification would be a good compromise when choosing your binoculars, as the key is being able to observe clearly enough to potentially identify the species.
On your outings, wear neutral-coloured clothing made from quiet fabrics so you can observe birds without disturbing them. Birds will often spot you before you've even caught a glimpse of their wing. If you'd like to learn to identify them, bring along a bird identification guide. You'll find specific guides covering the birds of France, the birds of France and Europe, and more targeted guides for birds on other continents. It's up to you to decide where you want to discover them!
Having covered where, when, how and with what to watch birds, let's now focus on how to approach birds respectfully.
Whatever continent or country you are hiking in, the first and most important rule is not to disturb the peace, the foraging or the breeding of birds. Your approach should be slow and discreet — avoid any sudden movements. If a bird feels threatened, it will fly away.
Bird breeding sites, and nests in particular, must not be touched. Avoid getting too close to a nest in order to protect the bird's daily routine — it already has the demanding task of feeding its young. Leave the area as undisturbed as possible. Birds already face plenty of other threats in protecting their nests. Ground predators (foxes, stone martens…) and aerial predators (falcons, sparrowhawks…) will not hesitate to take a young bird or an egg if the opportunity arises. Frequent and excessive disturbance is the main cause of nest abandonment. By observing nests from a distance, taking care of the surrounding vegetation and keeping a low profile, you will contribute to the preservation of species.
Don't hesitate to find out whether a guide is available to help you watch birds at the site you wish to visit, or to research in advance the species you are likely to encounter. This will sharpen your eye and focus your attention when observing birds.
All that's left is to open your eyes and ears wide, keeping our tips firmly in mind. You'll never look at birds in quite the same way again…
