Read Time: 4 minutes
Make your next camping adventure a birdwatching paradise.
Camping and birdwatching go together like marshmallows and campfires—both are relaxing, immersive, and a little addictive once you start. The great outdoors offers the perfect backdrop for spotting birds, whether it’s dawn melodies in the forest, waterbirds near a lake, or nocturnal owls hooting under the stars.
If you’re heading out on a camping trip and want to maximize your birding opportunities, here’s how to do it like a pro.
Photo: Piches Kanthawong / Shutterstock
1. Choose the Right Campsite
Not all campsites are birding goldmines, so location matters. To maximize your chances of spotting birds, consider:
- Forests: Home to songbirds, woodpeckers, and owls, forests are perfect for birders seeking variety. Look for campsites near mixed hardwoods for even more diversity.
- Lakes or Rivers: Water attracts herons, ducks, kingfishers, and other aquatic birds. Scout the shoreline during quiet hours for the best views.
- Open Fields or Meadows: Great for spotting hawks, swallows, and sparrows, especially if the area borders a forest or wetland.
🦉 Pro Tip: Research your campsite’s bird population before you go. Use a local field guide, birding apps like Merlin, or explore our regional birding guides to familiarize yourself with species you’re likely to see.
2. Time It Right
Timing is everything in birdwatching. Birds are most active during the “golden hours” of dawn and dusk.
- Morning Birding: Early mornings are best for catching birds during feeding and singing. Set an alarm (yes, it’s worth it!) and head out before the campground wakes up.
- Evening Watch: Dusk is another peak time, especially for species like swallows and bats that share the twilight sky.
- Midday Strategy: While midday isn’t ideal, you can still spot larger birds like hawks riding thermals or waterbirds loafing near lakes and rivers.
🦉 Pro Tip: When birding at night, use dim, red-filtered lights, keep a respectful distance, and avoid shining lights directly into a bird’s eyes. Always prioritize the bird’s well-being over a closer look. We love the PETZL Tikka Headlamp for it’s great battery life and fantastic red-filtered light setting.
Photo: Ground Picture / Shutterstock
3. Learn to Listen for Birds
Birdsong often clues you into a bird’s presence before you see it. Here’s how to tune your ears:
- Quiet Down: Reduce noise at your campsite—no loud chatter, music, or sudden movements.
- Learn Calls: Apps like BirdNET can help you identify bird calls in real time. Start with common species like robins and chickadees to build your skills.
- Watch Bird Behavior: Birds are chatty when they feel unsafe or excited. If you hear an excited flurry of calls, look closely—it could signal a predator nearby or a group feeding frenzy.
For more tips on identifying bird calls, check out our guide to mnemonics devices for remembering species by their songs.
Why You Should Skip the Bird Call Playback
Look, we get it—bird call playback apps are tempting. Who wouldn’t want to whip out their phone and have a woodpecker show up like they’re responding to a personal shoutout? But here’s the deal: using playback in the wild can seriously mess with birds.
Imagine you’re a small bird, just minding your business, when suddenly it sounds like a rival is invading your turf. You’d freak out, right?
That’s exactly what playback does—it stresses birds out, making them waste precious energy defending their territory or abandoning other important stuff like feeding their chicks. Worst-case scenario? It tips off predators to their hiding spots.
So, let’s keep the calls to karaoke night and let birds sing their own songs. You’ll get a more authentic birdwatching experience, and the birds will thank you by being their natural, undisturbed selves.
4. Move Slowly and Stay Stealthy
Birds are naturally wary of large, noisy creatures (a.k.a. humans). To blend in with their world:
- Dress Neutrally: Avoid bright colors and stick to earthy tones like green, brown, or gray.
- Stay Still: Find a good vantage point, sit quietly, and let the birds come to you. Sudden movements will scare them off.
- Use Cover: Position yourself near bushes or trees for natural concealment.
Photo: Common Yellowthroat / Jaymi Heimbuch
5. Explore Different Habitats
Campsites are great, but don’t limit yourself to your tent area. Take a hike to nearby trails, wetlands, or meadows for variety. Each habitat will host unique species.
- Bring a map of the area and note key spots like water sources or overlooks.
- Walk slowly and take breaks to scan treetops, shrubs, and open skies.
- Look for birds along edges—where two habitats meet, such as a meadow and a forest.
6. Look for Signs of Birds
Even if you can’t spot the birds right away, their presence often leaves clues:
- Feathers: Birds naturally shed feathers during molting season. You might find them on the ground near water, dense foliage, or well-trafficked feeding spots. However, as tempting as it might be to collect them, don’t. In many places, including the U.S., it’s illegal to collect feathers due to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Feathers also play a role in the ecosystem—use this as an opportunity to admire them in their natural setting instead.
- Nests: If you notice a nest, observe only from a significant distance and never disturb it. Avoid lingering nearby, as it may attract predators or stress the birds.
- Tracks or Scratches: Look for small tracks, scratch marks, or even disturbed leaf litter near feeding areas or water sources. These subtle signs often point to active bird activity.
- Whitewash and Pellets: Owls and some other birds leave “whitewash” (bird droppings) on tree trunks or branches where they roost. Owl pellets—regurgitated masses of fur and bones from their meals—are also a clear sign of their presence. If you spot either, scan the trees above for your feathered friend.
Photo: f.t.Photographer / Shutterstock
7. Bring the Right Gear
Camping birdwatching requires a few essentials to make the experience seamless:
- Binoculars: A good pair of bins goes a long way for making your spotting enjoyable. Here’s our guide to picking the right pair for you.
- Field Guide: A good birding guide tailored to your region is invaluable. Look for apps or compact books like the Sibley Field Guide. Here’s our tutorial on how to use a field guide if you’re new to ’em.
- Notebook or App: Jot down sightings in a journal or log them on apps like eBird to keep track of your adventures.
- Camp Chair: Sitting quietly for long periods is easier with a comfortable, portable chair.
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8. Respect Nature
While spotting birds is exciting, remember to be a responsible camper:
- Stay on designated trails to protect fragile ecosystems.
- Observe birds from a distance and never disturb nests or habitats.
- Never use bird calls to try to attract birds to you.
- Leave no trace—take all your trash with you, and avoid leaving food scraps that might attract non-bird wildlife.
Camping Meets Birding Bliss
Camping is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature, and birdwatching takes that experience to a whole new level. By choosing the right campsite, listening for birds, and exploring nearby habitats, you’ll open up a world of feathered wonders.
And don’t forget to keep an eye out (and ear open) for those owls—they’re the ultimate camping companions. So pack your gear, embrace the quiet, and enjoy your wild, winged neighbors. Happy birding!
