Amazing birds and how to observe them! (1 Viewer)

[ewephoria]

Last year I spent many days going back and observing the same pair of coots and their cootlings (of course not how they are called, but I just really like the word!). This year in the same location there is another few pairs. I kept my distance, didn't speak just watched them and it was amazing, did not have the fortune of owning a camera then, but this year I finally do and would love to document this species and many others. It occurred to me that the best photos and observations are done when we respect our wildlife and get close to them without disturbing their environment and activities. So my question or really hope is to engage in a discussion on how to best observe birds, what time of day is best not just for photos but for a glimpse into their world!

I hope this made some sense, I want to learn from everyone's experience.

 

[Butty]

As often as possible, in as many places/environments as possible. In birding, as in life, it's a mistake always to try and do things the perfect way. Far far more important just to get on and do them - and enjoy learning from your mistakes.
First essentials: field guide and binoculars.

 

[01101001]

So my question or really hope is to engage in a discussion on how to best observe birds, what time of day is best not just for photos but for a glimpse into their world!

People would usually say that it's the early morning, but the middle of a working day (if you can afford to bird at the time) can be productive, too. Also, soon after rain, but watch out for snails and earthworms. I think that the time of day doesn't matter that much with Coots. Check out the factsheet for ageing and sexing Coots (available at Species Files – Guia Blasco Zumeta de Aves). Sitting quietly without movement at one spot for a while might embolden birds to call or sing or come out if there are enough bushes around for you to feel that it might be worth the wait (although this should work for passerines rather than for Coots). If you manage to see a Coot with a bird ring or a neck marker, you can report it, and you'll be able to see the history of its sightings, either up to this point or -- if you have an account (not sure how exactly it works in the UK) -- all of its sightings before and after you've reported it.

EDIT: Some potentially interesting links if you want to train your eye for spotting potential hybrids or vagrants (as low as the likelihood of seeing one may be):

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335430627_Hybrid_Eurasian_Coot_Fulica_atra_Common_Moorhen_Gallinula_chloropus_on_Tenerife_Canary_Islands

Focus On: separation of Red-knobbed Coot and Coot

Red-knobbed Coot is one of the rarest breeding European birds. Available only in Spain and Morocco for Western Palearctic listers, separation from Coot can be tricky. Find out how in our latest identification article.

www.birdguides.com

ML437743381 - Red-knobbed Coot - Macaulay Library

Macaulay Library ML437743381; © Lars Petersson | My World of Bird Photography; Hadramawt, Yemen

macaulaylibrary.org

Eurasian Coot - BirdForum Opus

www.birdforum.net

ML556755051 - American Coot - Macaulay Library

Macaulay Library ML556755051; © maggie s; Anoka, Minnesota, United States

macaulaylibrary.org

ML395715601 - Eurasian Coot - Macaulay Library

Macaulay Library ML395715601; © Paulo Rocha; Azambuja, Lisboa, Portugal

macaulaylibrary.org