Whether you’re just starting out or have a lifer list longer than your arm, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. This is your nudge, a few friendly (and slightly firm) reminders of what not to do out in the field.

Think of this as the unofficial code for birders and for those already bird-familiar, treat it like a quick checklist. Out of 9, we expect full marks. But hey, no judgment, we’ve all blown it at least once.

Ok, let’s get into it.

1. Not All Birds Want to Be Stars of Your Reel!

Birds aren’t here to interact with us, and that’s the whole point. They’re wild, and they want to stay that way. When we get too close, even with good intentions, they don’t know what we’re up to, and that can stress them out big time.

Our tip is to keep an eye on their behaviour, if they start acting differently they may be a bit put out by your presence! If you notice they are nesting, be extra careful, you don't want to scare them away from their nest during such an important time. Disrupting them at the wrong time can have serious consequences.

If you want to learn more about understanding bird behaviour? Check out, this book is so fascinating and one we kee going back to here at LYFER HQ. It's a brilliant guide to what birds do and why they do it.

Wenfei Tong HOW BIRDS BEHAVE, Intepretating what they do and why.

OH BOY, IS THAT A DRONE YOU GOT THERE?!

2. You Can't Sit With Us!

Birds are skittish by design. So as you can imagine, when we enter their world, there’s a few things we need to consider, because the truth is, we can’t sit with them! With that in mind we recommend keeping to a minimum:

• • • • • • flash photography

          • loud voices

          • sudden movements

          • flying drones

          • feeding them human food

Every one of those things is a red flag. Birds don’t know you're just trying to get “the shot” or take a closer look, they just know something’s off. If they’re disturbed enough, they’ll disappear.

Remember, the best bird moments happen when you give them space to do their thing, not when they’re reacting to you. Birding is a game of patience and understanding!

3. Birds Can't Lipsync (reconsider using playback)

Birds don’t want to hear your greatest hits playlist, especially when they're the original artist!

In the birding world, playback refers to the practice of playing recorded bird calls or songs in the field to attract a bird, usually to get a better look, confirm an ID, or capture the perfect snap.

Using bird call recordings, or “playback”, to lure birds closer might seem harmless, but honestly? It’s kind of catfishing.

It confuses birds, disrupts their natural behaviour, and in sensitive habitats (especially during breeding season), it can cause real damage. Some birds may abandon nests, others waste energy responding to a “rival” that doesn’t exist.

Best to leave the calls to the birds themselves. You’ll see more by blending in, not by baiting them. Imagine being called into a conversation that isn’t real, over and over again. That’s what playback can feel like for birds. It might seem harmless, but those recordings can confuse and stress them out, especially during breeding season or in sensitive habitats.

Our take? Leave the recordings behind and tune in to the real thing. It’s far more rewarding when the bird finds you.

And hey, if you’ve travelled halfway across the world to Peru to catch a glimpse of the Inca Wren, we get that lifer moment means a lot to you. But if you're tempted to use playback (which we really hope you’re not), remember this: it's not worth the stress it can cause to the birds we love.

Keep the volume low? Actually, best to skip it altogether. If you miss the bird, at least you know you did it right. Besides, isn’t the whole point trying to meet them, should be on their terms?

5. Try A Little Tenderness

See another birder out there? Don’t go full stealth mode on them. Give 'em a smile, maybe a nod, hey, even drop that hot tip about the Rose Robin you just spotted (once upon a time, this actually happened to the Lyfer crew and it was an amazing tip and we were very grateful to share that moment!).

Birding isn’t a secret mission. We’re all out here chasing that same thrill. So don’t hoard the good stuff, please share the sightings, swap a few stories and spread the joy. We rely on it too when we are out there.

There’s been a stigma around birders for too long. But the fact that you’re out there doing what you enjoy? That’s something worth celebrating, especially in someone else, too.

BE THE BIRDER YOU

WANT TO BUMP INTO.

6. This Isn’t a Dog Walk. It’s a Bird Walk.

Dogs and birds? They're not exactly besties. Even the sweetest, most well-behaved pup still looks like a predator to a bird.

Off-leash dogs can flush out ground-nesting species, trample habitats, and stress out wildlife, and let’s be honest, we can’t speak dog to tell them this isn't a dog walk, but a bird walk!

So if you’re bringing a dog, keep them leashed, close, and out of the undergrowth. Birds will thank you, from a distance. It’s all part of birding etiquette, knowing we’re sharing the space and making sure we (and our dogs) don’t steal the spotlight from the birds. Keep it cruisy, keep it respectful, and let the birds do their thing. That’s the whole point, right?

7. Do The Right Thing

Trying to find an occasion when littering is considered acceptable is impossible, that's because there isn’t one. We know you don’t litter, but one great takeaway (no pun intended) is to leave a place better than how you found it!

Just imagine all the birds who see you cleaning up some rubbish, even the biodegradable waste (banana peels, we’re looking at you) can still harm ecosystems. You may well get a sign of appreciation from that elusive bird you can only hear.

If you see a birder out doing this, give them a nod of approval and a thumbs up!

8. Birding Doesn't Give Us A Free Pass

We get it, the bird’s just over there and that gate looks like it hasn’t been used in years and there is a sign that says something like PRIVATE PROPERTY. This ain't a suggestion! Those signs are there for a reason, and even the best binoculars don’t come with trespass right unfortunately.

Without being dramatic, you probably won’t end up in court, but if you did… “I was birding” won’t hold much weight. Think of the headline!

Regarless of all that, if one birder crosses the line, it can give all of us a bad name and us Birders have got such a clean record.

Stick to the public paths, respect those boundaries, and if you’re not sure, please don’t chance it. The bird will still be out there tomorrow, and you’ll still be welcome back.

"Out here, you’re not looking for who's best in show, leave that to the birds!"

9. Dress Like Your'e An Extra

Next up:

COMING SOON

Vol. 04

Birding By Ear: Because That’s How You Actually Do It.