Tower and Town, August 2017

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Walking And Birdwatching

It was in the late 1970s that I started walking to strengthen my back muscles after a bad bout of glandular fever and it was and about 22 years ago that birdwatching took over after knee problems. I regularly go on field trips with Wiltshire Ornithological Society (W.O.S.) which are usually 3-6 miles long and can be on good paths or rough ground. Some areas have hides to sit in and some not.

The person leading a W.O.S trip normally does a recce within the week before to suss out the facilities, terrain and birds present. One of the intrigues of birdwatching is that an expected bird does not show or an unexpected one does. Those with access to a computer have an advantage over me in that they can check last minute to see if any unusual sightings have been recorded. Each of the four seasons is anticipated with delight as different birds are present or passing through.

I enjoy going out with W.O.S. because there is a lot of knowledge within the group and many pairs of eyes which always increase the day’s total of species seen. I also like walks with a friend and it can be good working at identifying a certain bird. Going out on my own is pleasurable too as it is easier to hear birds and perhaps get quite close or stop to observe. Mind you, all birdwatchers stop to observe so warmer clothes may be needed than just for a walk. We tend to spot butterflies, deer and other wildlife and we love views which look different with every season and weather situation.

Birdwatchers are a friendly lot and help each other along. Once one starts getting into birdwatching it is such a pleasant pastime: looking out of the kitchen window, at a bus stop or on a journey; observing birds in the sky or on the ground and, of course, on any walk. Once one has identified a bird on one’s own or with a friend of similar experience it is never forgotten.

For any birdwatcher a good book like the Collins Bird Guide is extremely useful. Alternatively, download an appropriate App to your mobile phone, which is easier to carry in the field.

Laura Mynott