BC Birds Photo Stream

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June Birding Tips

Most breeding bird species are have arrived and begin nesting.

• Watch for juvenile birds as they often look different from their parents
• Listen for the persistent calls from hungry young
• Start early in the day as birds are most active in the morning (birds avoid hot sun as well)
• Forests, Meadows, Hilltop, and Sea and Oceans should have an abundance of species to view.
• During breeding and post-breeding, song birds will quiet down so listen and learn their call sounds, however some species may continue to sing.
• Post breeding adults and juveniles may wander outside their normal range, watch for rare species
• Many birds molt in summer and develop an alternate/eclipse plumage which is more drab, offering a better natural camouflage.

Late May to early June is the best time to discover rare species as migrating birds may overshoot their breeding areas.

Birds to watch for: nighthawks, flycatchers, and rarities

Recommended Binoculars

Nikon Monarchs (Nikon M7 or Nikon M5) are a popular choice among birders as they offer a good balance between quality optics and price. The M7 is waterproof and protects the bins better from water, dust/sand, bumps and knocks. Get the M5s if you mostly bird in fair weather and on easy trails.

8x42 magnification is the sweet spot for most birders, as more magnification is not better. If you have sharp eyes and really steady hands, you can try 10x42 to get that extra zoom. When increasing magnificaiton, you sacrifice field of view so there is a trade off.

READ: Audubon's Guide to Binoculars