Birdwatching with Guaranteed Results

Birdwatching, also known as birding, is the hobby or activity of observing and identifying birds in their natural habitats. This can be done through visual observation, listening for bird calls, or both, but what they don't tell you is it's a lot like fishing. You get up early, walk forever and do a lot of standing around hoping to catch something and when you find a good spot you hope no one else shows up and scares your fish away.

For one of my spots in the local mountains, I set up under an oak tree that faces a dead tree that many birds frequent due to a spring near the tree. It's a great spot for birdwatching but as soon as I twitch the birds are gone and would rarely come back. I needed to try something new, so I figured I would use the same gear from my Going into Hiding post to see if the birds would stick around long enough for me to photograph them.

With the use of the LensHide and the cozy Nemo chair, I was successful while comfortably waiting for the birds and they hung around as if I wasn't even there. Although this setup worked great for when the birds showed up, I still had to wait for them to come and this took some time. I needed to figure out a foolproof way to bring the birds to me.

Technology has come a long way for wireless speakers, not only can you connect them to your cell phone wirelessly, but they are also a fraction of the size of older models and produce great sound a hundred feet away. With the use of the "hide" gear and the technic of playing the bird sounds for Bird Identification apps I was able to call in birds. I would place the wireless speaker on a branch near the spring and sit in my hide a hundred feet away and play various bird songs to see what birds would come to investigate. Now if there was a fish sound app and a waterproof Bluetooth speaker, I may just have solved my fishing problem as well.

I had a general idea of what birds were in the area but with the use of my new setup, I was able to call in American Kestrel, Northern Flickers, Robin, Quail, Flycatchers, and Acorn Woodpeckers each and every time. The use of the speaker worked so well that I had two dozen robins at one time, in the same tree.

Needed Gear

The LensCoat LensHide Lightweight covers you, your camera/video gear, and your tripod. Made from lightweight, breathable camouflage material, a large camo mesh screen allows you to see your subjects while you are covered and out of sight and doesn’t obstruct your peripheral vision. The ultimate in portability, the LensHide folds into its own integrated storage and carry pouch with hoops to attach to your pack which is also an accessory pocket when the blind is in use. LensCoat LensHide weight: 1.7 lbs

The lightweight Nemo Moonlight chair has a multiposition reclining system that allows you to lean forward or kick back and relax. Plus the chair has an inclusive seat height and an extremely durable frame making the Moonlite comfortable, supportive, and easy to get in and out of for folks of all sizes. When not in use it folds up small allowing it to fit in the side pocket of my pack. Nemo Moonlight Chair weight: 1.14 lbs.

To get the best results you will need your cell phone loaded with the Merlin App and a blue tooth speaker. A good lightweight Bluetooth speaker is the OontZ Angle Solo - Bluetooth Portable Speaker which has a 100 ft range and long battery life. Weight: 7.4 ounces

Links to Gear

Nemo Moonlight Chair

LensCoat LensHide

OontZ Angle Solo - Bluetooth Portable Speaker

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