One good thing about surveying birds is that whatever the time of year there will be something to see. It is simply a matter of:
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Selecting the survey that is most relevant to your needs and experience levels.
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Choosing a survey that can be comfortably completed in the time you have available.
Surveying can cover a defined area containing a mix of habitats such as a woodland or a wetland. Or maybe even target a single species of conservation concern.
It is more fun if it becomes an inclusive activity so, if you feel you do not have sufficient expertise, then surveying with a more experienced person, or as part of a group with mixed ability may be a solution. You can always contact Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife Information Service (01603 598333) for recommendations of an expert who, for a small fee, would be willing to run a workshop to get things started.
Equipment
A good pair of binoculars is useful for any form of bird recording, but there is no need to break the bank. Binoculars will always be rated as something like 10x50 or 8x40.
Understanding this code is easy:
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The first figure relates to the magnification.
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The second shows the diameter of the objective lens (the lens pointing at the subject) in millimetres, with the larger sizes generally having greater light gathering capability.
For the purposes of bird surveying, it is best to choose a pair with an objective lens of at least 40mm and magnification power of 7x or 8x. This normally provides the optimum balance between size, weight and clarity of image.
However, people vary and before purchasing any equipment it would be wise to test a range of optics to select the model most suited to your taste and pocket.
A telescope is not normally required for surveying in woodland and other confined habitats, but when undertaking such things as counting wader flocks, gulls at roost or birds using farmland it can be an indispensable tool.
Need some inspiration?
Discover just some of the bird surveys people have been carrying out in Norfolk.
Would like to tell us about your bird survey?
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