Professional birder Christian Cooper recently joined WIRED to field audience questions regarding the fascinating world of birding and birdwatching. Cooper shared insights covering identification techniques, necessary equipment, and responsible wildlife interaction.

Mastering Bird Identification: Sound and Sight

Decoding Bird Songs

When encountering an unfamiliar bird sound, Cooper explained the process of identification. He noted that a bird's song often serves as a declaration, such as a male Yellow Warbler announcing its presence or warning off rivals. The key is to listen actively and associate the specific song with the bird making the sound.

The next time you hear that song, you can often identify the species immediately. Cooper mentioned that when he hears a bird he doesn't recognize, he notes the date, time, and weather, and then reviews his observations later. This method is tremendously helpful to science.

Essential Gear for Birders

Proper equipment is crucial for successful birding excursions. Cooper emphasized that you will definitely want binoculars, especially when looking for birds perched or when observing species that are small and active. However, if your focus is shorebirds, you might need different optics, and you should equip yourself accordingly.

While field guides are helpful, Cooper noted that people today often use apps or digital resources to learn more about the birds they encounter. He also stressed the importance of not birding while hungry, stating that "birding hungry is no fun."

Understanding Bird Behavior and Habitats

Leks and Courtship Displays

Cooper addressed questions about unique bird behaviors, such as leks. A lek is a specific area where multiple males congregate to perform elaborate displays designed to attract females. During this time, the female is often nearly immobile because many male birds do not participate in brooding the eggs.

Pigeons and Urban Wildlife

When asked about pigeons, Cooper expressed great respect for them, noting that they are present in all major cities. He described them as small, very active, and constantly engaged in survival, often in a state of war with other urban species.

Identifying Ravens and Crows

Distinguishing between large black birds like ravens and crows requires careful observation. A raven typically possesses a wedge-shaped tail, whereas a crow's tail is more rounded. However, Cooper suggested that perhaps the best way to tell them apart is by their voice.

Responsible Backyard Birding and Conservation

Setting Up Bird Feeders

For those interested in attracting birds to their yards, Cooper offered advice on feeders and housing. The size of the hole on a birdhouse determines what species can enter; a smaller hole helps prevent larger predators or pests from getting inside. It is also vital that birdhouses are designed to open up so they can be cleaned, preventing them from becoming a sauna for the inhabitants.

When feeding birds, Cooper suggested growing native plants that support local wildlife, particularly during breeding seasons. He also mentioned that hummingbirds require nectar, and if you put out food, you must maintain it, especially if there is a disease outbreak in the area.

Dealing with Injured or Fledgling Birds

Cooper addressed the common concern of finding a bird that appears to be in distress. If you find a fledgling bird, he advised that if it were him, he would probably just leave it where it is. He warned against approaching or interfering too much, as this can disrupt the bird's natural behavior or cause people to rush over, thinking there is trouble.

The Zen of Birding

Ultimately, Cooper described birding as an activity that requires achieving a "zen state." It involves silencing internal distractions and being totally engaged with the outdoors, using both your eyes and ears simultaneously. He concluded by emphasizing that the entire point of birding is simply to have fun, see, and hear things.