Photo: An iconic scene — a Northern Cardinal in the snow. Photo taken by Mr. Chirpy at East Potomac Park in Washington, D.C.
If you live in a place with four seasons like I do, you may think that birding has to wait for a different climate or time of year. I disagree. Birding is great year-round, and the winter provides some significant advantages.
- Enhanced Visibility. It’s a lot easier to spot birds in the winter; there are fewer, if any, leaves on the trees. The absence of leaves means fewer hiding spots, allowing for easier tracking of their movements.
- Different Species. Where I live, ducks come in the winter! There can be a whole new set of species in the winter, so you can really get after that life list.
- Concentration of Species. Birds tend to congregate around available food sources. This can lead to a higher concentration of birds in specific areas, making it easier to spot them.
- It gets me outside. For me, birding isn’t just a hobby; it’s a form of therapy. Battling Breast Cancer, I found solace and healing in the outdoors. Birding in the winter forces me outside when previously I would have sought as much comfort as possible.
- Photos. Winter photos are awesome. Cardinals in the snow, a pretty sparrow on a bare tree—I love my winter photography.
- Fewer Crowds. Well, it’s cold, so less people are outside. Which means you get to bird with fewer disturbances!
Don’t be turned off by birding in the winter. Birding is great year round!