THE BIRDWATCHING

All you need to know to become a birdwatcher
Birdwatching, if correctly done, will give you the unique opportunity to discover an entirely new world. Here are some useful suggestions:

Equipment:

• A pair of binoculars to enlarge images and identify birds from a distance. This indispensable tool will become your inseparable companion. Experienced birdwatchers suggest tying your binoculars to your belt with a long piece of string, to make them lighter to carry.
• Very patient and keen birdwatchers can use a telescope, although it requires a tripod.
• A small, handy guide to local birdlife.
• A small notepad to jot down names of birds and observations.
• A mosquito-repellent, possibly spray, to apply before excursions in summer and autumn, since these little animals are particularly aggressive in wetlands.

Clothing:

• Comfortable boots with rubber soles.
• Sport clothes, with comfortable trousers, possibly long, T-shirt, sweater and a raincoat. It is recommended to avoid flashy colours.
• A hat to protect you from the sun in the summer.
• A raincoat in the winter.

When and where:

• All seasons are suitable for birdwatching, but the most fascinating are spring and autumn, owing to a higher concentration of species as well as to the colours of the surrounding environment.
• Early in the morning and at sunset you have the best chances to see rare birds, since those are the times of the day when aquatic birds come out to look for food.
• Marshes and reed-beds are particularly suitable for birdwatching. You can either wander around and spot the little inhabitants of the wetlands flying or resting on the water, or stop at the observation towers, sighting points and huts you can find all along the birdwatching itinerary.
• The perfect birdwatcher respects the environment and avoids causing any disturbance to the wildlife: it is therefore recommended to move slowly, avoid noises and speak in a low voice.
  • It is advisable to birdwatch in small groups (big groups of people can frighten the wildlife), possibly with a local guide.
• Along the itinerary you should take any detail into account: there can be many clues indicating the presence of birds (the sound of their singing, the presence of nests or feathers, marks on tree trunks, broken eggshells, and the like).