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Birding Safely In A Hot Summer
Sure its already sweltering but you can still bird safely.
1. LEAVE VERY EARLY OR VERY LATE
1. Leave Very or Very Late Birds don’t love the heat. I mean does anyone love the heat? So birds are most active right at sunrise and before sunset. That is usually when they spend their time, eating, singing, and generally having a merry time making them much easier to spot. Many a birder has lamented a 5am (or earlier wake up time) but in the words of my good friend @bothering_birds “The early birder gets the birds.”
2. MAP YOUR TARGETS
The summer is rarely the time to try a new outdoor space. If you live somewhere with more moderate temperatures sure but I live in the East Valley of Arizona and it’s usually 110 before 10 am at the peak of summer. So if it’s a multi target day I want to how long it’s going to take, exactly what roads I will be using, potential hazards along the way, and where my closest emergency services are. Luckily in our internet driven age many people and birders have likely gone before you and can often recommendations and tips. But also have a clear idea of where you are traveling.
3. BIRD IN A GROUP
Birding in a group has been one of the greatest thrills of my life. I have been very lucky to meet a group of very passionate and hilarious birders who don’t mind me tagging along on RBAs when my schedule allows. I mostly got into birding because it was something I could do alone. As an often overstimulated mother of a toddler carving out free time isn’t always the easiest endeavor and it can trick you into thinking all things outside of family and priorities are best done alone and that can be birding. Yet, birding with a group has so many benefits. Benefits that include safety, camaraderie, and more eyes on the targets. I recently birdered Madera Canyon with 3 other very knowledgable birder and don't think I have had more fun or got more lifers in one go than I did on that trip. Best part was I knew should any of us have some sort of medical emergency (which can always happen and service at Madera is spotty) there were three of people available to provide aid. Plus we just laughed so much. It was truly a wonderful and joyful trip.
4. Always Bring the Right Gear (Water Water Water)
I strongly believe the right gear for a person isn’t universal. Sure, we love to think taking to the trail in all the swankiest outdoor labels might somehow confer us the physical prowess of Reinhold Messner or the ability to run ultramarathons. But the reality it is that the label won’t save you from an air evac if you aren’t actually buying/ thrifting the right gear. The new king of the hill in gear is UV protectant clothing. You see it everywhere. And honestly I’m a big fan. The UV in Arizona where I live is intense and most of us aren’t super great at reapplying SPF throughout the day. Although I start every morning with an SPF lotion I can’t guarantee that will be enough not to burn during my birding excursions so UV clothing are my new go to.
I go for a lightweight long sleeve shirt and hiking shorts personally as you can see in this photo. A hat is always a must to keep the sun from the top of your head and face and LAYERS of sunscreen. And I do mean layers. I am probably wearing 3 different types of sunscreen at all times. I love being outside- I don't love the possibility of skin cancer.
Water can literally be the difference between life and death in a hot summer outdoors. So even if you think you are too cool, the trip is too short, or whatever excuse you may make- just bring the water. Then bring more. Then remember that your body doesn't just lose water it loses important salts and minerals and throw in an electrolyte mix for good measure.
5. If In Doubt, Don't
As much as we birders love to chase lifers to the ends of the Earth it is never worth our health or our life. If you are concerned that the weather makes it unsafe to twitch a particular bird in a particular place then listen to your gut. There will likely be another shot at that bird at a different safer time.
Check out my Popfly store front for some of the gear I myself use birding and being outdoors any time of the year.