
Photo by Hongkun Wang / Getty Images
Birdwatching is popular among Canadians in winter as an opportunity to get outdoors and look for our favourite feathered friends. Doing so without impacting the birds or wildlife can be easy – if you follow these tips:
1 Never feed or bait birds or wildlife. Putting out food or a bait for birds can change their behaviour and have an unseen ecosystem impact. For example, dropped seed or even the leftover bits can attract rodents and other small mammals, who in turn may attract larger mammals or birds of prey. This can also create potential hazards for people visiting the area with pets or children, who may be approached by birds or animals expecting handouts.
2 Stick to the trails. Staying on a trail not only preserves vital habitat for birds and wildlife, but it keeps you safe and lessens the risk of surprising an animal or stepping into an unmarked trap.
3 Use binoculars, spotting scopes, or long lenses. The best way to observe birds or wildlife is from afar – if you’re able, investing in any technology that gets your subject magnified without being closer is ideal.

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4 Join a birdwatching group. Get to know the best, safest places to look for birds and enjoy the company of like-minded people. It’s a great opportunity to learn more while making new friends!
5 Put the birds first. The excitement of an amazing photo or close encounter can be overwhelming – so it’s important to remember to put the birds’ needs first, and that often, you’re hanging out in their backyards. If your presence or movement is causing any distress to the birds, back away and look for another location.