From violent protests, school shootings, and political division to families torn apart, wars raging in different countries, and horrific acts of prejudice, it’s clear times are incredibly dark. We need more kindness in the world, and birding can be a part of it.

It doesn’t matter what your political, economic, or social views, you absolutely can be a kind birder. Whether you stick to the feathered friends in your backyard or venture further afield locally, regionally, or globally, you can always be kind with your birding.

Unkind Birding

Before we know what kind birding is, we should reflect on our own experiences with unkind birding. For me, two specific instances crystallized in my early birding years and brought about Be Your Own Birder.

The first was a birding trip I was fortunate to take at the invitation of a very popular and well known-birding region, with different communities working together to bring me for a visit and introduce me to all the local hotspots and target species. The trip was a phenomenal opportunity and I came home with many lifers – and one very unpleasant association.

The guide who had been hired as my escort for the trip did not agree with how I keep my personal life list. Yes, I’m picky about it (we should all keep our lists the way we wish), but that was in no way impacting how I was reviewing and writing about the hotspots we visited. The guide’s services were not part of the trip’s intent, so reviewing and noting that individual’s professionalism or expertise was not an issue. But near the end of the trip, when I was excited about my totals, the guide was dismayed. The overall number was not as high as that guide believed it ought to be, and they asked me explicitly not to mention their name in any of my work, as they felt it would reflect poorly on their guiding skills.

In effect, the guide was making a very judgmental assessment of my birding, telling me that I wasn’t counting birds correctly and they didn’t want to be associated with it. That was unkind.

A second incident, more than 15 years ago, is more casual but equally memorable. My husband and I were enjoying a birding walk with a local group well outside our home range. My husband is not a birder, but it was a fun opportunity for an easy hike that happened to include binoculars.

During the walk, the entire group paused at a spot known for good views, scanning to see what could be seen. The birds are particularly absent that day, as has been known to happen. My husband spotted a bird and spoke up, describing its position to the group so more eyes could seek it out.

One member of the group scoffed and said, “that’s just a mourning dove.” Their tone was very dismissive, as if the bird was unworthy of note. Had my husband been a fledgling birder himself, that incident might well have put him off birding altogether, as it was not a pleasant or encouraging response when, in fact, no one else had even noticed the bird. That was unkind.

Other types of unkind birding might cover a wide range of experiences and interactions, from not-so-subtle snickers to judgmental looks to refusals to share identification clues for a confusing bird. I’m sure we all have such stories that make what ought to be a fun and enjoyable hobby a much less welcoming and divisive one.

Kind Birding

How, then, can we practice kind birding? Regardless of where we are or what type of birding we prefer, there are always ways we can be kind doing it.

• Encourage other birders nearby by sharing sightings when passing in the field.
• Offer up a field guide or view through a spotting scope if others don’t have that gear.
• Give a birdfeeder or potted bird-friendly flowers as a welcome gift to new neighbors.
• Smile at other birders as you all look for great sightings in great places.
• Choose parking spaces further away from trailheads so others can park conveniently.
• Use a few words to compliment bird photos on social media instead of just an emoji.
• Comment even on common birds, you never know if it’s the first time for a new birder.
• Offer to share snacks with your birding group or bring treats for a group meetup.
• Donate your older equipment and field guides to local birding groups.
• Pick up trash at your favorite birding hotspots to leave it cleaner for the next visitor.
• Be aware of your space and share great view vantage points and tight trails with others.
• Add a greeting and kind words of thanks to a site guestbook or logbook.
• Remember that birding is supposed to be enjoyment, and we all enjoy it differently.

Above all, remember the kindness we were taught (at least for me) decades ago – “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” It it not necessary to butt in to others’ conversations if you disagree with what they’re saying, even if they might be talking about birding. If, perhaps, they’ve misidentified a bird, you can just leave it be or find kinder words to help guide them than just a blatant correction. Prefer a different field guide? You use yours, let them use theirs. Handle your optics differently? No problem, they can handle theirs however they wish. Don’t agree with how someone else is birding? That’s fine, you don’t have to, just as they don’t have to agree with you. You are both birders, and it’s okay to be very different birders.

Just be kind.