Tips for watching birds without spooking them

Free Delivery Over £150*

*some exclusions apply

thumbnail birdfeeder

Tips for watching birds without spooking them

Most people who enjoy birdwatching have had the experience of trying to get close, only to spook them into flying away. If you want to get the best out of your birdwatching, you will need to learn how to act around them to make them feel more comfortable. This blog will provide a few tips on just that.

Sit completely still

Ironically, one way you can get closer to birds without scaring them is by sitting still. This is because sudden movements are what frightens birds and makes them fly off. If you are watching from the garden, place your Outback reclining chairs close to the bird feeders. Then, try to keep movement and noise to a minimum.

Use colour camouflage

Because birds are frightened of movement that seems threatening, you will need to camouflage yourself if you want to move closer to them. The aim should be to blend in with the colours of the natural environment. In practice, this will mean wearing clothes that are green and/or brown.

Use slow and indirect movements

If you walk directly towards birds at a brisk pace, the chances are that they will scatter very quickly. Therefore, if you want to approach them, you will need to be more subtle about it. Move towards them in a slow, zigzag pattern, taking a step only when the bird is eating or otherwise occupied. If it lifts its head, stop moving.

These tips should help you get closer to wild birds, as long as you are willing to be patient and careful.

You may be interested in...

Burleydam Garden Centre logo
Keep up with the latest news from Burleydam

Opening Hours

Monday: 9am – 5.30pm
Tuesday: 9am – 5.30pm
Wednesday: 9am – 5.30pm
Thursday: 9am – 5.30pm
Friday: 9am – 5.30pm

Saturday: 9am – 5.30pm
Sunday: 10am – 4.30pm

Contact Us

Burleydam Garden Centre, Chester Road, Childer Thornton, Ellesmere Port CH66 1QW
0151 339 1549
Burleydam Garden Centre

Copyright © 2026 Burleydam Garden Centre

E H Williams Garden Centres And Nurseries Limited trading as Burleydam Garden Centre is a credit broker and not a lender (Registered Office: Burleydam Garden Centre, Chester Road, Childer Thornton, Ellesmere Port, CH66 1QW. Registered in England and Wales number 00924447. E H Williams Garden Centres And Nurseries Limited is an appointed representative of Black Horse) for the purpose of introducing credit provided by Black Horse.

Black Horse is a trading style of MBNA Limited. MBNA Limited Registered Office: Cawley House, Chester Business Park, Chester CH4 9FB. Registered in England and Wales number 02783251. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. MBNA Limited is also authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Payment Services Regulations 2017, register number 204487, for the provision of payment services.

Scroll to Top