[gb505]

BIRDING ALONE OR WITH GROUPS?

Most often alone, especially if seeking out a quality experience. But if one is looking to see the most species then two is the optimum number. There is the competative edge that keeps you and your mate working hard to find new birds yet there is also enough group disiplin to be able to say "Quiet, Listen".
Of course some people need the security of the group situation, especially if travelling abroad and the social side of things is taken care of then. Personally i have experienced the dread of bumping into such groups as they seem to be a law unto themselves. Sitting quietly in the car on Lesvos, studying a bird beside the road and horror of horrors a minibus pulls up beside you. "What have you got?" say the driver. Does one be selfish and say "nothing" and hope they go away? Or does one say "Barred Warbler in the bush over there" well knowing that the group will pour out of the van, shout and barge demanding to know which bush, slamming the doors and frightening the bird away?? Of course one does (still) do the latter and hope against hope that one day one will come across a group leader who has the balls to suggest a certain standard of behaviour from his customers.
Peter.

[fishepa]

I work from home so I typically look out the window quite a bit at all the birds.

[Deezey]

It is mixed for me. Sometimes I like to be alone out in the woods by myself, and other times I prefer to have a couple friends.

I understand the peace and quiet thing. But on those days where there is not a lot of action, friends can make the slow times pass a lot quicker.

[Nigel Davies]

My best birding is done in the company of my wife, when you enjoy the same things in life it enriches your marriage.

Nigel

[Ecuadorrebel]

I do both and I enjoy both, depending on the situation. Being a US ex-pat living in one of the most biodiverse areas of the world for the past 12 years is wonderful. I not only have the opportunity to see some exciting birds but I also meet some great people.

I am a photographer and writer so many times birding alone is better because I can spend as much time as I want studying a particular species to get that perfect image or study detail in their plumage or habits. Ecuadorians are not into birding, except for those who have become guides. I have introduced a few of the locals to this pastime but most are only in to the day.

I also guide many foreigners and I find this very rewarding as well. It is enjoyable to meet new people from places like the UK, Denmark, Australia or Madagascar who take pleasure in the same things. Since I guide small groups, seldom more than 4, it is easier to get to know them as well as see some great birds. It is also nice to be able to converse in my native language for a change. I now have friends around the world.