Who’s Kenn? Merely put, Kenn is a nationwide treasure. A famend birder, creator, and conservationist, Kenn Kaufman has spent his life devoted to observing birds, studying about birds, writing about birds, and sharing the world of birds with others. With all that birdy data in his mind, he additionally acts as the sector editor for Audubon journal. So, every time we’ve a chicken query stumping us across the workplace, we simply ask Kenn. And now you’ll be able to, too! You probably have a chicken or birding query you need Kenn to reply, go away them on Fb or ship us an e-mail. Perhaps subsequent month you will get the type of thorough, considerate, and even humorous response from Kenn we have grown so keen on through the years. —The Editors
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Query: Does carrying camouflage (or muted colours) within the area truly matter? Will it assist me see extra birds?
KK: Camouflage is in every single place in nature. Many creatures put on colours or patterns that assist them keep away from being seen. However what about us? After we head into nature to go birding, ought to we be camouflaged as properly?
Birds have such eager eyesight and are so alert to actions that it’s exhausting to flee their discover solely. Duck hunters and wildlife photographers might placed on full camo and conceal inside blinds. However after we’re engaged in regular birding actions, birds actually see us. Then the query turns into: Are wild birds extra alarmed by some clothes colours than by others?
Primarily based on cautious observations and scientific research, the quick reply appears to be: Sure, typically. In an Arizona canyon, hummingbird researcher Sheri Williamson noticed {that a} nesting pair of Eared Quetzals turned agitated every time somebody carrying shiny white got here up the path. In a winter Texas survey, some songbirds moved farther away when the observer wore an orange vest. Some research have measured the gap at which birds will flush (known as “flight initiation distance”) when approached by individuals carrying completely different colours. In a rural space of China, birds would flush farther away when the person was wearing red than in the event that they wore black, white, or inexperienced. A forest songbird in Thailand would tolerate closer approach by camouflage-clad people than by these carrying black or orange.
What seems drab to us might shine like a beacon to the avian eye.
However the impact appears to fade in websites the place birds are habituated to human presence. For instance, in metropolis parks, at coastal fishing piers, or on boardwalks at in style wildlife refuges, birds of every kind might permit shut method, no matter what we put on. No costume code is critical for birding at such spots, and that is one purpose why these are good locations to guide area journeys for newcomers.
A complication is the truth that birds can see colours on the ultraviolet finish of the spectrum, colours invisible to people. What seems drab to us might shine like a beacon to the avian eye. That is very true for clothes washed in detergents containing optical brighteners, which is the case for a lot of in style manufacturers. Critical birders might wish to search out particular manufacturers that keep away from the usage of such chemical compounds.
An additional complication for vacationers: In a number of international locations, it’s unlawful for civilians to put on camouflage. Except you might be very sure in regards to the legal guidelines in nations you intend to go to, it’s greatest to go away camo gear at residence. And for a remaining warning, keep away from being too properly camouflaged in the event you take to the woods throughout looking seasons. A shiny orange cap could also be a lifesaver in that state of affairs.
One can assume, then, that something goes after we’re birding on the duck pond in a crowded park. However in wilder habitats, the slim proof to this point suggests we’re higher off carrying muted colours that gained’t distinction sharply with the environment. The birds will nonetheless see us, however they’ll be much less prone to fly away earlier than we see them.
This story initially ran within the Fall 2026 situation. To obtain our print journal, grow to be a member by making a donation today.
