Have you ever paused when a colorful bird flies through your garden and asked yourself: "What was that bird?" Bird watching (or "birding", as the pros call it) is a fascinating hobby that starts right on your doorstep and requires hardly any equipment. In this article, we share our best tips for beginners - from the perfect starter equipment and the top birding spots in Germany to seasonal features and helpful apps.
Table of contents
Starting birdwatching: essential basic equipment for beginners
Top birdwatching spots: Germany's best places for birdwatching
Bird season calendar: Discover the best species by season
Learning to identify birds: Simple methods for reliable species identification
Birdwatching etiquette: nature conservation & respectful behavior
Digital birdwatching: The best apps & online communities
Conclusion
Start birdwatching: Essential basic equipment for beginners
Have you been there? You want to start a new hobby and suddenly you seem to need equipment costing several hundred euros? This can happen with birdwatching - but it doesn't have to! Here's what you really need:
The absolute minimum
- Your eyes: Sounds banal, but it's true! You can spot many birds without any tools, especially in your garden or park. Just start paying more attention to the birds in your immediate surroundings - the house sparrow on the balcony, the blackbird in the garden or the wood pigeons in the city park.
- A notebook: To record your observations. Note not only the species, but also the date, time, location and particular behavior. These observations not only help you to learn, but can even become scientifically valuable over time if you regularly visit the same places and document changes.
- An identification app: Our recommendation for beginners is the free app"BirdNET", which can recognize bird calls, or"NABU Vogelwelt" with great pictures. BirdNET in particular provides practical help if you can't identify a bird's song - simply record it briefly and the AI will recognize the correct species in most cases.
Sensible investments
- Binoculars: If you realize that birdwatching really grabs you, binoculars are the first sensible investment. For beginners, an 8x42 model is perfectly adequate (the first number indicates the magnification, the second the diameter of the front lens in mm). Good entry-level binoculars are available from 80-100 euros. The Olympus, Nikon and Vortex brands offer good entry-level models with a reasonable price-performance ratio.
- An identification book: Our favorite for beginners is the"Kosmos Bird Guide" - handy for on the go and with clear comparison pages. An alternative to the Kosmos guide is the"NABU Nature Guide Birds", which was specially designed for beginners and contains species descriptions as well as lots of tips for observing them.
What you do NOT need (for now)
- A spotting scope: These high-end spotting scopes can easily cost over 1,000 euros and are more for advanced birdwatchers who want to identify distant waterbirds. The high magnification (usually 20-60x) is impressive, but often difficult to handle for beginners.
- Professional photographic equipment: Bird photography is a hobby in its own right and requires special equipment. Concentrate on observing first! The combination of a fast telephoto lens (at least 300mm focal length), a fast camera and a sturdy tripod can quickly exceed the €2,000 mark. In addition, photography often distracts from the actual experience of observing - you concentrate more on technical aspects than on the behavior of the birds.
Pro tip: Check out the local offers from nature conservation associations such as NABU or BUND. They often offer guided bird excursions where you can try out equipment before you buy it. These excursions are also perfect for getting to know other bird enthusiasts who can give you advice and support.
Top birdwatching spots: Germany's best places for birdwatching
Germany is a real birdwatcher's paradise - if you know where to look! Here are our top spots, sorted by region:
Northern Germany: Wadden Sea and more
The Wadden Sea is an absolute must-visit for every birdwatcher and is one of the most bird-rich regions in Europe. During the migration season in spring and fall, you can observe thousands of waders and waterfowl here. The endless mudflats provide food for millions of migratory birds that stop here to gather strength for their long journey. On a good day, you can experience veritable "clouds" of thousands of waders flying synchronously over the mudflats - a breathtaking natural spectacle!
Highly recommended:
- The island of Heligoland: a hotspot for rare songbirds during the migration season, as the island acts as a magnet for exhausted migratory birds that need to gather strength over the North Sea.
- The Wadden Sea National Park near St. Peter-Ording: Here you will find extensive salt marshes, which are populated by resting geese, especially in the fall.
- The Helgoland Bird Observatory on the island of Wilhelmshaven: a scientific center with exciting guided tours and ringing demonstrations. Here you can find out first-hand how bird migration research is carried out and what amazing insights the scientists have gained into the migration routes and behavior of our feathered friends.
Another real highlight is the observation platform at Westerhever, known as "Lohnenswert". The platform is strategically located between different habitats - salt marshes, mudflats and tidal flats can be seen from here, which explains the great diversity of species. Especially when the water is rising, when the wading birds fly from the flooded mudflats to their resting places, it is very busy here.
Eastern Germany: lake districts and floodplains
The Mecklenburg Lake District and the Elbe floodplains are perfect for beginners, as you can observe many striking species such as cranes, white-tailed eagles and various duck species here. This region of Germany has the great advantage that it is comparatively sparsely populated and still offers contiguous natural landscapes that have long since disappeared elsewhere. The combination of extensive bodies of water, old forests and extensively used grassland creates ideal conditions for a wide variety of birdlife.
Especially recommended:
- The Müritz National Park: a real treasure trove for birdwatchers! The observation center offers several well-placed observation stands with a direct view of a white-tailed eagle nest.
- The Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve: The near-natural riparian forests and wet meadows along the Elbe are home to unique birdlife. Especially in spring, when the Elbe meadows are flooded, the temporary shallow water areas offer ideal resting places for migratory birds.
- The Lower Oder Valley National Park: This "German Amazon" is a paradise for water birds of all kinds. The regular flooding creates a dynamic landscape with numerous water areas, reed belts and wet meadows.
Southern Germany: Alps and foothills
n the south, the Alps and the Alpine foothills with their special habitats offer some bird species that you will hardly find anywhere else in Germany. The different altitude levels of the Alps - from the valleys right up to the tree line - offer an impressive variety of habitats and therefore also bird species. Here you can observe alpine specialists that are perfectly adapted to life at high altitudes.
Especially recommended:
- Lake Constance: Germany's largest inland lake is an international bird paradise, especially during migration periods. The Wollmatinger Ried at the western end of Lake Constance is one of the most important wetlands in Europe and is home to over 290 bird species.
- The Berchtesgaden National Park: In the high altitudes of this only German Alpine national park, you can observe bird species that are perfectly adapted to life in the high mountains.
- The Isar estuary near Deggendorf: This "primeval forest of Bavaria" is a jewel for birdwatchers. The near-natural riparian forests and gravel banks provide a habitat for rare species such as the sandpiper and the kingfisher.
Spots close to the city for after-work birdies
No time for long excursions? No problem! There are also great observation opportunities in or near cities. The good news for all city dwellers: Urban spaces offer a surprisingly diverse birdlife, and you can often make exciting observations during your lunch break. With their parks, cemeteries and brownfield sites, cities offer a mosaic of different habitats that are colonized by different bird species. You will often even find species here that have adapted perfectly to city life and are significantly less shy than their counterparts in the countryside.
Highly recommended:
- Old cemeteries: These green oases in the middle of the city are true bird paradises. The old trees provide nesting opportunities for cavity-nesting birds such as woodpeckers, tits and nuthatches, while the generally quiet atmosphere ensures little disturbance.
- Renaturalized industrial areas: Former industrial sites that have been returned to nature often develop into amazingly species-rich habitats. The combination of open spaces, pioneer forests and often water areas attracts a diverse bird life.
- Urban parks with bodies of water: Parks with ponds or lakes are particularly species-rich as they provide habitats for water birds.
Pro tip: It doesn't always have to be spectacular! Even a small balcony with the right plants and perhaps a bird bath can become a miniature habitat that attracts surprising guests. So: always keep your eyes open, even in the city - sometimes the best observations are the ones you don't even expect!
Bird season calendar: discover the best species by season
Birdwatching is a year-round hobby - each season has its own stars:
Spring: the time of singers and breeders
Spring (March to May) is the absolute peak season for birdwatchers and offers the most intense nature experiences of the year. The awakening of nature is accompanied by a polyphonic bird concert like no other time of year. After the quiet winter period, bird life literally explodes when the breeding season begins and the migratory birds return from their winter quarters.
During this time:
- The birds sing most intensively, which makes identification easier
- Migratory birds return from their wintering grounds
- Many species wear their colorful breeding plumage
It is particularly worth getting up early in April and May. The first two hours after sunrise offer the so-called "Morning Chorus" - a concert that will blow you away!
Spring highlights: Nightingales, cuckoos, swifts and the first swallows.
Summer: observe family life
Summer (June to August) is a quieter time for many species - the strenuous breeding season is over and some birds moult and are less conspicuous. However, this time of year offers unique insights into the family life of birds and the rearing of the next generation. The longer days also give you more time for extended observation tours, and the warm evenings invite you to linger in nature.
Now you can:
- Watch young birds being fed by their parents
- Discover water birds with their chicks on ponds and lakes
- See early migratory birds such as limicoles (waders) on their way south
Summer highlights: Young tits in groups, storks on their nests, early migratory birds such as wood sandpipers.
Autumn: The great journey
Autumn (September to November) is all about bird migration and offers some of the most spectacular natural spectacles of the year. During this transitional period, the bird world changes rapidly: summer visitors leave for the south, while northern winter visitors arrive. Autumn is the season of large numbers, when millions of birds are on their ancient migration routes. You can experience this powerful natural phenomenon up close in many places in Germany.
During this time:
- Millions of migratory birds make their way to their wintering grounds
- Large flocks of waterfowl and waders gather on coasts and lakes
- On good migration days, you can observe thousands of birds in the sky
Particularly exciting: Visit a "migration watch point" such as the Randecker Maar in Baden-Württemberg or the Greifswalder Oie on the Baltic Sea.
Autumn highlights: Cranes, migrating flocks of geese, northern ducks and flocks of thrushes.
Winter: Nordic guests
It gets colder in winter (December to February), but birdwatching has a decisive advantage: the trees are bare and you can see the birds much better! The seemingly quiet winter landscape has a lot to offer ornithologically, and the reduced number of species makes it particularly easy for beginners to get started. Observing the survival strategies of birds in winter is also fascinating - from the formation of mixed flocks to the targeted use of human feeding sites.
During this time:
- Nordic winter guests such as waxwings and bramblings arrive in Germany
- Waterfowl gather on ice-free bodies of water
- Birds are easier to observe at feeding sites
Winter highlights: Waxwings, rough-legged buzzards, Nordic goose species and large flocks of gulls at landfills (yes, really - you can spot rarer species there!).
Learning to identify birds: simple methods for reliable species identification
For beginners, bird identification can be overwhelming - over 300 regularly occurring species in Germany are no mean feat. But don't worry, it gets easier with a few tricks!
The GISS method
Professional birdwatchers swear by the GISS method (pronounced "Dschiss"). That stands for:
- Shape: What is the general shape of the bird?
- Identification features: What striking features does it have?
- Perchingimpression: How does it behave when perched?
- Swimming/flyingimpression: How does it move?
Instead of checking individual features, look at the overall impression. With a little practice, you can recognize a great tit from a distance by its typical shape and movement - without even looking closely at the colors. The GISS method has the great advantage that it also works under difficult conditions: In poor light, at great distances or when you can only catch a brief glimpse of the bird. It helps you to develop a "search template" in your head with which you can quickly categorize birds before you go into detail.
A practical tip for practising: try to recognize familiar bird species against the light just by their silhouette. This exercise sharpens your eye for the key proportions and movement patterns.
Beginner-friendly bird groups
At the beginning, it is worth looking out for easily recognizable groups of birds. We particularly recommend the following easily distinguishable bird species:
- Tits: Colorful, common and not shy. These small, active birds are ideal for beginners as they are widespread and do not avoid settlements.
- Woodpeckers: Conspicuous behavior and distinctive calls. Their characteristic climbing movement on tree trunks - always upwards, with a supporting function of the stiff tail - makes them unmistakable.
- Birds of prey: Large and often clearly visible circling. The common buzzard in particular is an ideal "beginner bird of prey", as it is widespread throughout Germany and often settles on exposed perches such as fence posts or single trees.
- Waterfowl: Sit openly on the water and can be observed for a long time. Ponds, lakes and rivers offer perfect observation opportunities for beginners, as they do not fly away and often appear in groups.
Identification aids for on the go
In addition to classic identification books, there are now great digital aids. This allows you to significantly reduce tedious searching in bird identification books!
- Birdcall apps such as BirdNET or Merlin Bird ID, which recognize songs: These apps use artificial intelligence to identify bird calls - a revolutionary help for beginners. You simply record the bird's song with your smartphone and the app suggests possible species. BirdNET from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Chemnitz University of Technology is particularly accurate and recognizes over 3,000 bird species worldwide.
- Identification apps with filter functions (size, color, habitat): Apps such as "NABU Vogelwelt" or "Kosmos Vögel" allow you to narrow down your search step by step based on observed characteristics. You simply enter what you see - such as "medium-sized bird", "blue", "in the forest" - and the app suggests suitable species. This interactive approach is more intuitive than leafing through identification books and often leads you to your goal more quickly.
- Online communities such as ornitho.de, where experts help with identification: These platforms connect you with experienced birdwatchers who can help with tricky identification questions. On ornitho.de, the official reporting platform for bird observations in Germany, you can not only enter your own sightings, but also learn from the observations of others.
Our tip: Take photos or make audio recordings of birds that you cannot immediately identify. This way you can identify them later at your leisure or ask experts for advice. This documentation is not only helpful for identification, but also allows you to track your progress.
Birdwatching etiquette: nature conservation & respectful behavior
Birdwatching is not only fun, but can also help protect birds - if we behave correctly. Here are the most important rules:
1. the bird always comes first
The golden rule: The well-being of the birds always takes precedence over your desire to watch them. This simple basic rule is the foundation of ethical birdwatching and should be in your mind on every excursion. Birds are sensitive to disturbance, especially during the breeding season, and unnecessary stress can lead to reduced breeding success or even nest abandonment. As a responsible observer, you are helping to conserve birds and their habitats for future generations.
- Keep your distance, especially during the breeding season
- Stay on the paths (especially in protected areas)
- Avoid loud noises and hectic movements
2. no-gos for responsible observers
These things are absolutely taboo!
- Playing decoy calls during the breeding season (this stresses the birds unnecessarily)
- Disturbing nests and breeding sites
- Entering restricted areas or bird islands during the breeding season
3. special care with rare species
If you are lucky enough to spot a rare bird species:
- Think carefully before sharing the location on social media
- It is better to report special finds to scientific platforms such as ornitho.de
- For very rare species: Inform the local bird protection group, which can coordinate protection
Pro tip: If you see a group of birdwatchers all looking in one direction - be particularly considerate when approaching. They are often watching shy or rare species that could be scared away by too much movement. Approach slowly and quietly ask what there is to see before looking in the direction indicated.
Digital birdwatching: the best apps & online communities
The beauty of birdwatching: you can enjoy it alone, but you can also become part of a global community!
The best apps for beginners
- BirdNET (free): Recognizes bird calls and is amazingly accurate. Developed by Cornell University and Chemnitz University of Technology, this app is a true miracle of technology and a game changer for birdwatchers. You simply record the song or call of a bird and the AI-supported software analyzes the audio material and provides you with suggestions for species identification. The recognition rate is impressive - often over 90% in good recording situations.
- NABU Bird World (free of charge): Good overview of native species with pictures and voices. This app, developed by the German Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union, is perfect for German birdwatchers as it is specially tailored to the native bird world. It contains over 300 bird species occurring in Germany with high-quality photos from different perspectives, detailed descriptions and examples of vocalizations.
- Merlin Bird ID (free of charge): Helps with identification by asking simple questions. This app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology impresses with its intuitive "Bird ID Wizard" function: You answer five simple questions about size, color, behavior, habitat and location/time of your observation, and the app creates a suggestion list of probable species. The hit rate is impressive, especially if you answer all the questions carefully.
- ornitho.de (free of charge): Here you can report your observations and see those of others. This platform is more than just an app - it is the official reporting system for bird observations in Germany and therefore an important tool for citizen science. With ornitho.de (and the associated NaturaList app for on the go), you can enter your sightings directly in the field and thus contribute to bird research. The data is used by scientific institutions for population monitoring and conservation measures.
Online communities
- Facebook groups such as "Bird identification made easy": Ideal for beginners to get help with identification questions. With over 50,000 members, the group is one of the most active in the German-speaking world and is characterized by a friendly atmosphere in which no question is considered too simple.
- Local WhatsApp groups: In many regions, there are groups that share current observations. These smaller, often informal networks are worth their weight in gold for local observations. Members share daily sightings here, often with precise location details, which allows you to react spontaneously to special observation opportunities.
- Twitter: You can find like-minded people using hashtags such as #ornithology or #birding. Twitter (or X) has surprisingly developed into a lively platform for birdwatchers. Observers from all over the world share their discoveries, photos and questions under hashtags such as #ornithology, #birding or #BirdOfTheDay. The real-time nature of the platform makes it particularly valuable for current events such as bird migration or unusual weather conditions that favor special bird observations.
Offline community
Nothing beats joint excursions! You can find fellow enthusiasts here:
- NABU/LBV: regularly offer free or low-cost excursions. These largest German nature conservation associations organize regular bird excursions in almost every region, which are often also open to non-members. The tours are led by experienced ornithologists who not only know the local birdlife inside out, but also know where and when certain species can best be observed.
- Adult education centers: Often have bird courses in their program. VHS courses offer a structured introduction to birdwatching with a combination of theoretical units and practical excursions.
- Universities: Sometimes offer public excursions. Biological and ecological institutes in particular occasionally organize public bird excursions led by students from higher semesters or research assistants.
Our tip: Dare to join a guided excursion, even if you are an absolute beginner! The community is usually very helpful and you will learn more in three hours with an experienced ornithologist than in weeks of self-study.
Conclusion
Birdwatching is one of the most accessible ways to connect with nature. You don't need expensive equipment, a license or months of preparation - just open eyes and ears and a little patience. With the tips and techniques presented in this article, nothing stands in the way of you getting started in this fascinating hobby.
What begins as a simple curiosity ("What's that bird on my balcony?") can develop into a lifelong passion that takes you around the world. Or it can remain a relaxing hobby for Sunday walks - both are wonderful! The beauty of birdwatching lies precisely in its flexibility: you can pursue it as intensively or occasionally as suits your life. Whether on a short lunch break in the city park or on a two-week excursion to the Wadden Sea - the bird world always has new discoveries in store.
The most important thing is to have fun and be inspired by the incredible diversity of birdlife. Because as an old birdwatcher once said: "Once you've really paid attention to birds, you'll never look at the world with the same eyes again." The seemingly simple activity of birdwatching not only sharpens your eye for the feathered inhabitants of our surroundings, but also sensitizes you to ecological connections, nature conservation issues and the beauty of even the most inconspicuous landscapes.
So, grab a pair of binoculars (or even just your glasses), go out and discover the feathered wonders right on your doorstep. The bird world is waiting for you!
