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Tips for Staying Warm While Winter Birding

Photo by Arthur Morris Birds As Art

Bird watching, like all sports, has some specialized gear that is needed before you play. Every new birder is concerned with what guides to buy, which binoculars are the right ones, and so on. Yet one of the most important aspects of birding often overlooked by the first-time winter birder is appropriate protection against the elements. Here are some suggestions on how to stay warm while enjoying winter birding.

The Basics

There are five good rules to remember when winter birding.

1. Always plan for it to be colder than what has been forecast.
2. Bird watching next to water usually feels at least 10 degrees colder than in surrounding areas.
3. Remember the wind chill factor; exposed skin is especially at risk.
4. It's always better to have too many clothes on than to have too few. You can take clothing off if you're too hot. Carry a daypack or tote bag to stuff things into that you don't need, or to carry layers to add.
5. Learn to dress in layers. Don't put all your layers on until you reach your destination, as you may get too hot while traveling.

The most important clothing items are a coat, pants, boots, hat, and gloves that are windproof and/or waterproof.

Waist to Ankles

Long underwear is a must for winter birding. You may want to consider expedition-weight underwear if going into the north country in January or February. Local outfitters and some department stores, as well as catalog companies such L.L. Bean and R.E.I., carry a good variety of long underwear. Check the information on the item for temperature and activity ratings (if you're skiing you will be much warmer than just standing) and the percent of shrinkage.

Windpants are fantastic! The kind that zip from the bottom are easiest to take off and on over boots. If you wear long underwear with a pair of fleece pants or heavy sweatpants over the underwear and the windpants over both, it keeps you cozy and warm while allowing easy movement. Do not buy clothing that is too tight -- it will bind or cut off circulation.

Head to Waist

A windproof coat usually has a flap over the zipper (lots of cold wind can come in through a zipper) and fitted cuffs or Velcro tabs at the wrists to keep cold air from going up the sleeves. A hood is helpful to reduce cold air on the head or back of the neck.

Layered fashions (a windproof/ waterproof coat with fleece jacket or vest underneath) are good for spring and fall as well as winter. Layers can easily be changed. A turtleneck with a warm sweater over it plus the fleece can keep you nice and toasty in subzero weather. Any kind of warm clothing under the coat works.

We lose a lot of body heat through the top of the head and neck. In fact, there is an old saying that if your feet are cold, put on your hat. A waterproof hat that is lined and has a bill shields your eyes or glasses from the elements, and earflaps add extra coverage if needed. In very cold weather your ears need protection from both the cold and wind to prevent frostbite. A neck warmer is a simple tube, usually made of knitted fabric or fleece. It can be pulled over the chin, nose, and even the ears. It helps to fight the wind chill on blustery days.

A snack of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, candy bars, or cookies can help maintain body temperature. A thermos with a good hot drink can warm your insides. However, in subzero temperatures it can create foggy windows or even your own little snowstorm inside your vehicle. (My husband, Gary, and I have been birding the central to eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan for the past 10 years. Temperatures can range from 20 to minus 30 degrees F. On one memorable outing Gary and a friend started small snowflakes developing inside the van by drinking hot coffee when we were birding in minus 30-degree weather.)

Extremities

Take good care of your body's extremities. Wrists, hands, and ankles are bony and have blood vessels close to the surface, which allows the blood to be cooled if you are not properly protected. Wind goes right through even the best of knitted wool gloves. Gloves are most effective if they are windproof and waterproof and have cuffs or Velcro fasteners to keep wind and snow from cooling your wrists and hands. There are numerous glove liners on the market. Several of the knitted stretchy type are comfortable and can be worn in fall and spring without a heavier glove over them. Remember that you're going to have to focus your binoculars, so try all layers on to see if you can still move your fingers easily.

Waterproof, insulated boots keep your feet warm and dry. Buying a boot that is a little big will allow you the room to wear extra-heavy socks. Heavy felt insoles can be added to the bottom of the boot under the boot liner or bootie. A lightweight wool insole can be put on top of the bootie to keep toes warm from above. Take socks, liners, and insoles with you when you try on boots. If you can't afford a pair of expensive boots right away, rubber galoshes worn over shoes with layered socks and insoles are good alternatives.

Sock liners are worth considering and are usually similar to the fabric that glove liners are made of. Socks that wick moisture away from your feet help keep your feet warm; layer socks as well. You must be able to wiggle your toes comfortably inside your boots with whatever insoles and socks you are wearing, otherwise your circulation will be impaired.

You can purchase chemical warmers for hands and toes in most sporting goods shops, usually in the hunting or skiing section. Try to find the ones that biodegrade. They can really help you warm up. Remember always to follow the directions for use.

The Reward

Winter birds are worth getting out to see! Pine grosbeaks, crossbills, snow buntings, redpolls, Bohemian waxwings, and snowy and great gray owls are some of the rewards we seek on Michigan's Upper Peninsula. With a little thoughtful preparation, you, too, can see the beautiful birds of winter in comfort and safety.