Birdwatching & Hiking Guide: Where To Go, What To Pack, What To Look For 

May is National Walking Month, and with summer just around the corner, what better excuse to lace up your walking boots, plot a route, and enjoy some of the UK's well-trodden hiking trails?

But while you're strolling along bridle paths, crossing lush green fields, or rambling through woodland, why not make your spring walk a little more engaging by giving birdwatching a go? There's a diverse array of bird species to spot across the UK, and it's the perfect mindful activity to combine with a walk in the countryside. 

And whether you're a solo 'twitcher' or you're looking for something to inspire your whole family to join you on a hike this month, the wildlife charity the RSPB Shop offers some expert tips and guidance for getting the most out of your birdwatching and hiking experience.

1. What to spot and where

The UK is home to over 600 bird species, from common garden visitors to awe-inspiring birds of prey, while many migratory species also frequent our shores throughout the year. Many of these can be spotted at one of the RSPB's 170+ UK nature reserves, with an RSPB membership entitling you to free entry all year round.

Some of the UK's prime spots to observe birds while walking include:

• The South West: the sprawling hills and rocky coastlines of Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset are ideal for spotting an array of seabirds, waterfowl, and birds of prey. Exminster and Powderham Marshes is home to many ducks, geese and waders, while seasonal visitors include lapwings, redshanks, warblers and wigeons. 
• The Lake District: with its characteristic U-shaped valleys and craggy hills, this national park in Cumbria offers endless dramatic hiking trails. Haweswater is a great spot for observing redstarts, guillemots and flycatchers, while birds of prey such as peregrines and kestrels are also frequently spotted in the area. 
• Scotland: between its boundless glens and abundant lochs, Scotland is a hiker's paradise and home to a thriving bird population. On the shore of Loch Sunart on the west coast, Glenborrodale is one of the few places in the UK where you might be lucky enough to spot a golden eagle swooping overhead. 
• Wales: from the fertile woodlands of the Brecon Beacons to the rugged cliffs of the Pembrokeshire coast, Wales boasts hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities galore. Nestled deep in the Mawddach Valley, Coed Garth Gell is a heathland nature reserve where you can spot cuckoos, grasshopper warblers, and the lesser redpoll.

2. What to take with you

The key to a safe and pleasurable hike is preparation, preparation, preparation: whether you're simply heading out for an afternoon in the country or you're planning a full-on walking holiday, draw up a 'kit list' and make sure you've covered every eventuality. Here are the RSPB's top tips:

• A good pair of binoculars is a necessity when birdwatching, particularly for observing bird species that are notoriously elusive or well-camouflaged. The RSPB has a handy guide to choosing the perfect pair, but you should generally consider:
• Budget: a 'starter' pair (ideal for beginners or little ones) will cost between £50 and £150, while a more high-spec pair may set you back over £300.
• Magnification: the majority of binoculars range from 5x to 12x magnification; the RSPB recommends 8x or 10x for birdwatching.
• Size: larger pairs are great for day trips, but if you're travelling you might want to opt for a more compact pair so they're easier to transport around.
• Care: if you're using your binoculars frequently, keep an optics cleaning kit handy to keep your lenses in tip-top condition.
• A decent camera is also essential for snapping some of your best feathered finds. Unless you're a budding Wildlife Photographer of the Year, most modern smartphones are more than adequate for taking good pics. If you want to invest in a camera, opt for one with autofocus and zooming functions.
• Comfortable, durable footwear is particularly important, especially if you're going on a long hike or traversing some unsteady terrain. You should dress according to the seasons, too: pack some waterproofs in case of rain, and regularly apply sunscreen during warmer months. 
• Take along a bird-spotting guide such as the RSPB's bestselling Handbook of British Birds: this will help you classify each bird you spot based on its plumage, size, and other distinctive characteristics. 

3. What to look out for

The UK's bird species' are abundant and diverse, coming in an array of colours, shapes, and sizes, each with their own unique behavioural patterns. Pack a field notebook and a pen or pencil in your backpack and keep a record of the characteristics of each bird you spot. These include:

• Behaviour: each bird species will exhibit different types of behaviour; some are bold and brazen, for example, while others are more timid. Pay close attention to details such as the bird's posture, its movement, and its flight pattern.
• Size and shape: from the tiny goldcrest to the great bustard, a bird's wingspan, beak size, neck length and leg length play a key role in helping to distinguish it from other species. Some can even be identified by their unique silhouettes.
• Colours: birds boast some of the most striking colour palettes in the animal kingdom, so keep an eye out for their distinctive hues; the common kingfisher, for example, is characterised by its eye-catching blue, cyan and orange plumage. 
• Sound: a country hike will often be soundtracked by a chorus of birdsong, with many UK birds performing distinct calls and melodies. You can explore the sounds of various species in Dominic Couzens' book A Year of Birdsong. 
• Habitat: the UK has a diverse range of landscapes, from sandy coastlines to dense forests. Many of our birds nest in very specific habitats, so location and surroundings are often key indicators of a particular species. 

Important things to remember while birdwatching

• Observe the birdwatchers' code: almost 3 million people go birdwatching each year in the UK, and it's important to know the birdwatchers' code before you do. The code ensures the safety of our birds by instructing us to:
• Avoid getting too close and disturbing habitats
• Stay as quiet and inconspicuous as possible
• Become a birdwatching ambassador (learning and raising awareness about bird conservation, for example)
• Send your bird sightings to BirdTrack to help with vital research
• Respect your surroundings: observe the rules of the countryside when you're out hiking by being respectful to local residents and landowners, behaving responsibly, keeping dogs on leads where appropriate, and disposing of all litter properly. 
• Plan ahead: pack a first aid kit for emergencies, ensure your mobile phone is fully charged, and map out your route before you go to ensure you don't get lost. You should stick to designated paths and be careful when traversing unstable terrains.