I've found that pishing really helps pass the time while you're waiting for
the birds.

The most effective way I've found to bring birds close is to examine
something on the ground. (Minor problem with this method: As soon as you
look up, the birds leave.) Nothing seems to scare birds more than looking
in their direction. My two large dogs can go crashing through brush while
birds directly above them keep on singing. I aim the binos at the birds
and....instant silence.

I have a theory about one of the reasons many birds frequently cheep as they
forage. I think they are partly watching to see if other animals look in
the bird's direction when it peeps. High-pitched sounds are difficult to
locate, so a constantly moving little bird isn't placing itself in too much
danger by making noise and can assess the intent of the other animals it
sees. (Of course, flocking birds also peep to keep track of one another.)

Kelly Cassidy
Pullman WA