What to wear for birdwatching during September migration
Twitchers, get your binoculars ready - migration season’s about to take flight! Come September, the skies will be alive with winged wonders heading south. But be warned: early autumn weather is all over the shop. You can start the day shivering in a misty field, only for the sun to tempt you into shedding layers by lunchtime, and still get caught in a cheeky downpour come evening!
This is your go-to guide for dressing for migration season, from choosing quiet, weather-ready layers to knowing which colour goes with khaki or grey trousers. Choosing the right clothes for your migration missions means staying comfortable and quiet enough to get close to the birds without scaring the swallows skyward. Luckily, we’ve got the perfect gear to help you do just that. Let’s look at what you’ll need for a great September birding session.
Key clothing tips for September birdwatching
September weather can be unpredictable. You’ll want versatile layers that you can switch between as the days shift from nippy mornings to warmer afternoons.
Birds have incredible eyesight and will notice anything that stands out. Wearing darker colours like black, khaki, grey, and green helps you blend into the surroundings.
We recommend the black Torres polo for men, as it's dark, moisture-wicking and ideal for quieter movement. Plus, it’s made from high-tech fabric rather than cotton - which isn’t ideal for birding. For women, the Moorley tech top delivers lightweight, moisture-wicking protection, keeping you dry without drawing attention.
Noisy fabrics are a no-go. Anything that rustles will send birds flapping before you even get your binoculars up. Instead, opt for soft, quiet materials like merino wool (which is breathable, temperature-regulating, and naturally odour-resistant) or technical fabrics designed for silence.
Picking the perfect trousers
Let’s talk trousers. Grey trousers are absolutely brilliant for coastal spots, rocky areas, or anywhere with stone walls and weathered fences. What colour goes with grey trousers? You're looking at muted greens, warm browns, and soft blues for your layers.
The men’s Rowland trousers in storm grey are lightweight, quick-drying, and tough enough to handle scrambling over rocks and uneven ground - plus the straight leg fits neatly over boots without flapping, so you stay quiet when you move.
Khaki, meanwhile, is perfect for grasslands, sandy coastal areas, and moorlands. What colour goes with khaki trousers? Dark greens, deep browns, and muted greys work a treat. We recommend the women’s Denver trousers, which are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and built for comfort during long days on foot.
Now, what to wear with green trousers? You’ve got plenty of options - natural, muted tones like soft beige, olive, light grey, or deep brown are perfect. Quiet fleeces and breathable jackets in these colours will help you blend into forests and hedgerows, helping you stay unnoticed by the birds.
No matter which colour you choose, make sure your trousers have some stretch - you’ll be crouching, kneeling, and probably sitting on the occasional log. Look for trousers designed to be both comfy and tough, ideally with reinforced knees.
Layering tips for every outfit
When September’s weather can’t make up its mind, layering is the way to go. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer - avoid cotton that soaks up sweat and stays damp.
For men, there’s nothing better for birdwatching than our Snowdon crew neck and thermal leggings in khaki camo print. They keep you warm without bulk, and the camo pattern helps you blend into the surroundings - Rambo style.
For your mid-layer, a lightweight fleece or jumper is ideal. The Nevis zip-neck is made from a soft merino wool blend and delivers cosy warmth without bulk for both men and women.
For added core warmth without restricting movement, the Feizor men’s shower-resistant gilet is a great choice - sleeveless for easy mobility and made with shower-resistant fabric to keep light rain at bay.
The Peyton sherpa gilet in racing green is a great mid-layer option for women. The gilet keeps your core warm while allowing your arms to move freely, which is handy for using binoculars or cameras. Plus, the green blends nicely with woodlands and hedges, helping you stay less noticeable. Just remember to layer it under a waterproof jacket if there’s any chance of rain.
The best jackets for birdwatching
For birdwatching, you’ll want a jacket that’s waterproof, windproof, quiet as a mouse, and in earthy colours that won’t spook anything within a mile. Lightweight packable shells are brilliant for day trips - they stuff down small when the skies clear, leaving more space in your bag for your butties and a flask of tea! Heavier jackets bring extra warmth and durability when you’re out in proper wild weather.
A top men’s pick is the Feizor softshell jacket - lightweight, breathable, and perfect for slipping on and off as the weather changes. For women, the Craven packaway waterproof jacket is a brilliant pick: it’s light, easy to carry, and ready for any sudden showers.
Whatever you go for, make sure it’s got decent pockets. You’ll want space for your field guide, notebook, and lens cloth without having to faff about taking your jacket off every five minutes.
Footwear and socks for all-day comfort
Match your boots to where you’re headed. For muddy fields, go for fully waterproof styles like the Eurotrek Lite waterproof boots with deep treads and ankle support. Wetlands or coastal spots call for boots that keep your feet dry even if you’re standing in shallow water - something like our TOG24 Calder waterproof walking boots.
On dry woodland trails, lightweight hiking shoes like the Grisport Lady Nevis boots give you breathability and comfort without losing grip or protection. And don’t skimp on socks - merino wool or synthetic moisture-wicking pairs, like our Villach men’s and women’s trek socks, will fend off blisters and keep your toes warm, even when damp. And whatever you do, skip the cotton - it’s hopeless when wet.
Essential accessories for a successful birdwatching trip
Shield your eyes from glare and sun with the Hewitt baseball cap - a simple way to finish an outfit if you’ve been thinking about what to wear with green trousers or what colour goes with grey trousers without drawing attention. For colder mornings, the Hurton snow tube offers cosy warmth without dulling your ability to hear the call of a passing swift or warbler.
Thin, windproof gloves like our Trace lightweight stretch gloves or Gust windproof fleece gloves keep your hands warm while letting you handle binoculars and cameras without fumbling.
For carrying your birdwatching essentials, the Exley 8L khaki daypack is compact and practical. It’s comfy to wear with padded, adjustable straps and has multiple zipped pockets to keep your valuables safe and organised.
The right clothing can make all the difference to a day’s birding. Choose earthy tones, layer effectively, and add practical accessories to stay warm, dry, and incognito. With the right kit, you’ll be ready for whatever September’s migration season brings.
Curious how fellow birdwatchers and outdoor lovers really handle unpredictable weather? Explore our research uncovering the surprising ways Brits prepare for rain, shine, and everything in between - insights to help you make the most of every birding trip.
