Advanced Radar Technology Reveals Where Fish Are Biting
Furuno’s Bird Mode on traditional X-Class and NXT Solid-State Doppler Radars gives you the inside scoop on where the fish are biting. Designed to reveal shallow marine life by detecting birds gathering near fish at the surface, Bird Mode automatically adjusts the Radar’s gain and sea clutter suppression to render bird echoes with optimal visibility, helping you spot promising fishing hot spots.
What Bird Mode Is
Bird Mode fine-tunes your Radar’s sensitivity by adjusting gain and sea state filters automatically for small, repeating targets, making them stand out without cluttering the screen and helping you spot birds effortlessly from up to 4–6 nautical miles away. Bird Mode is available in MFDs (Multi Function Displays) like NavNet TZtouch3 and NavNet TZtouchXL, and is also available on Furuno’s standalone modes like the FR10 and FR12.
How Bird Mode Works
The Radar optimizes gain and sea filters automatically when Bird Mode is engaged, simplifying detection by highlighting bird echoes. Built on Furuno’s mastery of Radar, Bird Mode works alongside features like RezBoost™ for beam sharpening, Target Analyzer™ for color-coded echoes, Fast Target Tracking™, and Auto Target Acquire. While these are navigation-oriented features, they complement Furuno’s bird detection capabilities perfectly, providing a comprehensive suite of tools for any angler.
Furuno’s legacy with bird detection goes back decades, with anglers tracking fish-hunting flocks on their Radars through manual adjustments and plenty of trial-and-error. Bird Mode brings this advanced trick of the trade to recreational X-band Radars everywhere, empowering any angler with instant, automatic tuning for bird detection.
Using Bird Mode: The Basics
Here’s how to get going with Bird Mode:
Enable Bird Mode
On NavNet TZtouch, Edge swipe up to show the Layers menu, then tap Bird Mode.
Turn On Echo Trails
Turning on Echo Trails makes it even easier to distinguish bird targets from stationary vessels in the distance.
Let It Tune
Bird Mode instantly sets gain and sea filter – no manual tweaking required.
Scan the Screen
Flocks of birds often mark active fish feeding zones. Look for distinct, repeating targets (bird echoes). On calm days or with close birds, they may display as small speckles or distinct echo trails.
Toggle Off When Done
For normal navigation without bird-highlighting tuning, turn off Bird Mode.
Advanced Radar Features
Bird Mode integrates seamlessly with Furuno’s advanced radar capabilities:
RezBoost™ Technology:
- Beam sharpening for enhanced target resolution
- Improved clarity of bird echo detection
- Better separation of individual targets
Target Analyzer™:
- Color-coded echoes for easy identification
- Visual distinction between different target types
- Enhanced target recognition
Fast Target Tracking™:
- Real-time tracking of moving bird flocks
- Movement pattern analysis for fishing strategy
- Dynamic target following
Compatible Systems
Bird Mode is available across Furuno’s radar lineup:
Multi Function Displays:
- NavNet TZtouch3 – Advanced integration
- NavNet TZtouchXL – Large screen visibility
Standalone Radar Units:
- FR10 – Compact performance
- FR12 – Enhanced capabilities
Detection Range and Performance
Bird Mode provides exceptional detection capabilities:
- 4-6 nautical miles maximum bird detection range
- Automatic gain adjustment for optimal sensitivity
- Sea clutter suppression for clear target visibility
- Small target enhancement for distant bird flocks
Strategic Fishing Applications
Bird Mode transforms your fishing strategy:
Fish Feeding Zone Identification:
- Bird flocks indicate active feeding
- Surface activity markers for subsurface fish
- Real-time hotspot identification
Tactical Advantages:
- Instant automatic tuning eliminates guesswork
- Enhanced situational awareness on the water
- Professional-grade detection for recreational use
Final Thoughts
Bird Mode on Furuno’s X-Class or NXT Radar is a powerful tool that brings advanced bird detection to recreational fishing everywhere. With one tap, you gain a tactical view into where fish are likely gathering, thanks to automated tuning and unmatched Radar technology. Whether you’re a weekend angler or a tech-savvy charter captain, Bird Mode can both sharpen your awareness and increase your catch.
Learn more about Bird Mode on Furuno Radars by watching educational videos and exploring the full capabilities of this innovative fishing technology.
