Bird watching is a very interesting hobby because it combines many other activities like backpacking, hiking, and more. While the basics are quite simple, you will need some additional equipment for an improved experience. However, there is no item than is mandatory for watching birds in their natural habitat, but some accessories could help you to have a better viewpoint or easier orientation and species differentiation. The advantage of this hobby over many others is that a beginner needs only some basic equipment which is not so expensive.
Depending on where you want to watch birds, in nature, or your backyard, you can choose from a variety of products that will make your activity even more interesting. You can check wildbirdworld.com to see some of the best items designed especially for bird-watching enthusiasts. In this article, we are going to introduce you to some of the best bird-watching equipment that every beginner should have in 2024.
1. Binoculars
One of the main products that allow you to observe birds in their natural habitat are binoculars. You can go without this item, but proper binoculars will provide you with the ability to have a closer look and avoid disturbing or chasing them away. Moreover, as a beginner, you don’t need some professional binoculars that cost over $1000. You can choose a pair with a price of around $200, which is good enough for your activities. Some of the best binoculars for beginners are Celestron Nature, Leica Trinovid, Vortex Optics, Nikon Monarch, and Zeiss Terra ED.
2. Bird Houses
You can easily make a birdhouse for your backyard. However, you have to be aware of the species that live in your area and make a house in proper dimensions. Also, you can add protection from predators on it, which can be beneficial if you live in an area with birds such as robin, bluebird, kestrel, and wren. Besides the simple house, you can even create a nest box. There are many examples available online about the material, dimensions, design of nest boxes for various species of birds. Furthermore, real bird enthusiasts build winter roost boxes as well, to help birds survive the harsh winters.
3. Bird Feeders
Like with the houses, you can also craft the feeder at your home. On the other hand, there are many bird feeders available in stores. Also, you can choose from different types related to species and size. Some of the most common bird feeders are hopper, window feeder, hummingbirds’ feeder, Angel bird, tube, platform, peanut bird, and oriole. You should install an oriole feeder if you live in an area with orchards, Baltimore, and Hooded Orioles, and fill it with fruits and nectars that attract these species. Moreover, there is also an addition to the feeders that will keep the squirrels away from stealing the food. Nevertheless, we advise you to learn more about the favorite food of birds in your area.
4. Bird Baths
Another interesting item that you can install in some park or your backyard is a birth bath. The bath for birds is a great way to attract them and observe from a closer distance. Also, you can choose from many types of products with various designs. This equipment can have a great effect on the appearance of your backyard. Moreover, if you live in an area with long winters, you can choose a bath with heathers that will prevent water from freezing. Modern types of birdbaths have installed heaters with a thermostat that can maintain the same temperature of the water throughout the whole year.
5. Field Guide
If you are a beginner, there is a chance that you won’t be able to distinguish between various species at the first site, especially while in nature. In that matter, you should bring a proper field guide on your adventure. This hobby is popular for a long time, and you can find a detailed guide of birds in any area of the country. You can find pictures and main attributes of each species in the area. Besides the field guides, you can visit some websites where you can find information about the birds that live in your area along with their main features. Besides the field guide, there are also checklists available that represent a more simplified version of the field guide, with necessary data such as types of birds, time of migration, mating period, and more.
Additional Equipment
If you are planning to watch birds in some woods in their natural habitat, you will need some additional equipment that will make your adventure much more comfortable. Most of these items are the same as for hiking or backpacking tours. You will need a hat or a cap to protect you from the sun, good and comfortable sneakers that, a backpack with important things like water, a map, some food, and more. Moreover, you can bring a notebook with yourself to write down some interesting sightings. If you are planning to spend a lot of time in nature, you should bring an external battery for your phone, an extra bottle of water, a lamp, an additional pair of socks, and more. Also, you should wear proper hiking clothes.
Last Words
There is a great number of people interested in this activity, and you can find them online and connect to some of their groups to learn more about places with a higher diversity of species. Items like feeders, houses, and baths are great if you live in a suburban area near some wood because you will have a chance to enjoy while watching all kinds of birds in your backyard. On the other hand, birdwatching in nature can be as exciting as hiking and backpacking. The basic equipment that every beginner should have is proper binoculars to provide you with a closer look at birds. On the other hand, you can replace checklists and field guides with some app on your smartphone or a website with detailed information.
FAQ:
Q: What equipment is needed for bird watching?
A: Equipment needed for bird watching To begin, Bird watching does not need to be a costly pastime, Generally the best investment in terms of birding gear is a couple of binoculars . In spite of the fact that they may not be totally vital toward the beginning, they are valuable since they make it less demanding to see the birds you are approaching …
Q: How to start bird watching?
A: When: Tuesday,Dec. … Where: Lincoln Financial Field,Philadelphia Time: 7 p.m. … TV: Fox29 (Kevin Kugler,Mark Sánchez,Laura Okmin) Radio: 94.1 WIP (Merrill Reese,Mike Quick,Howard Eskin) Spanish radio: La Mega,105.7 FM (Rickie Ricardo,Oscar Budejen)
Q: What is the best bird watching binoculars?
A: Nikon Aculon A30 10×25 Binoculars. With a magnification factor of 10 times the original size,these binoculars from Nikon are great for bird watching. RSPB HD Binocular 8 x 42. These binoculars from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds are ideal for use in settings with poor light. Avalon 8X32 Mini HD Binoculars. …
Q: What is the best bird watching book for beginners?
A: Must include the common everyday birds someone would expect in their backyard or neighborhood Must include both gender and seasonal plumage variation where different Must arrange birds in a way that makes it easy for a user to quickly find the bird in the book Must be helpful in separating similar species