Getting Started With Bird Watching Equipment

Whether you are a beginner or have been at birding for many years, the bird watching equipment that you choose make a great deal of difference in the type and number of birds that you are able to spot. The area where you will be doing most of your searching and viewing will affect the type of equipment that you choose. You could begin with just a pen and notebook, but it’s a lot more fun when you add some of these typical bird watching tools.

Probably the first item of equipment that is purchased by most people is a good pair of binoculars. Birders today have the advantage over those years ago who had to lug around heavy and bulky binoculars. You can purchase a pretty decent pair of bins at most sporting goods stores or boutiques. A common magnification range is 8×40, but try some different combinations to find what works best for you.

If you need more power in your viewing tools, you might want to consider a spotting scope. Higher magnification or lens size can become heavy quickly and are harder to carry around with you. With a spotting scope, it’s easier to get the magnification value without the weight. Scopes are easier to hold steady since they are lighter.

One simple but important piece of bird watching equipment is a notebook. Birders need a notebook or recording book to keep track of the species that have seen. Something that is compact and waterproof is an excellent choice. You will want to have room for the species name, where you saw it, the date, and any special conditions that you noted. It’s important to have a working pen or pencil that is attached to the notebook.

A good field guide to aid in identification of birds is a necessity. If you see an unusual sighting, a compact field guide will help you make a positive identification. Weight and good quality drawings are key elements in the book design. Look for a design that is intuitive in the order of descriptions.

Most birders incorporate a good camera into the field equipment that they carry. Although taking good bird pictures in their natural habitat can be an arts, you still will enjoy the process of capturing the sight of unusual breeds as proof of identification.

Some birders get even more elaborate with their bird watching equipment. They may have recording equipment to attract or identify bird sounds and songs. They may use computer software as an identification tool. Keep in mind that each piece of added equipment is something that must be carried and maintained while in the field.