Bird Watching
You know it's Spring when flowers bloom, jackets come off, and your chores align with the rhythm of the bird calls. Have you ever wondered who sings the tune you wake up to in the summer months? Is it a high chirp, a piercing cheep, or a bellowing caw? It's time to find out the artist behind the song.
Birding, or birdwatching, is a great way to spend time with family, get out in nature, and escape the digital world. The goal is simple - admire and learn the beauty of what surrounds us. There is no right or wrong way to birdwatch. You can lay out a blanket and watch them soar above. Or, you can stay stoic, waiting for the perfect picture. With over 18,000 bird species, this scavenger hunt lasts a lifetime!
You know it's Spring when flowers bloom, jackets come off, and your chores align with the rhythm of the bird calls. Have you ever wondered who sings the tune you wake up to in the summer months? Is it a high chirp, a piercing cheep, or a bellowing caw? It's time to find out the artist behind the song.
Birding, or birdwatching, is a great way to spend time with family, get out in nature, and escape the digital world. The goal is simple - admire and learn the beauty of what surrounds us. There is no right or wrong way to birdwatch. You can lay out a blanket and watch them soar above. Or, you can stay stoic, waiting for the perfect picture. With over 18,000 bird species, this scavenger hunt lasts a lifetime!
Bird Watching Equipment
- Binoculars
- ID BooksorField GuidesorApps
- NotebookorJournalorSight List
- Pen
Photography
- CameraorTrail Camera
- Lenses
- Lens Cleaning Cloth
- TripodorMonopod
- Sd Cards
- Batteries
Optional
- Spotting Scopes
- Binoculars Harness
- Bird Feeders
- Seeds
- Bird Baths
- Monocular
I know you can hear them calling, but wait! Before you have a day packed with sightseeing and wildlife viewing, you need some gear to prepare you for the elements. No great birding experience has happened without at least binoculars and ID books, guides, or apps to identify the feathered creature in your viewfinder.
Think you've got it nailed down? Use stationary and a pen to mark down which species you saw. Take notes! Was it alone? How did it fly? What were the colors? Some birders even like to photograph their birds! It's a great way to scrapbook your progress and share it with friends. So, bring a camera, extra lenses, cleaning clothes, a trail camera, a rod, cards, and batteries. You never know; your wildlife picture may make it big (or even on our site)!
Are you getting excited? You can also take extra gear with you to make spotting easier. See every detail of their pattern, how they take flight, and their neck movement during a call with advanced equipment. Consider a spotting scope, harness, and monocular. You don't have to be deep in the woods. Lure birds in with bird feeders, seeds, and baths.
The gear needed for a bird-watching trip is easy to acquire and great for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and fishing. Whether used in combination or for this sole purpose, it's a meditative hobby and a tradition your family will cherish for years to come!
Personal Items
- Permit
- Local Guidebook
- FlashlightorHeadlamporLantern
- MapsorGps File
- ID And Insurance Card
- Wallet
If you are going somewhere secluded, read about any and all required permits. You don't want to miss out on that bird you've been trying to find because of paperwork!
Every person will need a wallet with ID and insurance in terms of personal gear. It's wise in any outdoor activity to bring a flashlight, headlamp, or lantern to help you during the evening. Be sure to have a map of the area if you don't have cellphone service or a device with a GPS if you do.
Technology
- Phone
- Power BankorSolar Charger
- GPS
- Extra Batteries
- Chargers
Don't run the risk of getting stranded. Prepare ahead. You will need your phone, power bank, GPS, chargers, and extra batteries. And make sure that you've charged the power banks. Trust me, it's easy to forget, and there's nothing more frustrating.
Hygiene And First Aid
- First-aid Kit
- Personal Locator Beacon
- Insect Repellent
- Medications
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm
Hygiene
- Menstrual And Urinary Products
- Wet Wipes
- Toilet Paper
While you may not consider birdwatching an extreme or dangerous sport, you are still in the elements. Staying prepared for the worst is essential.
Always have a first-aid kit and personal locator beacon with you. It can save your life if you get lost without cell reception. Be sure to evaluate the landscape ahead of time. Bring sun protection and insect repellent as needed. Ticks and mosquitos are especially bad in many locations during the warm months and can carry dangerous diseases.
If you take an evening medication, bring it in case you get lost. Consider taking ibuprofen and allergy medication as well. Always have sun protection and hygiene products such as toilet paper and wet wipes for camping or hiking.
Clothes
- Wicking Shirt
- Gloves
- Hat With BrimorCap
- Long Sleeve ShirtorHoodie
- PantsorShorts
- Hiking ShoesorBoots
Cold Weather And Rain
- Base Layer
- Insulating Layers
- Buff
- Rain Jacket
- Rain Pants
Much of birding is full of sitting and waiting. You will want to wear what you can hike and lounge in most comfortably.
A wicking shirt is great for absorbing sweat and drying fast if you are in a hot or humid climate. That way, you don't become chilled at night time or experience chaffing with a wet fabric. If it's sunny, a brimmed hat or cap won't only protect you from the sun but help your sightseeing view too.
In cool climates or nearing fall, opt for long sleeves and pants. They even have shorts that can zip into pants for the in-between time. In any climate, hiking boots are a must.
Always, I mean always, check the forecast. Look at it during the week, the night before, and the morning of. Bring a base layer or insulating layers to stay warm if it's rainy. Pair it with a buff rain jacket and rain pants to stay dry. Remember, your clothing protects you from injury and keeps you away from the elements.
Pic-Nic
Food
- Sandwiches
- Bars
- Trailmix
Drinks
- WaterorHydration Bladder
- Isotonic Drinks
What better way to birdwatch than with food? Picnicking is a fun way to get the family together, teach them about the local animals, and maybe find a couple of new species too!
The food you will want to bring highly depends on how taxing your spot is to get to. If it's at a local park, bring the regular picnicking food - sandwiches, chips, and fruit.
Bring nutrient-rich food like trail mix, nuts, and granola bars if you are hiking to a spot. Either way, remember water! Always take more than you think you'll need. It's better to have too much.
Birdwatching in and of itself might sound dull, but the first magnified glimpse of the wind pushing against the vibrant blue feathers of the Indigo Bunting will have you rethinking.
Just wait and watch as things you "see" every day transform into the magical home of your sought-after bird. You'll notice trees like never before, discover nests, and watch wild interactions before your very eyes. I know you hear them calling - go out and see what they have to say!
Think of our curated lists as your base camp - a good starting point, but you must assess the climb ahead yourself.
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Use Print Mode!
Seems like you're straying off the beaten path by trying to print straight from your browser. We love the adventurous spirit!
But, let's put a pin in that for a moment! Have you spotted the 'Print' button nestled over on the left? It looks like this:
So, the next time you want to capture your journey in print, rely on the 'Print' button. It'll ensure your list is as clear as the view from a mountain peak!
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