If you’re already a bird-watching pro, or maybe just wanting to get into this relaxing and rewarding hobby, you’ll know that at least you need some warm clothes and some decent binoculars. Then, you need some bird seed too. You may be wondering what else will come in use during your bird-watching trips as well though.
This article goes over the essential bits of a kit you should consider investing in to make your bird-watching as comfortable and rewarding as possible. Also, perhaps you’re looking for more information on stay on trails scopes and other key items. Read on.
- Binoculars
Probably the essential thing you need to pick up before you really start bird-watching, a good pair of binoculars will help you see birds that could never be seen with the naked eye. While a standard cheap pair of binoculars would do, it pays to invest in something a little bit more powerful. The Olympus DPS-I 8×40 binoculars are a great choice, with a powerful zoom and have a case and neck strap included as standard. The lenses are also UV-protected, meaning you won’t damage your eyes on sunny days.
- Bird-watching hides
A hide may not be necessary at first, or if you’re quite casual with your bird-watching. But then, it would be a great addition to your kit if you want to get closer to the birds you’re looking at, without drawing attention to yourself. A good option is to grab a hide from Nitehawk, which designs their hides with a camouflaged camo exterior to help you blend into your surroundings. It’s often the recommended hide by professional wildlife photographers. The hide is light and easy to set up, meaning there’s no added stress of bringing it.
- A waterproof notebook
Depending on where you’re based, a waterproof notebook may be essential. If you’re in the UK, or any other area that has the notoriously wet and rainy climate, then a regular notebook most likely won’t do. Waterproof notebooks are reasonably cheap and mean that any notes you make won’t be lost to the elements. They are also often designed with overall durability in mind, and won’t rip or tear easily.
- A spotting scope
Spotting scopes take magnification to the next level, and allow you to look into the distance with between a 20-60x magnification. An angled scope allows you to look at birds in the distance more efficiently while staying in cover. Some come with tripods and the option to attach your phone to the scope, allowing for stable and interesting shots to be taken.
- GPS system
If you’re spending a lot of your bird-watching time out in the wild or are hiking at the same time, a GPS is ideal to make sure you don’t lose your way. Modern GPS systems have detailed maps showing the topography of the area you’re walking in, and allow others to track you as well, just in case something happens. Standard models last well over a day of constant use, and have a good amount of internal memory.