Scope Binoculars

Bird Watching – What To Bring

Birds are some of nature’s most intelligent and most stunning animals.  Some individuals say they wish that they could see these magnificent animals up close and see how they do what they do.  Well lucky for them, there is a common hobby known as bird watching, or birding, that several people enjoy every day.  Birders will get up close and personal with differing types of birds and can even name a bird by catching a glimpse of the species, or by just hearing a bit of a song.  If this sounds appealing to you, there are a few things that you will need to bring along to make your birding day more enjoyable.

The most important pieces of gear in a birder’s arsenal are his or her optics.  A high quality pair of binoculars, like Nikon binoculars, will aid you in spotting birds from afar.  For most birders, a great set of binoculars is enough to observe the birds, but some individuals desire to go closer still.  For your extreme magnification needs, try bringing a high magnification spotting scope.  If that can’t get you in on the birds, I don’t know what can!

So now that you have your binoculars and you’re ready to go bird watching, you have to decide the area to go birding in the first place.  A good field guide can tell you exactly which birds to spot in specific locations at a certain point in the season.  One great field guide is Birds of the Philippines by Tim Fisher and Nigel Hicks.  Take some time to familiarize yourself with your field guide, so that when you view a bird in a certain location, you will be able to achieve a more accurate hypothesis as to which species the bird could be.

Trying to figure out when and where to see birds is the hardest part of bird watching, but appropriate attire can be just as important.  No matter what, you should dress appropriately for the weather to provide the most comfort for your day of birding.  Dark clothes are most used, preferably in colors that will blend in with your surroundings, such as green and brown.  If the sun is shining, a cap can also be very helpful to keep harmful UV rays off of your face, neck and head.

The final couple items you should bring are a notebook to jot down any observations or findings, and supplies to make the day more enjoyable.  Be sure to bring plenty of water, a couple snacks, some bug repellent, and even a portable chair if you are planning on being in the same spot for a while.  Remember, birding is all about nature, so do your best to respect Mother Earth and clean up after yourself.  Be kind, be courteous, and always have fun!