Bird watching, also known as birding, is a popular hobby for nature enthusiasts around the world. If you have a friend or family member who loves observing and identifying wild birds in their natural habitats, you may be looking for the perfect gift to fuel their passion.
Why Do People Enjoy Bird Watching?
There are many reasons why people are drawn to bird watching as a rewarding hobby:
- It gets you outdoors and close to nature
- It’s an opportunity to observe beautiful wild animals up close
- It can be a fun challenge to try and identify different bird species
- It’s relaxing yet intellectually stimulating at the same time
- It allows you to explore new places while searching for birds
- You can appreciate birds’ behaviors, calls, plumage, and migrations
- You can goal set – some birders make lists of species they want to spot
- It’s a hobby you can enjoy alone or socialize with others who share your passion
If you know someone who already enjoys these aspects of birding or wants to get into the hobby, giving them equipment and accessories tailored for bird watching will show your support for their interest.
Binoculars
A good pair of binoculars is one of the most essential pieces of gear for bird watching. When choosing binoculars, some key features to look for include:
- Magnification power – 7x to 10x is ideal
- Objective lens diameter – Larger is better; at least 32mm
- Field of view – Wider is better to keep moving birds in sight
- Eyepiece design – Larger eyepieces are more comfortable
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Good ergonomic design for ease of use
The best binoculars for bird watching strike a balance between power, clarity, and portability. Some top-rated options to consider include:
Binocular Model | Key Features |
---|---|
Nikon Monarch 5 8×42 | Phase corrected roof prisms, 420ft field of view |
Celestron TrailSeeker 8×42 | Fully multi-coated optics, 6.5ft close focus |
Vortex Diamondback HD 10×42 | Dielectric coating, adjustable eyecups |
Zeiss Terra ED 8×42 | ED glass, hydrophobic coatings |
Investing in a nice pair of binoculars is a thoughtful gift that can take their birding adventures to new heights!
Spotting Scopes
Another essential optics tool for birders is a spotting scope. Spotting scopes offer even greater magnification, brightness, and stability compared to binoculars. They allow bird watchers to clearly observe details like feather patterns, beak shape, and facial markings in birds from further distances. When shopping for spotting scopes, key features include:
- Zoom magnification – Variable 15-60x or 20-60x is common
- Objective lens diameter – 60mm to 80mm or larger
- Angled or straight body – Angled is best for birding from a lower perspective
- Built-in lens shades – To shield from glare
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Secure mounting tripod
Some excellent spotting scopes to look at include:
Spotting Scope Model | Key Features |
---|---|
Celestron Regal M2 65ED | 65mm objective lens, 16-48x zoom |
Vortex Razor HD 27-60×85 | Apochromatic lens, close focus |
Nikon Prostaff 5 82mm | ED glass, nitrogen purged |
Leica APO-Televid 82 | 82mm objective, fluorite lenses |
A spotting scope is a big investment but one that can greatly elevate a birder’s viewing capabilities and species identification skills.
Field Guides
Bird watching goes hand in hand with bird identification. A good birding field guide is an invaluable reference for learning to identify species based on location, appearance, behavior, habitat, and other characteristics. Regional field guides help birders recognize the birds sharing their environment. Look for field guides that contain:
- Hundreds of bird species listed
- Organized by family, genus, and species
- Range maps showing geographic distribution
- Description of physical features and markings
- Details on behavior, habitat, migration patterns, diet
- Reference etchings, drawings, and/or photographs
Recommended field guides include:
Field Guide Title | Region Covered |
---|---|
National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America | United States and Canada |
Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America | Eastern US and Canada |
Peterson Field Guide to Birds of Western North America | Western North America |
The Stokes Field Guide to the Birds of North America | United States and Canada |
An up-to-date regional field guide is an essential reference every birder needs close by when observing birds in the field.
Bird Watching Apps
One modern tool that bird watchers are using more and more these days are bird identification apps on their smartphones or tablets. Birding apps provide portable and immediate access to species reference guides, bird calls and songs, ability to log sightings, crowdsourced user checklists, and more. Some popular birding apps to consider include:
- Audubon Bird Guide: Over 800 species profiles with ID tips, range maps, and calling cards
- iBird Pro: Detailed guide data for over 1100 species with 3500+ photos and 2000+ bird sounds
- Merlin Bird ID: Snap a photo of a bird and get instant possible species matches
- eBird: Community platform to log and share bird sightings, create birding checklists
Birding apps are an excellent on-the-go complement to physical field guides and allow birders to identify unfamiliar birds quickly while out in the field.
Bird Feeders
While observing birds in the wild is essential, a fun way bird lovers can bring the birds to them is by setting up bird feeders. Offering seeds, nuts, suet, nectar, and other tasty morsels will attract a colorful variety of species to view and identify right from their backyard. When shopping for bird feeders, look for:
- Well-constructed, weatherproof materials like wood, recycled plastic, metal
- Feeder styles and sizes suited to different birds – platform, tube, suet cage, hopper, etc.
- Easy cleaning and refilling
- Squirrel guards to avoid food theft
Pair feeders with an assortment of quality feeds like black oil sunflower, nyjer thistle, safflower seeds, suet cakes, mealworms, and nectar. Strategically placing multiple feeders near trees, bushes, and a water source will attract the greatest diversity of species to observe.
Recommended Bird Feeders
Feeder | Highlights |
---|---|
Squirrel Buster Classic | Weight-sensitive perch deters squirrels |
Droll Yankees New Generation | Removable mesh bottom for cleaning |
Aspects Seed Tube Feeder | Copper roof detracts squirrels |
Perky Pet Deluxe Singing Bird | Features bird songs and moving parts |
The right selection of bird feeders will lead to delightful backyard bird watching right from home.
Nesting Boxes
In addition to feeders, providing bird houses or nesting boxes is another way to attract birds. Nest boxes approximate natural hollowed-out cavities for a variety of hole-nesting species. When selecting a next box, make sure:
- The entrance hole is appropriately sized for the desired species
- It is made of weather-resistant untreated wood at least 3/4″ thick
- There are ventilation holes near the top and drainage holes in the bottom
- It secures to a tree, pole, or building at least 5-10 feet up
- You place boxes away from prevailing winds and sun
Properly constructed nesting boxes provide safe and appealing housing for birds to raise their young. You’ll get the reward of monitoring nesting activity up close.
Recommended Nest Boxes
Nest Box Type | Good Species Fit |
---|---|
Small cavity nest box | Chickadees, nuthatches |
Open woodland nest box | Bluebirds, swallows |
Peterson nest box | Purple martins |
Saw-whet owl box | Screech owls |
Providing desirable bird real estate will allow special glimpses into nesting behaviors.
Bird Baths
As any birder knows, a key element for attracting birds is water. Bird baths cater perfectly to this need by offering an inviting place for birds to drink, bathe, and preen. When selecting a bird bath consider:
- Shallow basin depth – 1″ to 3″ is ideal
- Rough textured bottom for grip
- Sloped sides for easy access
- Elevated on pedestal away from predators
- Heated baths available for winter use
Strategically place bird baths near trees and shrubs so birds have spots to perch and escape to. Regular cleaning and filling with fresh water will maximize bird bath appeal.
Recommended Bird Baths
Bird Bath | Highlights |
---|---|
Allied Plastic Deck Bird Bath | Durable plastic, textured bottom |
Best Home Products Solar Birdbath | Solar-powered pump |
Pine Ridge Large Pedestal | Rustic style, 3 water bowls |
Farm Innovators Heated Bird Bath | Thermostatically controlled |
The soothing sound of water will attract fascinating feathered visitors when you add a bird-friendly bath.
Bird Watching Clothes and Gear
To maximize their birding adventures, comfort and performance are key. Help your birder friend gear up with useful clothing and accessories:
- Hats: Wide brim hats to block sun and provide visor for scope viewing
- Outerwear: Lightweight, quiet rain jacket and pants
- Boots: Waterproof hiking boots with rubber soles for all-terrain traction
- Pack: Roomy and rugged backpack to carry gear in the field
- Walking stick: Collapsible walking stick for stability on uneven ground
- Knee pads: For comfort kneeling while bird watching
- Insect repellent: Deet sprays or permethrin treated clothes
Keep them equipped with the right apparel and accessories tailored for active birding excursions.
Bird Watching Books
Beyond field guides, there are many enlightening books to deepen a birder’s knowledge and appreciation of birds. Spanning science, history, memoirs, photography, and more, books open up the diverse world of birding. Some worthwhile reads include:
- The Genius of Birds by Jennifer Ackerman – Explores intelligence and abilities of birds
- The Thing with Feathers by Noah Strycker – Reflections on the astonishing lives of birds
- Lost Among the Birds by Neil Hayward – One man’s accidental quest to set a record for most species seen in a year
- H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald – Moving memoir of a woman training a goshawk as she grieves her father’s death
- The Most Perfect Thing by Tim Birkhead – Dives into the incredible complexity of birds’ eggs
Page-turners like these will fan the flame of their bird passion.
Bird Watching Travel
For devoted bird enthusiasts, one of the most exciting gifts is the chance to travel to premiere bird watching destinations. Some dream birding hotspots around the world include:
- Galapagos Islands – Unique species like blue-footed boobies in Ecuador
- Cloud Forests of Costa Rica – Spectacular migrating and tropical birds
- Borneo Rainforests – Proboscis monkeys and hornbills
- South Texas – Prime whooping crane habitat
- Skokholm Island, Wales – Puffins, shearwaters, and storm petrels
- Madagascar – Over 100 endemic bird species
A guided birding tour or trip to a renowned hotspot provides the chance to expand their life list and see exotic, rare species in person.
conclusion
Bird watching is a hobby that opens up immense joy, fascination, and relaxation for millions around the globe. By gifting binoculars, field guides, feeders, baths, books, and other birding gear, you show your support for a special birder in your life. The right tools and resources empower them to pursue their passion to its fullest.