What a Beginner Should Take on a Short Birding Trip

Mark Wehmhoefer. All Rights Reserved.

Here's a short list of what the beginning birder will need to take when you go out on a birding trip where you will return home the same day.
 
Binoculars - If this is a short trip or you are a beginner, just about any binocular will work. As you become more serious you will need to spend at least $200 for birding binoculars.

Birding field guide - There are many to choose from but try to pick something  that can fit into your pocket such as the Pocket Naturalist, Kenn Kaufman's or many other pocket field guides.

Hat - Needed to keep the sun out of the eyes and face. Stay away from bright colors and pure white (same for your clothes too!). If its winter and you live where 10 below zero wind chill can happen, take the ski cap and gloves!

Sunglasses - Needed to save the eyes while walking to and from the next birding location.

Comfortable walking shoes - Keep in mind the shoes may get dirty and muddy depending on the weather and location.

For a very funny and very long list of what a birder needs called "The Compleat Birder" from Speaking of Birds.

About the author: Mark Wehmhoefer is the webmaster of Wild Birding - http://www.wildbrding.com, a birding web site with Beginner articles, information and extensive web links for backyard wild birding and wild birding in nature. 

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