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.
This article can be reprinted as long as you leave the About the author
information.
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