If you’re just starting out in the birding world, here are some tips for successful trips!
🐦 It’s best to go dawn or dusk; early bird gets the worm!
🐦 You do not have to break the bank getting the best binoculars
🐦 Wear the proper footwear, even...
Sections
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Proper Clothing
Materials
Apps
Proper Clothing
I like to wear a sun hat instead of sunglasses so I can see the birds properly!
Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat
It’s a good idea to grab a small bag for your walk to fill with sun screen, bug spray, field guides and notes, water, and definitely lots of snacks.
Daypacks: Small Day Hiking Backpacks | REI Co-op
I love the Keene brand. Their boots are durable and long lasting. I personally like that the shoe is naturally wide without having to buy “wide” shoes.
Women's Hiking Boots & Trail Shoes
Personally I don’t love Merrill, but people love the cheaper price and they will do the trick for beginner hikers, not as durable for advanced hiking, but great for birding!
Women's Hiking Boots for Rugged Trails & Support
My favorite lightweight face sunscreen.
Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Face Lotion SPF 60
Sun protective clothing, game changer! All sorts of styles.
Sun Protective Clothing
Once you’ve fallen in love with birding, support this business that supports bird conservancy!
Bird Inspired Apparel
Materials
These are the ones I have, and vortex is a great brand, but you can get cheaper ones!
Vortex Diamondback HD 10x28 Binocular
Find the right book for your area! They can be specified to state as well.
Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America
Sibley or Peterson?! The choice is yours.
Sibley Guides
These are super helpful if you have the budget, but any regular paper will do!
Rite in the Rain
The one and only water bottle! Primed and ready for stickers.
Nalgene
Affordable beginner binoculars
Nocs Provisions
Lightweight and convenient field guides for on-the-go!
Folding Field Guides - Audubon Shop
Personally, my most essential item. No more coffee for me! Pomegranate blueberry is the best flavor.
V8® Energy | V8Juice.com
Apps
Helpful to identify plants AND animals.
iNaturalist app
Best invention ever! Helps with learning bird calls in real time. Pro tip: don’t let it run for long periods of time, it will drain your battery quickly!
Merlin Bird ID – Free, instant bird identification help and guide for ...
A great resource for identifying a bird that you can visualize. The app has many ways to narrow down your local options!
Your Guide to the Audubon Bird Guide App
Great for finding your local birding hot spots!
eBird Mobile
Don’t get lost! AllTrails has a free and paid option. I personally pay so that I can download the maps for offline use, but if you are going to parks with service, the free version will be a helpful aid in directions. Always check several maps before...
