If you’re ready to take your bird watching hobby to the next level, investing in some quality equipment can make a world of difference. The right gear not only helps you get closer to the action but also makes it easier to spot and identify a wider variety of species.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of 10 must-have items for every bird watcher. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, these tools will enhance your experience and bring you closer to the wonderful world of birds.
A good pair of binoculars is essential for bird watching out in the field and these 8 x 40 binoculars with BAK-4 glass prisms and fully multi-coated lenses from Olympus are an excellent choice.
They are high-quality and durable and include UV protection to protect eyes against the sun’s harmful rays. The binoculars come complete with a soft carrying case, neckstrap and protective lens covers.
This top quality pop-up hide from Nitehawk has a woodland camo design and is is one of the top choices for bird watchers and wildlife photographers. It’s simple to set up with pegs and guy lines and the carry bag means it’s easy to store and transport.
The Great British weather being as it is means that it’s very likely that you’re often going to be bird watching in the rain. Which means you need a waterproof notebook so you can decipher your jottings when you get home.
This field book from Chartwell is made from high strength paper with high cotton content which means it won’t tear when wet. It has wipe clean covers and is sewn with rot-proof thread to withstand the most demanding of environments.
For incredible magnification and to see birds in outstanding detail invest in a spotting scope and change how you watch birds forever.
The Gosky 20-60×80 angled spotting scope comes with phone adapter and SLR mount for Canon. It has powerful magnifications, fantastic optical performance and a stable focusing system. This spotting scope is one of the best choices for outdoor enthusiasts and bird watchers.
Waterproof, fogproof, shock-proof performances allow the scope to be used in all weather conditions, while the retractable sun shade can be stretched out to protect the eyepiece and helps reduce glare.
A handheld GPS is really useful for bird watching out in the field as not only will it act as an electronic compass it will help you plan trips, display topographic map data and share routes with family and friends.
The Garmin eTrex uses high-sensitivity GPS and GLONASS satellite tracking to locate your position quickly and precisely.It is durable. waterproof and built to withstand the elements. The battery life is 25 hours with a 3.7 GB internal memory and microSD card slot for extra storage.
Keep all your bird watching equipment organized in a field bag. This stylish messenger bag from Fjallraven is roomy and has lots of compartments for holding your DLR camera, notebook, tablet and other essential bits of bird watching kit.
The bag is sturdy and comfortable to carry either over your shoulder or with the carry handle and includes several compartments so you can customise the bag depending on your needs. The bag has a modern design and is made from water-repellant deep forest green cotton and polyester and cotton mix.
Collins Complete Guide to British Birds is the most complete photographic guide to British birds per published and the only one to be designed to give everything you need on each spread in an easy-to-use format.
The book covers identification of both adult and juvenile birds, songs and calls and where you are most likely to spot them. An essential book for any serious bird watcher.
The Fell 3 in 1 water-resistant jacket from Mountain Warehouse is perfect for bird watchers giving you protection from wind and rain and keeping you warm on chilly days. It includes a waterproof coating, a detachable fleece inner, and a packable hood. The jacket includes 4 zipped pockets and the hood, hem, and cuffs are adjustable ensuring a snug fit.
A versatile jacket that can be worn in 3 different days so ideal for changing weather conditions. Made in Britain, it will outlast its competition for many years.
For capturing unforgettable, high-definition photos of birds, this small, lightweight 24.2-megapixel DSLR camera from Nikon is powerful, comfortable to carry around, and easy to operate.
The large image sensor captures the finest details and allows you to shoot crystal-clear images in low light. The camera includes Bluetooth and SnapBridge for seamless wireless sharing with smart devices.
A sturdy pair of walking boots is an important investment if you regularly go bird watching in the countryside. Not only will they ensure you stay safe on the most challenging of terrains, they’ll offer great comfort and protection from the weather.
These Hillmaster boots by Berghaus are the perfect all-round choice for any birder, designed with comfort in mind and built to last. They will keep your feet snug and dry with the waterproof leather upper, outer rubber sole, memory foam collar, and breathable a breathable GORE-Tex membrane.
