Bird Watching Supplies for Beginners
If you are new to the relaxing and rewarding pursuit of bird watching, you will need some basic bird watching supplies. The right equipment can make your hobby so much more satisfying. One of the first things you should do is purchase a good pair of binoculars. A moderately priced pair designed for daytime use should do fine. You don’t need any extra bells and whistles like night vision, that is unless you want them. Binoculars aren’t the only thing you’ll need for bird watching. You will also need a way to bring in the birds and keep them happy. Happy birds equal more bird watching opportunities.
You should have one or more bird feeders set up in the area where you will be doing your surveillance. There are many varieties of bird feed on the market to fill your feeders with. If you want the widest variety of birds choose a high quality mix with seeds, fruits and nuts. Most bird watchers want to bring in hummingbirds in addition to seed eating birds. Hummingbirds dine on nectar and are attracted to red hummingbird feeders and bright trumpet shaped flowers. All birds need water. You should have a bird bath filled with fresh water in the vicinity of the feeders. If you can find a bird bath that features a fountain that is even better because birds are drawn to flowing water.
Some people don’t like squirrels in their bird watching area. If you don’t want these bushy tailed visitors eating your birdseed, you may want to try and repel them. You can find special bird feeders that come with squirrel guards already equipped. Another type of apparatus that you may want to get is a feeder tray. This prevents waste from seeds being dropped on the ground. You will find plenty of supplies at your garden store or home improvement store to choose from.
You will want to identify the birds that come to your yard. This is why books should also be on your list of must-have bird watching supplies. You can find comprehensive volumes with all birds listed and local guides that help you identify birds in your area. Here are some ideas for bird identification books: Backyard Bird Identification Guide by Jerry G. Walls and the Audubon Backyard Birdwatcher by Robert Burton and Steven Kress.