Here’s everything you need to get into birding

In recent years, birding has become a popular pastime that takes travelers to breathtaking natural environments—from lush forests to serene wetlands. In fact, 96 million people (a third of Americans) closely observed, fed, or photographed birds, according to a 2022 Audubon Society study. It’s also a good way to stay physically and mentally active as you traverse diverse terrain and face the challenge of spotting various species.   

“Birding is a spectator sport open to anyone that can be undertaken nearly anywhere with a bit of patience, a curiosity, and the ability to tune in your senses,” says Mamie Starr, lead docent at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Sandhill Crane Program in Lodi, California. 

Starr notes that one of the best parts of bird-watching is proper identification. While you can do that without any special equipment, birding essentials like binoculars, a journal, and a good pair of hiking shoes can elevate your experience.  

We spoke with numerous experts and dug into the research to find the best bird-watching gear. Here’s everything you need to get started. 

The best bird-watching gear for beginners 

The equipment you need for a successful bird-watching trip depends on varying factors, such as terrain and weather. This general list includes everything you need to help you enjoy your outing. 

Best bird-watching binoculars: Nocs Field Issue Binoculars 

Buy it now at Nocs Provisions

Why we like it: Nocs’ Field Issue binoculars are lightweight, durable, and waterproof for all kinds of outdoor adventures. You can adjust the focus and width, and the eyecups twist in and out to compensate for eyeglass wearers. These binoculars come in two sizes: 8x32 and 10x32, plus they made our list for best budget-friendly binoculars.  

Keep in mind: The smaller 8x lens has a wider field of view giving you more visibility along the edges. The 10x lens has a larger, more zoomed-in view, giving the perception that birds are closer. Choose the 8x to observe birds at closer range and the 10x for birds farther out. 

Product details: Weight: 16.7 oz. | Foot field of view: Up to 315 ft. at 1,000 yds. (10x32) | Foot close focus: 9.3 ft. | Eye relief: 16.8mm | Objective lens diameter: 32mm | Magnification: 8x or 10x 

Best binoculars carrying harness: Mystery Ranch Bino Harness 

Buy it now at Mystery Ranch Backpacks

Why we like it: According to Sheila Webber, who leads bird walks at the High Plains Environmental Center in Loveland, Colorado, a binocular harness is a great way to distribute the weight and keep binoculars from making your neck sore on long birding days. This Mystery Ranch harness fits most binoculars with a height of 6.75 inches or less. The detachable straps have a breathable mesh body panel so you can wear it on your body or attach it to a backpack. We love the zippered front pocket for storing small items, such as keys and wallets.   

Keep in mind: This harness is meant for binoculars, so it has limited storage options for other gear. 

Product details: Weight: 0.7 lbs. | Material: 330D Lite plus Cordura fabric and polyester lining | Dimensions: 7 x 8 x 3.8 in. 

(These are the 8 best bird-watching binoculars)

Best hip pack: Cotopaxi Allpa X 3L Hip Pack 

Buy it now at Cotopaxi

Why we like it: A hip pack is a great alternative to a backpack, when you need just a small bag to carry a few essentials. It offers the comfort of hands-free movement—ideal for walking or hiking around looking for birds. This pack sits securely on your hips or can be worn as a sling, plus it’s made with 100 percent recycled, water-resistant nylon, so your gear is protected in case of a sudden downpour.  

The front compartment has a butterfly zip that opens flat with three mesh pockets and a key hook. The main compartment has a two-way zipper and plenty of inner storage space to fit a water bottle, mobile devices, a wallet, sunglasses, small journals, and other miscellaneous items. It comes in three different storage capacities (1.5 liters, 3 liters, and 4 liters) and fun muted colors. 

Keep in mind: Because these packs are meant for carrying small essentials, they will not fit large tripods and professional cameras with extra lenses. Additionally, if you wear it as a sling and open the front pocket fully, any loose contents might fall out.  

Product details: Weight: 12 oz. (3L) | Material: Recycled nylon and recycled polyester | Dimensions: 11 x 6 x 5 in. 

Best backpack for bird-watching: Fjallraven Kanken Outlong Backpack  

Buy it now at Fjallraven

Why we like it: The Outlong is an upgraded version of the brand’s iconic Kanken backpack. It’s spacious, fitting larger items like cameras, lenses, a mini-tripod, and a jacket, among other things. With two dedicated water bottle pockets, you can carry enough for a full day of bird-watching. We love that the pockets have toggle ties to keep smaller items from falling out. The separate zippered bottom pocket is perfect for storing a rain jacket or spare shoes in case you need an extra pair for hiking.  

We found that the removable chest strap does a good job of balancing the weight if the pack is stuffed with tons of gear. The safety whistle attached to the buckle of the chest strap is a thoughtful detail in case of emergencies, especially if you’re hiking alone.  

Keep in mind: This pack has only two inner pockets, so organizing smaller items like sunscreen, keys, and a wallet may be challenging. Because of its large volume capacity (18L), you might be tempted to carry extra gear you don’t need.  

Product details: Weight: 17.7 oz. | Material: 100% “Vinylon F” (fabric) | Lining: 100% polyamide (recycled) | Dimensions: 16.5 x 16 x 8.3 in. 

(The 7 best bird baths for your home or garden)

Best outdoor pants: Fjallraven Keb Agile Winter Trousers (women’s; men’s)  

Buy it now at Fjallraven

Buy it now at Fjallraven

Why we like it: Keeping your arms and legs covered is important for birding. “Walking through any brush and kneeling are all much easier if your legs and arms are protected, not to mention keeping insects at bay,” says Tom Brown, manager at Paton Center for Hummingbirds with the Tucson Audubon Society, who always wears long pants and long-sleeved shirts while birding.  

These Keb Agile trousers check all the boxes when it comes to comfort, breathability, and durability. The fabric is double-woven and stretchy, so walking or hiking on uneven terrain is a breeze. The reinforced fabric at the knees provide extra protection against wear and tear too.  

The best thing about these trousers is that they work in all seasons. The brushed interior helps trap heat, making them comfortable next to the skin. They come in men’s and women’s, in a few inseams. Plus, the pant legs adjust to fit over high-top boots, so you don’t have to roll them up. 

Keep in mind: There are four zippered pockets, so you can make do without a bag or hip pouch if you plan to be outside for just a few hours.  

Product details: Weight: 18.5 oz. | Material: 50% polyester (recycled), 15% polyester, 35% cotton (organic) | Fit: Standard | Sizes: 2-19 (women); 28-44 in. waist (men) | Inseam: 30, 32, 34 in. (women and men) 

Best lightweight fleece: Oiselle Wazzie Wool Jacquard Women’s Half-Zip  

Buy it now at Oiselle

Why we like it: New Zealand’s Department of Conservation has a detailed guide that discusses the importance of layering when dressing for the great outdoors. Layers that you can easily remove or add helps regulate body temperature as the weather fluctuates throughout the day. This merino wool half-zip top is ideal for keeping warm when the temperature dips, especially during early morning birding walks. It’s machine washable and odor resistant, thanks to the wool fabric, so you can wear it all day.  

Keep in mind: Since it is a half-zip, you’ll need to stop to unzip it and pull it over your head to take it off, which can be cumbersome with your gear. 

Product details: Material: 100% wool | Sizes: XS-3XL      

(Here are the best bird feeders for hummingbirds, cardinals, and more)   

Best rain jacket: Mountain Equipment Company Rain Jacket (women’s; men’s) 

Buy it now at Mountain Equipment Company (women’s; men’s)

Why we like it: According to the Bird Watcher’s Digest, the best time to go birding is at dawn and dusk. That’s when birds are most active as they search for food. Depending on where you are, temperatures at dawn can be cooler and damp. A good rain jacket, like this one from Mountain Equipment, can help keep you dry. We like that this jacket is made from 100 percent recycled materials with a PFAS-free waterproof coating. Two zippered pockets in the front keep smaller items close for easy access. 

Most importantly, this jacket is breathable, helping to prevent that clammy feeling while walking around. The adjustable hood and storm flap are thoughtful details that help keep rain out of your face. We also love that it folds into one of the pockets for easy storage in a hip pack or backpack. 

Keep in mind: This jacket offers great protection against the rain, but it’s not insulated. You can wear a fleece or layering jacket underneath for warmth. 

Product details: Material: Recycled ripstop polyester | Sizes: XS to XXL  

Best hiking boots: The North Face Hedgehog Hiking Boots (women’s; men’s) 

Buy it now at The North Face

Buy it now at The North Face

Why we like it: Brown says that comfortable footwear is a must for bird-watching. Hiking shoes like The North Face Hedgehog boots are versatile enough to work in most weather and terrain. They have an 8mm heel-to-toe offset for a comfortable stride and are made from Leather Working Group–certified tanneries that promote responsible leather production. Extra layers are built into the toe and forefoot areas for added protection on uneven ground where you might encounter exposed tree roots. 

These shoes have a waterproof membrane on the outside to help keep feet dry, while the high-top design supports the ankles.  

Keep in mind: At 14.6 ounces each, these shoes are heavy. Your feet may feel especially tired after hours of looking for birds.  

Product details: Material: Synthetic leather, durable ripstop, spacer mesh | Weight: 14.6 oz. | Sizes: 5-11 including half sizes (women); 7-14 including half sizes (men). 

Best hydration pack: Hydro Flask Hydration Pack 

Buy it now at Hydro Flask

Why we like it: This hydration pack is designed for prolonged periods spent outdoors, thanks to its two-liter insulated reservoir, which the manufacturer says keeps water cold for over four hours. With a 14-liter capacity, it offers ample space for gear and a soft-lined pocket for sunglasses or mobile devices. Because it has just two zippered compartments, the daisy loops on the outside can also be used to hook loose items. 

Keep in mind: This is a great hands-free option if you dislike carrying a separate water bottle. But the compact size means you’ll have to reduce your gear. It comes in only two colors: orange and black. 

Product Details: Dimensions: 7 x 10 x 18 in. | Weight: 2.20 lbs. 

Best water bottle: MiiR Straw Bottle 

Buy it now at MiiR

Why we like it: This 20-ounce BPA-free insulated stainless-steel water bottle is made to keep beverages cold for hours. It’s designed to be leak-proof and spill-proof, with a flip-top lid that’s especially convenient when hiking around looking for birds. We love the loop on the top lid for carrying by hand and the straw that pops open with a quick press at the tip.  

Keep in mind: This bottle lacks extra features, but the simple design and durability make it a worthwhile investment. It’s not intended for hot liquids or carbonated drinks.  

Product Details: Dimensions: 2.8 x 2.8 x 10.7 in. | Capacity: 20 oz. 

Best birding app: Merlin Bird ID 

Buy it now at Merlin

Why we like it: A birding app like Merlin Bird ID from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a great way to identify bird calls and species during walks. “Lots of people are intimidated by trying to learn which birds make which sounds, but if you start by paying attention to the sounds made by common backyard birds in your area, you’ll have a solid foundation on which to build,” says Webber. “The Merlin app can also speed up your learning process because it can identify most bird species instantly through the microphone on a smartphone.” 

Keep in mind: The app runs on iPhones and iPads with iOS 16 or newer and Android 6 or newer.  

(These are the best cameras for bird photography)

Best journal for taking birding notes: Bird Watching Logbook 

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: A logbook is useful for beginning birders to document and share sightings. This logbook is large at 6 x 9 inches and has plenty of sections, including ones for habitat, bird characteristics and behavior, and space for photos or sketches. We appreciate the useful birding tips and the index for easy reference.  

Keep in mind: The cover is made of high-quality white paper, so it can get dirty in the field and may disintegrate if it gets wet. We recommend adding a protective cover or placing it in a waterproof bag. 

Product Details: Dimensions: 6 x 9 in. | Interior: 115 pages, 90 bird sightings 

Best bird identification and guidebook: National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America 7th Edition 

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: Spotting birds is one thing but having habitat information is essential when you’re trying to find them or when you’re having a “cannot believe your eyes (or ears) when you find a new bird,” moment says Starr. That’s why she recommends carrying a field guide that categorizes birds in the area you’re visiting. While there are many to choose from, the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America is her top choice. Now in its 7th edition, it includes over 1,000 species, along with hand-painted illustrations, regional maps, and other details.  

Keep in mind: This book weighs two pounds, so it may not be a good option for traveling light. 

How to get started bird-watching 

One of the easiest hobbies to start, bird-watching offers many rewards. You can do it anywhere, without much equipment. Here are a few tips from our experts. 

What equipment do I need to start bird-watching? 

The best equipment to start birding are your eyes and ears. But having a good pair of binoculars, a bird identification book, and comfortable shoes can help enhance the experience. Additionally, Eder Nicanor Chulla Pfuro, a guide and birding expert from Tambopata National Reserve in Peru, who works with Intrepid Travel, suggests wearing dark clothes to blend into the background. 

You can start birding simply by setting up a bird feeder or bird bath in your yard or patio. “Smart” bird feeders are especially fun because many are built with cameras that take close-up photos and videos of birds when they come to feed. Keep baths clean and feeders stocked, then sit back and watch as different species come to visit.

(These smart bird feeders do it all, from sending you alerts to snapping pics.)

Where are the best places to go birding? 

Venturing out into your neighborhood, park, and nearby lakes and streams are great places to find birds and other wildlife. “Protected wildlife preserves, sanctuaries or forests like the Amazon also offer a large variety of bird species for identification,” says Pfuro. 

However, you don’t need to identify birds to enjoy them. “Just getting out into nature and enjoying bird song, color, and activity is so good for your health,” says Webber, who also mentions that the Fort Collins Audubon Society promotes Mindful Birding via a grant from the National Audubon Society to help birders of all abilities.  

What are the best times to go bird-watching? 

The time of year and location play a significant role in determining the number of birds you’ll spot. However, dawn is generally the best time for bird-watching. Most species sleep at night and are active during the day when they start looking for food. If it’s been a particularly hot day, head to a water source at dusk, when birds are likely to hydrate and cool off. 

What else do I need to know about birding? 

It’s important to understand birding ethics. Remember to keep your distance, maintain silence, and avoid sudden movements, so you don’t inadvertently cause birds to change their behavior. Webber says other ways to approach birds include sitting quietly to observe them at feeders/baths, slowly walking down a path, and maintaining enough distance to observe birds without disturbing them.