binocular


boot


cap


compass


notebooks


pens


satchel

A pair of binoculars and a notebook are basic essentials. Choose binoculars with a good field of view. A magnification of seven to ten times is the optimum for bird-watching, with a 30mm or 40mm object lens. More powerful binoculars are heavy and difficult to hold steady. Have a protective cover for your notebook and use a waterproof pen or pencil. A satchel is useful to carry your field guide. Except on the coast, a telescope is rarely used, but with a tripod, is an essential for watching shorebirds. A 25 times magnification is recommended. A compass is essential to find direction in forest or mangroves, especially if the sun is obscured. When surveying birds in hills and mountains an altimeter should be carried to determine the altitude at which they occur.

Clothing should be light in weight and dark in colour so as not to stand out against the natural vegetation. Wear a hat of similar colour so that your head is not so obvious when looking at a bird. Long trousers, preferably tucked into boots, will give some protection against thorns, insects, leeches and snakes. Jungle boots are ideal as they lace high for protection and dry quickly after getting wet, as so often happens in the forest.

• Equipment
• Techinques
• Obsevations
• Field Guides

Sections in Guide to Bird Watching

• Equipment
• Techniques
• Observations
• Field Guides