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(Last Updated On: November 19, 2017)
Christmas is around the corner and if your friend is a bird watching hobbyist, here are a few things you can consider getting him this holiday season. So you know what to buy from the sporting goods store, you have to know what a bird watching enthusiast brings along when he or she is out there in the woods.
One of the most important things to have when you go bird watching is a pair of binoculars. There are plenty of these in the market like those made by Bushnell, Nikon, Pentax, Swarovski and Zeiss. You are sure to find one based on a reasonable budget but aside from how much you are willing to spend, you should also know what bird watchers love to use.
The ideal pair of binoculars should be 8×25 or 8×40, the number 8 means the number of times the bird will be enlarged when you use it. The second 40 is the field of view which is just as important because this will enable the user to keep track of the bird should it decide to fly off.
If the person you know does not like to use a pair of binoculars and instead use a scope, you can also look for that because the manufacturers mentioned also make those. There are two types namely straight and angled.
The important thing to remember when you look for the binoculars or scope is that it must be water proof so it can still function even under harsh conditions.
For those who can’t afford to buy that, consider something else like a pair of waterproof trousers or a jacket. These can be bought for less than £100 and when you are looking around, don’t just consider the size of the person you are giving to but also the material and the number of pockets it has.
The material is important because the person using it shouldn’t feel too hot or too cold when they are wearing it. That person could be in the countryside for hours so it should breathable. It should also be adjustable so that the person can also go bird watching during the cold months of the year.
The number of pockets that the trousers and jacket contain is important because this will allow the person to have a number of items within reach instead of getting it out of the bag. They can grab a snack, get a pen out, bring out their mobile and a few other things when they feel the need to do so.
If their outfit is still good, see if it will be worthwhile to get them a new backpack. After all, some bird watchers camp out for a few days before coming home. This should be able to store food, water and a list of other items which will enable them to spend the night in the wilderness.
Another great idea will be to buy your bird watching fan a logbook because this is what they use to keep track of the birds they have seen. While some people are now using bird watching software, this is still the best thing to have since it is light.
You could buy them a thermos flask to take. Fill it with tea, coffee, or to to keep them warm and nourished, soup. These from Stanley are some of the best you can get. If they have a good sense of humour you may want to buy them a mug for when they are stuck at home. You can get some very funny ones these days.
Of course, when they can’t get out to continue their hobby, a nice calendar featuring birds would be greatly appreciated. They can write all their important dates on these. The ones from the RSPB will be particularly appropriate, as the money will go towards the protection of birds and their natural habitats.
There are other great bird watching gift ideas you can give your family member or friend this Christmas. All you have to do is find out what they have and what they don’t and then consider your options.