The Compleat Birder

The guide to EVERYTHING you need to be a birder.

Stuff you'll be carrying with you

See the field trip equipment list for the basic must-have stuff.

Scope - Or rather a fabulously expensive birding telescope and sturdy tripod.  Don't just buy one without going on a few field trips and try out everyone else's.  Half the fun of going on field trips is seeing what everyone else has, and being frustrated that yours just doesn't quite measure up.  So avoid buyer's remorse and wait on this purchase.  Your easiest way of making a decision:  look at which scope to buy by paying attention to which scope everyone else is fawning over.  Expect this investment to set  you back well over $1000.  Which explains why most people don't have one yet.

Cell phone - Obviously useful for emergencies, it can also be used to alert more birders to confirm the rare bird you've just found.  And it's always fun to get a call from someone when you're in the middle of a remote canyon in southwestern Arizona.  If you want to get even wackier, and if you spend time in really out of the way spots, consider a satellite phone.

Walkie-talkie - One of the family radio system (FRS) devices.  Make sure you get one with privacy codes.  The frequency/code combination recommended by the American Birding Association is 11-22.

Water bottle - Can't go hiking around in the desert without this critical item.

Waterproof boots - Commonly called Wellingtons, muck boots or barn boots, all the best dressed birders have them...you never know where your travels will take you.  And you don't want to be stopped by a small pond, do you?  The really cool birders will show off by walking through as much water as they can, and then casually standing in a puddle.

Camera - You'll need a really expensive camera with a really expensive lens to get decent pictures of birds.  Which is why I carry a cheap camera, and take pictures of birders instead.  Besides, they hold still.

Really expensive tape recorder and microphone - As with the camera, you'll need an expensive set up to record bird vocalizations.

Camcorder - For getting movies, of course.

Walking staff - Ideal for those off-trail treks, a walking stick is actually a pretty fair accessory.  Even if you don't need it to maintain your balance, it can be a tremendous help with scrambling up hills, over streams, for moving branches out of your way and for turning over interesting rocks.  

Another field guide - OK, you've got Kaufman in your back pocket, but you should have another one in your pack.  Our recommendation is the National Geographic.

Optics cleaners - At the very least, you'll need a clean handkerchief.  You can expand your horizons with a Lenspen, a fine brush, or even a little bulb-type blower.  

Notebook and pen - Being able to take field notes is the mark of a true birder.

Small tape recorder - As an alternative to a notebook, use this to record your sightings and notes.  Get even fancier with a digital tape recorder that can interface with your computer and translate your dictation into written notes.

GPS unit - You'll want to know and record the exact latitude and longitude of every sighting, down to the meter.

Compass - Every scout carried a compass with them all the time.  Why shouldn't you be as prepared.  OK, maybe not.  I've had one in my pack for years and never needed it.  But then, I'm not trekking across great boundless wastes either.  Besides, if you have your GPS unit, you won't need a compass.

Palm pilot - Who needs a notebook when you can be digital.  And when you return to your car, you can sync up with your laptop.  Oh, did I mention the laptop?

Bug repellent - A good time and place for birding is also, unfortunately, a good time and place for mosquitoes, ticks and other wee-beasties.  Make sure you spray your clothing too.  And carry it with you.  If you need more, you're going to be plenty ticked (get it?) that the stuff is still in the car.

Flashlight - For getting around at night when you're owling.

In the car

More field guides - In addition to Kaufman, which is in your pocket, and National Geographic, which is in your pack, you'll have to have more in the car.  Most likely, you'll have Sibley and specific guides to problem species you're expecting, like gulls.

Local guide books - Many parts of the country now have guide books to good birding spots.  And most areas will at least have Web sites with site guides, such as the Gadwall Birding Page.   Either print relevant pages from the site, download it to your browser, or bring along a wireless modem so that you can hook up in the field.

Laptop - Of course, you have to have it with you to hook up to the Web using your wireless modem, as well as recording your notes as soon as possible.  And then there are those lists to update.

Maps - You'll have some in your guide book, but you should also have a good local map, as well as the Delorme atlas for your part of the world.  These books have just about every dirt road in the country on them and are the standard grid locator for birders.  Consider installing the CD on your laptop for good measure.

Window mount for your scope -  The weather may be inclement or you may just want to relax.  These devices will allow you to attach the scope to your window.  Of course, this doesn't help your spouse who's sitting in the other seat. 

Can of compressed air - This handy tool is the best device for cleaning dust and grit off your optics.  And to distract your spouse as you're looking through your window-mounted scope.

1 million candlepower flashlight - No, you don't shine them on the owls, you take one just cause they're so cool!

A place for your stuff

OK, you're going to have to come up with something to haul all of your stuff around.  Here are some suggestions.

Birding-Mobil