You wouldn't dare step up to a golf course without a standard set of clubs, and what would a tennis court be without a good racket? Well, if you intend to become a birder, there are a few pieces of equipment that you just shouldn't live without.
First and foremost, make sure you have a pair of binoculars.
While watching various birders squint through rolled up magazines can be quite humorous, a pair of binoculars will help you to identify the birds that you see every time.
Binoculars can be slightly difficult to select, but the main thing is to make sure that you can see through them - sound obvious? All too often, people buy a pair of expensive binoculars without actually trying them out first.
The problem is that some binoculars will blur your vision, which is why you need to try them in store.
Next, purchasing a telescope will allow you to see those birds that are far off in the distance.
If you attempt to climb aboard a canoe in order to view a seafowl, you might scare the bird off before you even come close.
Instead, a great telescope will help you to gain a close perspective without scaring a bird away.
Telescopes can be very expensive, so this may be a piece of equipment that you will want to buy later in your birding "career.
" Unlike a field guide, a telescope is not detrimental, but it will give you an exclusive pass into the lives of far away birds.
If there is one thing that you cannot live without, it is an excellent field guide.
Instead of opting for a field guide that depicts numerous glossy photographs of birds, select one that is very specific.
Also, a field guide will help you to determine which birds are rare, and which birds are simply common feathery folk.
Of course, a field guide is rather futile without a great notebook, which is why a notebook is the final thing that you will need in order to become an outstanding birder.
Just how important is a notebook? Well, imagine that you have just seen the rarest bird in the world, but you don't know that this bird is of the mythical sort.
If you have a notebook handy, you can easily write down the bird's description, and look it up later.
However, if you do not have a notebook with you, your imagination may not keep an accurate image of the bird.
Therefore, a notebook is an indispensable part of any birding trip.
There you have it, a few things that any bird should have at the ready.
Remember to try each piece of equipment before you buy it, and to take advantage of the time you spend with the birds.
Birding can be highly enjoyable at any time, but it becomes a whole different sport once you are properly prepared.