Birdwatching is becoming a new form of leisure and recreation. More and more people start to use their free time to step outside, into nature, and experience the mental and physical pleasure brought by these celestial creatures. Research shows that birdwatching not only provides physical exercise but also relieves mental stress and anxiety. Therefore, it's a worthwhile hobby to pursue in a busy life. If you're also interested in birdwatching but unsure how to prepare the necessary equipment, this article will provide some information to help you become a successful birdwatcher.

Don't underestimate birdwatching as an easy activity; your clothing can significantly impact your chances of spotting birds. Appropriate dressing not only enhances comfort but also increases your chances of seeing them!

• Sun/Mosquito Hat: A hat can protect you from wind and rain! Especially in the hot summer when UV rays are strong, a sun hat can prevent sunburn. In wetlands or southern regions, a hat can also provide protection against mosquitoes and insects.
• Low-saturation colors or camouflage clothing: Avoid wearing brightly colored clothing when birdwatching. Birds are very sensitive to their surroundings, and bright colors can frighten them away. Dark or camouflage clothing helps you blend into your environment, minimizing disturbance to the birds.
• Long pants and hiking shoes: Many bird habitats are located in less developed forest trails. These areas are often dense with bushes and have muddy paths. Suitable hiking shoes can greatly reduce the difficulties caused by uneven trails.

Besides clothing, some helpful gadgets can greatly enhance your birdwatching experience. So prepare a lightweight outdoor backpack and pack these essentials!

• Insect repellent:  As mentioned earlier, most birds live in undeveloped forests with abundant insects. Therefore, a suitable insect repellent will significantly reduce the chances of being attacked by mosquitoes or ticks. When purchasing insect repellent, you can refer to the DEET (a widely used, effective chemical active ingredient in insect repellents) content. The higher the DEET content, the better the insect repellent effect, but the toxicity is also relatively higher. Remember not to apply insect repellent to the eyes or mouth. Children under 12 years old are advised to use DEET-free insect repellent products.
• Sunscreen: Be sure to apply sunscreen in the summer. Although most birdwatching times are in the early morning or evening, the intensity of ultraviolet radiation should not be ignored.
• Birdwatching guidebook: If you are not familiar with the common local birds, in addition to using bird identification software like Merlin, you can also prepare a local bird guidebook. Generally, local bird guides offer more comprehensive and detailed information on bird distribution and identification techniques. A single guide can cover all the common bird species you might encounter. 

• Bear spray: If you live in an area with bear populations, remember to bring bear spray. Safety first!

• Having discussed the basic equipment, let's move on to the "watching" part. The main birdwatching tools fall into three categories:
• First, your eyes. Remember, your eyes are the product of millions of years of evolution; they possess optical qualities far superior to modern technology. Whether capturing moving objects or focusing in complex environments, your eyes can effectively help you locate birds. Even if you can't find a bird, you have your birdwatching team! More eyes mean more strength!
• Second, telescopes. The mainstream telescopes are monoculars and binoculars. Monoculars are characterized by high magnification, large size, and require a tripod, typically used for observing distant waterbirds; while binoculars are more suitable for handheld observation, but their magnification and optical quality are slightly lower. Generally speaking, a longer focal length isn't always better. Commonly used binoculars have a magnification of 8-10x. Higher magnification requires a higher level of skill from the user.
• Third, a camera. In reality, cameras are primarily geared towards bird photographers. A suitable birdwatching camera also requires a telephoto lens. Generally, the focal length of the lens is between 300mm and 800mm. Furthermore, to capture a clear image, the camera's shutter speed needs to reach at least 1/2000s, which also puts a strain on the camera's performance. Therefore, for non-birdwatching enthusiasts, a camera isn't really a necessity. After all, a top-of-the-line telephoto lens can cost around $11,000…

If you're looking for an affordable way to enjoy birdwatching, the BirdSnap Smart Bird Feeder is an excellent choice. This innovative feeder brings the joy of observing birds right to your backyard. It features a 3MP high definition camera with night vision and a wide angle lens, capturing clear footage of visiting birds. The AI system can identify over 10,000 bird species and sends real time notifications to your smartphone via the BirdSnap app. With a 4 pound seed capacity, it reduces the need for frequent refills, and its IP65 waterproof design ensures durability in various weather conditions. Installation is versatile, you can mount it on a wall, pole, or tree. Powered by a 5200mAh battery with solar panel support, it offers up to 30 days of operation. This feeder makes birdwatching effortless and enjoyable from the comfort of your home.

The last and most important piece of equipment is a heart full of reverence for nature. We, like birds, are all living beings on Earth. We share this same home, so when birdwatching, we should respect natural habitats and refrain from disturbing or damaging them. Harmonious coexistence between humans and nature requires the contribution of each and every one of us!