1. Bird guide

For beginners, a good field guide can be incredibly helpful. A quality guide not only assists in identifying the birds you see, but also helps you learn more about them, such as their behavior, diet, migration patterns, and more.Some people like to carry a printed handbook in their pocket, while others prefer mobile apps. Choose the one that is easiest for you and fits the tools you already have.

Paper guides include the famous The Sibley Field Guide to Birds（https://www.sibleyguides.com/）which shows more than 900 species that live in North America. You can also take a smaller book for just one side of the continent: The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America or The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America.

Others opt for mobile apps. Popular options include the Audubon Bird Guide App (audubon.org/app) which offers extensive North American coverage, and Merlin Bird ID (merlin.allaboutbirds.org) which can identify more than 7,500 bird species worldwide.

    2. Binoculars

Binoculars are excellent tools for getting a closer look at birds. With binoculars, you can observe a bird’s plumage, posture, and behavior without disturbing it.

Binocular specifications are written like "8×32". The "8" refers to magnification, meaning it makes the viewed object appear eight times closer. The "32" indicates the diameter (in millimeters) of the lens farthest from your eye. A larger objective lens lets more light in, so the image in the binoculars looks brighter. But the lager lens also makes the binoculars heavier.

Therefore, light, low-power binoculars are more suitable for a beginner. You do not need costly high-power ones to start. High-power binoculars give a narrower field of view. However, birds, especially small, active woodland species, often move quickly. Beginners may find it challenging to locate and follow them through high-power binoculars.

3. Notebooks & penciles

Perhaps you’ve spotted some birds but find them difficult to identify. Keep records of what you’ve seen. This allows you to compare your notes with your bird guides when you return home.

A pencil is better than pen for outdoors. It is unaffected by cold or heat or moisture. With just a knife, you can keep it sharp and ready for writing.

1. Bird Feeders

After you have learned some basics about birds, a feeder in your garden is a good next step. It brings the birds to you, so you can observe them more closely. A smart feeder with a built-in AI camera can record visitors even when you are away.Here’s how they work: when a bird lands on the feeder, its motion triggers the camera to take a photo or video. The feeder’s app then uses AI to identify the species and sends the result to your phone. In this way, you can build a list and learn new birds without sitting outside all day. The product shown in the video is called BirdSnap Smart Hummingbird Feeder (you can visit the official website for more information).birdsnap.com

2. Cameras

A camera can help you record the birds you watch anywhere. Even a blurry photo can record a few identification features, helping you determine the species later.If you cannot name the bird yourself, upload the picture to social media. You will find friendly bird-watching groups that are happy to help.You can also upload your photos to eBird (https://ebird.org/home), the world’s largest citizen-science bird database. Your records are valuable to scientists for bird distribution and ecological patterns.

1. Telelens

A telelens (or telephoto lens) is a long-focus camera lens that lets you magnify distant subjects so they appear larger in the photos.A telephoto lens needs to be attached to a compatible camera body. Some telephoto lenses can even be connected to a smartphone camera. These lenses are often expensive, and a small shake can blur the shot. For this reason, a telephoto lens is more suitable for bird-watchers who already have some photography experience. Besides, a tripod is also a great choice to keep the lens stable.

2. Outdoor Fitness fot Getting Closer

Once you’ve become familiar with the birds around, you may wish to go farther. However, birdwatching should never be a threat, neither to yourself nor to the natural world.the American Birding Association’s guidelines （https://www.aba.org/aba-code-of-birding-ethics/）provide clear explanations on safety precautions and ethicals about birdwatching.

Birdwatching begins by looking up. Once you start paying attention, you'll find birds all around you. City parks, your own backyard, or even a balcony can be excellent places to begin.A bird feeder can greatly improve the situation. You can fill them with seeds, or even sugar water for hummingbirds. Different types of food will attract a variety of bird species to your yard.

A user sharing the bird feeder they installed in their yard.https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BCtUmkkN5/

When you're eager to expand your records with more discoveries, broader natural areas is the next step. Wetlands, forests, lakes, and rivers each offer unique experiences. Spend a weekend hiking in the countryside with your gear, and you’ll gain deeper knowledge about birds.

For seasoned birders, the greatest thrill is to follow migration every year.You can find reports at the American Birding Association (https://www.aba.org/) . The wildlife agency and local National Audubon Society (https://www.audubon.org/) often organize public birding events and beginner-friendly walks. These are excellent opportunities to learn more about birds.

References

https://www.nps.gov/articles/birding-for-beginners.htm

https://www.audubon.org/birding/how-to-start-birding

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/binoculars-and-beyond-nine-tips-for-beginning-bird-watchers/