Ultimate Birding Checklist: Things to Carry on your trip

Hello birders,

I’ve been birding for a while, and one of the biggest challenges I face is forgetting essential things at home while going out birding. Imagine forgetting extra batteries for my camera or binocular, even my mat. Therefore, I created a checklist for myself that I check before heading on my birding trips, which I’ll share with you.

You can download and store it on your phone or bookmark this blog post for reference.

I’ll keep this post short and straight to the point. However, if you’re looking for a detailed guide to kickstart your birding journey or a list of common birds you can spot in Seattle, check out my birding page for more details.

Birds are the world’s most fascinating creatures, from their unique colors, patterns, and behaviors to their incredible ability to adapt. And there’s nothing quite like it to watch them in their natural habitat.

Here’s an ultimate checklist to check before your journey for a successful birding trip(s). I’ve divided the list into three sections, Gears, Outfits, and Food, to help you plan better. I hope this list makes your preparation easy and every birding journey successful.

Gears checklist

✅ Binoculars

A good pair of binoculars is essential for birding. I recommend using the ones with high magnification capabilities, like 8x or 10x, with an objective lens diameter of at least 42mm. I use Celestron SkyMaster 25X70 Binocular, which is great for both outdoors and astronomy.

The binocular offers 25x powerful magnification and a large aperture for long-distance viewing. The lens used is a multi-coated optics lens and provides a clear view of the subject in focus. Moreover, the binocular comes in a waterproof case that is very easy to carry around.

✅ Camera

A camera is essential for documenting the birds. The phone camera is not suitable for wildlife or bird photography. A DSLR/ Mirrorless camera with a Telephoto lens is the right pick for photographers. 

I’ve recently made a switch to Z5 Mirrorless Camera. But earlier, I used Nikon D3200 paired with Nikkor 200-500mm telephoto lens or 55-300mm zoom lens. I still use the same lenses with an FTZ mount adaptor with my Z5, but the picture quality has improved drastically. 

✅ Field Guide

A field guide is crucial for birding as you might encounter a new species you haven’t seen before and might want to find the name and other information. One way is to google the specific features and match the results. But that is very time-consuming. Therefore, a book or an app is a faster way to get answers. 

I use ebird and google lens to identify birds and carry my field guide, Birds of the Pacific Northwest, whenever I go birdwatching.

✅ Notebook and Pen

A notebook and a pen are not essential as you can easily take notes on your phone. However, sometimes, the old-school method comes in handy to record the birds’ names (if I can identify them), their behaviors, and other observations in a faster way.

I love using journals with ruled/ blank pages as it allows me to be as creative as possible with my observations, from sketching to freehand writing.

Clothes checklist

✅ Outfit

Camouflage print is a popular choice among birders and wildlife enthusiasts for their outfits, as it provides a subtle way to blend with the environment. However, it’s not the only important factor to consider. Think of the weather and comfort while choosing an outfit for a birding trip. 

Opt for loose-fitting clothes that enable you to move, bend, crawl, or squat without restriction. Additionally, waterproof shoes are recommended over regular ones, as they will help you to navigate through wetlands and shores. By being mindful of your clothing choices, you’ll be able to focus on the birds and nature without being distracted or uncomfortable.

I have a separate set of clothing for my birding trips, including green and camouflage print T-shirts and sweatshirts. Additionally, I bring a photographer’s jacket with ample pocket space and a hat for protection on sunny days.

✅ Other Essentials

Protecting yourself from the sun and biting insects is essential on any outdoor excursion, and birding trips are no exception. Applying sunscreen and insect-repellent cream can help prevent sunburn and insect-borne diseases.

Neutrogena SPF 70 & Bye-Bye Insects are two of my favorite sunscreen and insect-repellent that helps me stay protected. Don’t forget to pack these items in your birding essentials kit to keep yourself protected and comfortable throughout your trip.

Food checklist

✅ Water

It’s essential to stay hydrated when out birding, particularly when spending extended periods outdoors under the sun. Bringing a reusable water bottle is a wise decision, and I suggest a minimum of 32oz stainless steel bottle to keep you hydrated for the entire day.

✅ Snack

Pack some light and healthy snacks to keep you energized. I often make myself a trail mix that comprises various nuts, chocolate chips, and dried berries. It’s packed with nutrients and sustainable, as I don’t leave anything behind. 

Remember to follow the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace, observe birds from a distance, respect their environment, and avoid making loud noises or sudden movements that could scare them away. 

If you’re looking for places to go birding in Seattle, here’s one I highly recommend.