Finding the best bird watching gifts can be daunting, particularly when you have absolutely no interest in watching birds, birding trips or other such activities. This article will help you find unique bird watching gifts to offer your beloved ones.
Since not everybody has the same budget, I decided to split this list into several price categories to help you save time. For each gift idea, you’ll find three options: a cheap gift, a mid-price one and an expensive one. Also, the best presents for backyard bird watchers aren’t the same as the ones for hiking and outdoor lovers who want to watch birds in the nature.
Everybody will find something to buy for their beloved birder as birthday present.
Binoculars, Monoculars or Optics Accessories
These items can make the perfect gift for a backyard bird watching beginner. However, more advanced birdwatchers may already own a wide array of optical devices and accessories, so you’ll need to undergo some research work to identify those items they haven’t bought just yet. Here are some of the best binoculars for bird watching. While binoculars can make awesome birding gifts, chances are your friend already has some good ones. This is why you should explore alternative options, as well.
Monocular Telescopes with Smartphone Holder and Tripod
There are several brands of monocular telescopes featuring a smartphone holder and a tripod. I’ve chosen two of them to take a closer look at. I think this is a great gift, because it allows the user to photograph and film the birds in their natural environment (or in the backyard for that matter).
The Pankoo 40×60 monocular telescope is one of the most interesting options. The objective lens diameter of 60mm allows plenty of light to enter the device. This telescope has manual focus and adjustable eye cup. Thanks to the smartphone holder, you can capture photos and shoot videos of birds in your backyard, on the mountains or on the beach.
The 20mm multi-layer eyepiece and the BAK4 prism offer superior brightness and image clarity. THe monocular is waterproof, so it can withstand splashes or light rains. However, you can’t immerse it in water or use it in heavy rain for a longer time.
The Pankoo monocular telescope comes with a user manual, so you can offer it as a gift to a beginner bird watcher. The included mini-tripod is stable and durable. Its ball head makes it very easy to adjust.
Another excellent option is the Gosky ultra HD waterproof monocular telescope which provides a clear and bright image, thanks to its 50mm objective lens. The Gosky 12x50mm ED glass monocular is waterproof and fogproof, thanks to the Nitrogen purging treatment of its optics. Weighing almost 450 grams, this monocular telescope comes with a smartphone mount that enables the user to shoot and film birds and wildlife.
The long eye relief and the twist-up eye cup are designed to cater to a wide category of users.
Bird feeders
A backyard birder needs effective tricks to attract birds to their home-based observatory. A bird feeder can provide the backyard birding lover with plenty of lovely winged wonders.
Check out this bird feeding station with mesh tray and five-prong base. This 5-prong base bird feeder also features a bird bath and additional hooks for hanging additional feeders. This bird feeder with bath can attract hummingbirds, robins, sparrows, starlings, and woodpeckers, among many other bird species. If needed, you can buy it together with a wrap around squirrel baffle.
That’s only one example of bird feeder to offer your bird watching aficionado friends. Here’s another interesting one: a window bird feeder made from clear acrylic material, with strong suction cups. It works best for attracting birds to your window. The perch will provide a firm and comfy grip, in order for the birds to feel at lease. Here’s how this Nature’s Envoy bird feeder looks like:
How cool is this gift for bird watchers who don’t have a backyard or a garden?
Birdwatching Tours
I can’t link you to any tour here, because this choice depends on the area where your friend lives. However, should you find it suitable, here’s a bird watching tour in Cancun. Once you click through to see the details and the price, you’ll also find other tours.
Rivers, forests, mountains or lakes are all excellent places to view birds in their natural environment.
Birding-related T-shirts, Mugs or Home Decor
Birding-related clothing items can also make cool gifts. Here are a few ideas of gifts for bird watching fans. Check them out and pick the ones you think your friend would love. You’ll find lots of funny t-shirts, socks, hoodies, key chains and many other things.
Movies, Documentaries and Books about Birds
Here are some books you can take a closer look at:
Attracting blue birds:
Complete birds of North America (by National Geographic):
The more you learn about birds, the easier it’s going to be for you to spot and observe them.
Would you add anything to this list of gifts for bird watchers?