Anyone with bird watchers in his family or circle of friends know how passionate these folks can be about the winged world. When it comes to giving gifts for birthdays or other special occasions, tapping into this avian interest is an easy way to come up with a gift that will definitely be appreciated.
Here's a few ideas for gifts for that special bird watcher:
Bird Field Guides
Birders often have a series of field guides, books that include detailed illustrations of birds and information about the species. The guides are often organized regionally so that a bird-watcher can take a corresponding guide when visiting that particular region.
If possible, check out the giftee's shelf. Look to see if she already has field guides, and if so, who makes the ones on her shelf. She may have a preference for which guides she uses. Note the titles she already has so that she won't be given a repeat.
Bird Song Guides
Some bird watchers aren't just great at identifying bird species by sight, they can also tell a bird by the type of song it sings. There are field guides available that include audio of bird song to help a watcher learn the different calls of birds. This gift is a fun twist on the traditional field guide and may be particularly useful for someone newer to bird watching.
Bird Watching Checklists
Checklists, which a bird watcher can use to keep track of the kind of birds he's spotted are another good gift idea. Again, try to figure out if the birder already has a checklist or if he could use a different kind than one he already owns.
Bird Watching Equipment
Spotting feathered friends often requires more than the naked eye. All bird watchers need a good pair of binoculars, and spotting scopes might make a useful addition to the bird watching arsenal as well. Equipment like cameras and tripods to expand viewing time into photography sessions are other gift options.
Bird Watching Trips
Instead of items, give an experience. Do a little internet research to look up local bird watching organizations or bird watching tours and arrange a trip. From a formal bird watching excursion with a local group to a private family outing to a good birding spot, giving an experience is sure to be remembered.
If budget is no option and adventure a priority, then arranging a bird watching trip out of town - even out of the country is an excellent option.
Bring Bird Watching Home
Finally, a fun gift idea for bird watchers is simply to invite the birds to come to them, instead of the other way around. Birdbaths, birdhouses, and bird feeders are all lovely, simple ways to show appreciation to a bird watcher.
Check your local or online bookseller for field guides and other birding books, and do a little internet research for local bird watching clubs or hot spots - this may help inspire some other good gift ideas for that special bird watching someone.
Tracy Young - Tracy Young writes from her home smack in the heartland of the US. She has ten years of experience writing for web and print, and has ...
