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You don’t need a backpack filled with expensive gear to enjoy the pleasures of bird-watching. Binoculars, a field guide, a notebook, and a fine-tipped pen (preferably with waterproof ink) -- just like a hundred years ago, the basics remain the same.
 Binoculars
A birder without binoculars is like a finch without feathers. They’re easily the most important piece of equipment you’ll purchase, so buy the best pair you can afford. Top-notch binoculars provide superior clarity and image quality with the least distortion and discoloration.
As for magnification, either 7x, 8x, 9x, or 10x will suffice, though 10x binoculars can be rather unwieldy. Also, look for a pair with a rubber casing. These are more resilient to nicks and scratches and better able to withstand the jolts that can throw some binoculars out of alignment.
As with all optical instruments, binoculars should be cleaned after each day's use, especially after exposure to dust, rain, or salt water. A cleaning kit consisting of lens tissues, liquid lens cleaner, and a soft brush will suffice.
 Telescopes
While binoculars are a must, sooner or later most birders want increased magnification, especially for viewing waterfowl, shorebirds, and perched birds of prey. A moderately priced telescope with a zoom eyepiece and magnification ranging from 20x to 45x is a good place to start. Add a lightweight, sturdy tripod that easily extends to eye level, and you’ll be set.
Much more expensive are reflecting telescopes, which provide a superb image. Because the image is reversed, though, these telescopes can be disorienting at first.
Field Guides, Notebooks, and Checklists
Even expert birders use field guides. A notebook is also a must. Use it to record:
- descriptions of rare or unfamiliar birds
- behavioral and distributional observations
- population data
- journal info about the weather and vegetation
- daily bird lists
Tape Recorders and Microphones
The tape recorder is a versatile field tool. It can be used to record observations and bird vocalizations and to play calls and songs to attract birds.
Even a relatively inexpensive machine can do wonders with a good microphone. Select the mic first, then find a suitable tape recorder. The best mics are those that capture the sound from a relatively small area, which will allow you to pinpoint a singing bird and exclude extraneous noises. The recorder, meanwhile, should have manual volume controls for maximum playback efficiency.
One last piece of advice: Avoid using your tape recorder for playing calls and songs to lure sensitive species away from their nests or territories.
Photographic Equipment
A recent development in field birding has been the growing popularity of bird photography, using small motorized cameras equipped with lightweight, powerful telephoto lenses. This fairly compact outfit, coupled with fast film (ASA 200 to 400), is ideal for the field and lets you preserve finds for future reference and for others to view.
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