• Jack Stevens
  • 21 Dec 2020 1:28 PM
  • Replies 24 replies
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Inventory: What goes in your birdwatching rucksack?

  • Clare
    I'll confess I'm waiting for the day that someone invents a Tardis-style backpack that I can dive in and use the toilet inside when I need to!

    Our herring gulls are red listed birds.  Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.

  • Mike B

    In reply to Seaman:

    Wendy S said:
    Jack the first aid kit comes from years of teaching folk the basics of hill walking it also includes a whistle to signal for help when the mobile has no signal

    Not many folk would recognise the call for help using a whistle today, nor the response from the rescuers...

    Mike

    Flickr Peak Rambler

  • Jack Stevens
    As well as the great additions in the comments, I've thought of something else that's worth including.

    I always carry an analogue tally counter. When there's hundreds of a species, I find it easier to click my way to an exact number. Or sometimes I click groups of 5 and multiply the clicker's result. See it below:

    twitter.com/.../1347591150811668486
  • Mairi Turquoise
    Hi Jack,

    Great list!
    I’m an absolute beginner and I won’t be going far from home but this is helpful information for a great day out :)

    The binoculars I have are big heavy old things- good for viewing the garden but I don’t fancy carrying them about.
    Can you recommend a smart, small pair?
  • seymouraves
    Swiss army penkinife anyone?

    I was out with an intrepid band of birders on Jan 2nd a few years back when someone's bottom section tripod leg fell off:

    He was stunned when my number 2 produced a leatherman for gripping and tightening and I produced black electric tape ( for making replacement tripod rubber foot) and a repair was done in 2 minutes:

    S

    For advice about Birding, Identification,field guides,  binoculars, scopes, tripods,  etc - put 'Birding Tips'   into the search box

  • Jack Stevens
    Seymouraves, what a seriously practical group of mates you all are!

    Hi Mairi, thanks for the kind words! Wise choice staying close to home at the moment, same here. I recommend anything that's 8x42. I find that magnification is strong enough without 'shake' and that the 42mm objective lenses are just small enough without losing light.

    I have a pair of Opticrons and always vouch for that brand, but when the shops are open again I'd recommend going to try a few out side by side to get a feel. Set yourself a budget and go along and spend some time with a few pairs :)
  • seymouraves

    In reply to Mairi Turquoise:

    CHOOSING Binoculars

    The binoculars I have are big heavy old things- good for viewing the garden but I don’t fancy carrying them about.
    Can you recommend a smart, small pair?

    Put 'choosing binoculars into the search bar for previous advice :)

    S

    For advice about Birding, Identification,field guides,  binoculars, scopes, tripods,  etc - put 'Birding Tips'   into the search box

  • seymouraves
    REMEMBER- Let the binoculars choose you!

    Plenty of advice in postings going back a few years on here:

    And plenty of used RSPB bins on eBay atm

    S

    For advice about Birding, Identification,field guides,  binoculars, scopes, tripods,  etc - put 'Birding Tips'   into the search box

  • Mairi Turquoise

    In reply to Jack Stevens:

    Thanks Jack,

    Great I’ll have a look at your suggestions online, . Yeah I think once shops open itl be good to try them out hopefully soon!
  • Mairi Turquoise

    In reply to seymouraves:

    Hi Seymouraves,

    Thanks for the helpful advice on searching on the site.
    I’ll keep that in mind :)