Shopping for an avid birder and struggling to pin down just the right gift? Our list of the best gifts for bird watchers has pinned down some awesome ideas for both aspiring and expert avian enthusiasts!
Bird watching is a hobby that can be enjoyed in one’s own backyard, or on the contrary, a passion that can take you to far-flung destinations all around the world! With our top list, you’ll find gift options that suit each and every bird watching style, whether it’s a casual walk in the park or an Amazonian expedition!
Bird watching and board game enthusiasts alike will love the brilliantly unique concept and interactive gameplay of Wingspan! This is a strategy board game in which players compete as expert birding enthusiasts attempting to attract the best birds to their aviary!
Wingspan is an impressively informative game for expert and novice birders alike, sourcing all of its data and fun facts on each card from reputable scientific sources. Nature nerds, science students, and bird nerds will all LOVE the aesthetically striking and information-rich card decks!
This is a tricky game of strategy played with one to five players that typically lasts between 40 and 70 minutes, so the potential to really build some anticipation and rivalry exists without being too much of a commitment.
There are 170 unique bird cards, 26 bonus cards,16 automa cards, 103 food tokens, 75 egg miniatures, 5 custom wooden dice, 5 player mats and 1 birdfeeder dice tower included – so this is quite an intensive game! There are several expansions for the game available in order to keep the gameplay fresh and exciting including entire species assemblages from different geographic regions such as the European and Oceania expansions.
Learning the intricacies of Wingspan definitely takes some practice when you consider the countless strategies to win. At the end of each game, however, all the players involved will get up from the game board knowing more about the world of birds!
Perhaps the best part about this game is that nobody really knows who the winner is until everyone adds up their points at the end of four rounds. This makes for a truly suspenseful game where everyone plays to win from start to finish!
The Hex Ranger DSLR Camera Sling will make for a killer gift idea for any birder with a passion for photographing their subjects.
This simple, but high-performance camera bag is built to be especially compact and lightweight in order to carry your DSLR essentials. The bag totals to an eight-liter capacity and furthermore features adjustable bottom carry straps that allow for carrying a tripod. Collapsible interior dividers go on to enable full expansion of the bag, or maximum packability.
Built with genuine Cordura and ballistic nylon exterior fabrics, you can rest assured this camera bag is built to last. Side adjustable load straps ensure the Ranger remains comfortable to carry all day, while features like the fuax-fur lined front phone/sunglasses pocket add further value and functionality.
There are a few different color and camo patterns to choose from, so you can customize this gift idea to the preference of whoever you’re shopping for fairly well!
Nocs Provisions’ Standard Issue 8×25 Waterproof Binoculars will make for a wonderful pair of binos for amateur and expert birders alike. Easy to operate and designed with authentic Bak4 prisms and fully multi-coated lenses, the price point here is very reasonable considering the quality.
Designed to be exceptionally light and packable without sacrificing image clarity or magnification, these binoculars are perfect for tossing into a jacket pocket or backpack when you don’t want to go through the trouble of setting up a tripod or breaking out your spotting scope.
Built with a fully waterproof and fog proof design, these binoculars are even submersible underwater for 30 minutes. Note however that they do not float, so the birder you’re shopping or would be wise to keep them on a lanyard.
Best of all, the Standard Issue Binoculars are available in a wide array of fun colors, so you can even personalize this gift to the preferred aesthetic of whoever it is you’re shopping for!
A place to sit while out birding is underrated. No matter where your favorite bird watching enthusiast may end up out in the field, the Hillsound BTR Ultralight Stool is an easy to carry piece of gear that will ensure they have a place to rest their bottom.
Weighing in at just 15 ounces and collapsing down to the size of a compact umbrella, this stool is easily tucked into a backpack and deployed when you need it. It’s wonderful having a place to take a seat while birding for a few reasons – the most notable being that sitting enables you to be more quiet during your observations, and also allows you to utilize your optics with greater stability than standing.
Built with aerospace grade 7001 telescoping aluminum leg, this stool can support up to 240 pounds, so it’s compatible with most birders.
Here’s a super fun coffee table read that bird enthusiasts of all kinds will enjoy flipping through.Around the World in 80 Birds written by Mike Unwin and illustrated by Ryuto Miyake is a gorgeous and informative book for bird nerds that tells the stories of 80 birds from around the world.
Each bird description is beautifully illustrated and loaded with fascinating fun facts, natural history, and details about cultural significance, so there’s lots to dig into here! Trust us when we say this is a page turner!
What bird lover doesn’t enjoy the company of feathered friends at their own home? With Nature’s Hangout Suction Cup Window Bird Feeder, the avian enthusiast you’re shopping for can get an intimate look at their backyard or neighborhood songbirds without having to even leave the house!
The powerful suction cups on this feeder enable it to stay firmly planted against glass windows while easily supporting the weight of birdseed and several birds. The see-through acrylic construction ensures totally clear viewing, so you can set this feeder up on any window you’d like and not worry about impeding your view.
The person you’re shopping for can set this fun and interactive device up on their kitchen window to score some looks at birds while cooking and doing dishes, or right in the bedroom in order to spectate the morning’s visitors upon waking up!
It’s fun learning which bird species are locally present on and around one’s property, and owning bird feeders provides you with exactly that insight! After just a week or two, all the local birds will become accustomed to this subtle feeder and begin to frequent it with less hesitation – so tell the bird nerd you’re shopping for to be patient and enjoy the company to come!
If you’re shopping for a birder who’s passionate about photography, consider the gift of a reliable storage system for their camera, lenses, and other accessories. The Pelican Vault v525 Case with Padded Dividers is a high-quality option built from crushproof high-impact polymer that’s perfect for storing photography equipment, spotting scopes and other optics, drones, and more.
This is a fairly large and in charge case measuring 22 by 14 by 9 inches, featuring heavy-duty handles, push-button latches, stainless steel lock hasps, and a retractable handle. The case is also equipped with roller wheels, so there are multiple ways to transport it depending on the packed weight.
This series of Pelican cases is furthermore sealed against moisture and dust for long-term confidence in harsh conditions; because sensitive electronics ought to be properly protected.
Best of all, you can customize the layout of the padded dividers utilizing the velcro tabs to precisely fit the case to your gear and gadgets. There is also a foam-padded option of the v525 case available through this same link for an even more customizable and snug fit depending on your needs.
Going out in the winter cold in search of cool and unique birds is a fun and exciting hobby for passionate birders, but staying warm enough can certainly be a challenge. Mountain Hardwear’s Power Stretch Stimulus Gloves are a wonderful option for keeping your hands comfortable during chilly outings that also effectively retain your dexterity.
Constructed from Polartec Power Stretch fabric, these gloves feature four-way stretch and excellent elasticity. They are moisture-wicking, breathable, and furthermore feature a silicone palm-pattern for a reliable grip on binoculars and other equipment. The Stimulus Gloves are even touch screen compatible so your favorite birder can continue to utilize their smartphone and other electronics while wearing them!
While these gloves don’t offer adequate insulation on truly freezing days, the Stimulus Gloves are perfect for those birding outings that are just a touch too chilly to have your hands fully exposed!
One of our top picks from our list of the best hunting muffs, the Sitka Unisex Hudson Windstopper Hunting Hand Muff is a brilliant tool for keeping your hands toasty during bitterly cold conditions. If the birder you’re shopping for braves the winter weather but prefers to keep their hands un-gloved in order to operate their optics and/or photography equipment, a mindfully designed hand muff such as this will be their new best friend.
Built with GORE-TEX Infinitum with Windstopper technology and stuffed with PrimaLoft Silver insulation, the Hudson Muff creates an exceptionally warm environment for your hands, so you’re free to keep your gloves off and remain as dextrous as possible. This hunting muff is also of course available in a few different camouflage patterns, so concealment has also been considered here.
An adjustment at the waist belt provides an easy custom fit while an exterior pocket is also present to provide you with a space to stash your on-hand essentials.
All things considered, this is a brilliant piece of gear to own for supporting all sorts of cold-weather hobbies that’s bound to see loads of use in its lifetime!
While this is far from a top-quality monocular, Gosky has truly built an excellent device for the cost with this one! The image clarity is quite impressive, while the magnifying power is stellar for the price point. Your favorite birder will notice a ton of birds and wildlife they’ve previously missed with this device, as well as get a far more detailed look at the birds and critters they’ve become accustomed to seeing.
The 12X50 magnification means that the image is magnified by 12 times, and feature a 50mm wide lense. The higher the magnification, the closer and more detailed the image appears. The wider the lens diameter, the more light-gathering ability, generating a brighter, clearer image. The 12X50 specs of the Titan is on the upper end of the spectrum in terms of both magnification and objective lens diameter, so this is a highly capable monocular!
A large internal BAK-4 Prism and fully multi-coated (FMC) lens coating go on to ensure bright and crisp image generation, while a solid body and shock-absorbing rubber armor provide an awesome ergonomic grip. The Titans are shockproof, waterproof, and dustproof, and furthermore feature o-ring sealed and nitrogen-filled optics to prevent any moisture or debris from entering the viewing frame.
The brand even includes a quick alignment smartphone adapter mount that you can secure to the monocular in order to snap photos with! The mount is compatible with essentially all smartphone models, including the new iPhone 12 series!
All in all, this is a killer value monocular for the beginner birder seeking an introductory level set of optics that will up their birding game, big time!
This 20 to 60X adjustable magnification monocular enables the viewer to lock on to their target, and then zoom in for a closer look! It’s a highly capable piece of equipment whose price point makes it a perfect introduction to more complicated, in-depth optics. The monocular remains user friendly, but its versatile and dynamic operation and applications will no doubt encourage the birder you’re shopping for to master their understanding of light transmission, viewing angle, magnification, and more!
The BAK4 Porro prism optics utilized in the design increases light transmission and provides bright, clear, high-contrast images even in lower light conditions. This monocular certainly does not offer the same level of clarity and image quality offered by higher-end brands, but for the cost, you’ll be hard-pressed to find this level of magnification and image clarity.
As with the Titan monocular previously listed, Gosky includes a smartphone digiscoping adapter in order to easily capture photos and videos of the birds you view with your smartphone. There is also a tripod mount included for more stable viewing, as well as a handy carry bag for easy transport and storage!
Between this monocular’s inherent capabilities and all of its included accessories, this is without a doubt one of the best value buys for the money when it comes to scoring a high-magnification viewing device at a reasonable price point!
Maven is a heavy hitter within the industry when it comes to building top-notch, excellent quality optics, and the C3 ED 12X50 Binoculars are no exception to the brand’s reputation. Offering remarkable edge-to-edge clarity, high-powered 12X magnification, and a generous depth of field, these binoculars will undoubtedly exceed your favorite birder’s expectations when it comes to their optics!
Offered in both 10X50 and 12X50 magnification, the C3 ED Binoculars can be precisely matched to the needs or preferences of the birder you’re shopping for. The higher-powered 12X magnification model will provide a closer look at discrete field marks and enable longer range viewing, but in turn, has a smaller field of view. This also means the 12X model will react more to faint shaking of the hands, so it’s really a matter of control and field of view versus magnification.
Both the 10X and 12X models are outstanding for birding applications, so don’t worry too much about the differences in their performance if you’re simply looking to give the gift of an optics upgrade!
Featuring crystal clear extra low-dispersion (ED) glass, fully multi-coated lenses, and a durable polymer frame that feels great in your hands and around your neck, Maven has really hit all the bases here!
Waterproof, scratch-resistant, and fogproof lens coatings go on to ensure unimpeded field use – because the brand knows you’re going to put these binoculars through the abuses of the outdoors – even if you’re just casually birding!
Another outstanding model by Maven also worth checking out that’s offered at a slightly lower price point are the C1 8X42mm ED Binoculars. The brand recently sent me a pair of the C1s to field test for myself, and their clarity, ergonomics, and overall performance have blown me away!
All Maven optics come with an unconditional lifetime warranty, so you can go ahead and purchase in confidence knowing that the brand stands behind their gear!
These extraordinarily engineered binoculars offer 15X magnification, and an impressive 56mm wide objective lens, providing the viewer with some seriously up close and personal, crystal clear viewing.
Featuring a 62-apparent viewing range, these binoculars keep your peripherals from closing in too far despite their remarkable magnification level. Fluorite-containing glass goes on to offer 93% light transmission, enhancing color fidelity and brightness immensely! You get what you pay for with these ones!
These binoculars are furthermore ergonomically designed to feel great in your hand, and even better against your face, even if you wear eyeglasses! Rotating strap connectors, integrated lens and eyepiece covers, and the substantial, yet still impressively light 43.2-ounce weight all add up to a seriously user-friendly, mindfully designed pair of binoculars.
Considering the level of investment here, the brand goes on to offer a lifetime warranty for optics and a 10-year warranty for other parts, so you can buy in confidence knowing your favorite birder is covered in the event of a mishap!
A tree stand enables birders to gain access to the forest canopy and offers an entirely novel viewing angle and insight into the environment. Summit Treestands’ Mini Viper SD Climbing Treestand is the perfect option for birding applications that’s easily brought along on essentially any outing!
Passionate birders who implement tree stands are able to view natural history events otherwise impossible to see from the ground, hear bird song more clearly, and experience an entirely different vantage of avian behavior while all the while remaining wonderfully incognito in the woods! It’s a unique and highly rewarding approach to birding that will no doubt yield some incredible moments, photos, and memories!
The Mini Viper SD Climbing Treestand weighs just 18 pounds and can support up to 300 pounds. Able to be worn into the field like a backpack and then deployed in a matter of minutes with a little practice, this hunting tool will forever change the way your favorite birder chases their high in the wilderness.
This minimalist treestand option features a suspended foam-padded seat with a backrest for unparalleled comfort and is built with a closed front and a full body fall arrest harness system to ensure maximum safety. You can remain seated all day long, or go ahead and safely stand in order to capture that perfect photo!
The aluminum 5-channel platform frame is furthermore designed with dead metal, sound deadening (SD) technology, so you remain remarkably quiet up there even when you need to shift or move around a bit. The birder you’re shopping for will likely have all sorts of incredible, undisturbed animal encounters while patiently sitting in this stand – there’s a reason hunters rely on them to get close to deer and other game species!
Your favorite birder can set up camp parallel in the canopy to an active nest in order to view hatching, feeding, first flights, and more, or set this treestand up just above the understory vegetation layer of the canopy in order to score a top-down, unimpeded view. The applications are truly endless, so if you’re shopping for a creative and die-hard birder, this is without a doubt the go-to gift!
If you’re shopping for a passionate birder who enjoys fully immersing themselves into the landscape in order to observe undisturbed avian life, a portable hunting blind could make for a killer gift idea. Ameristep’s Throwdown Ultra-Compact Ground Blind is perfect for adding some concealment to your bird watching setup and is both easily carried into the field and quickly deployed.
Weighing just 1.8 pounds, this blind is built with a patented hub design and integrated stake system, so it’s very easily packed and carried into the field and takes just moments to set up. Available in a few different camouflage patterns, this blind features realistic 3D leafy die-cuts and will blend nicely into most forested environments. Sized to accommodate two hunters, the blind measures 27 inches tall, and 91 inches long.
A thoughtful and practical gift idea that’s bound to be a hit with serious birders looking to up their concealment game!
Concealment is key to successfully viewing many different species of particularly elusive and disturbance-sensitive birds. Even less wary, more common birds are much more effectively and closely observed with the use of a hunting blind that keeps you and your gear hidden from the eyes, ears, and noses of nearby wildlife.
The Ameristep Tent Chair Blind is the perfect portable hunting blind for bird watching that’s easily carried into the field, and sets up in just 30 seconds! This option is offered as both a one, and two-person model, so you can purchase for birding pairs or soloists.
Keep in consideration the fact that birds and other animals are constantly in communication with one another – or at least taking note of each other’s behaviors and responses. If a blue jay sounds its warning call when it sees you step out from under a tree limb in order to snap a photo, all the birds within earshot are alarmed to your presence and know to steer clear. Oftentimes even the birds that simply heard the warning call of another bird nearby (even across species) will also sound a warning call of their own, spreading concentric rings through the landscape that are basically just announcing your presence…. not ideal if you want to view nature undisturbed.
This demonstrates the importance of camouflage apparel and hunting blind application for scenarios in which you’re really trying to remain hidden from even the most alert wildlife.
Built from Durashell Plus, a custom-woven matte-finish that makes this tool lightweight and durable, the Tent Chair Blind implements Mossy Oak camouflage for visual concealment and a ShadowGuard coating for reducing silhouettes and trapping odor. Rest assured that once you’re fully set up and quietly sitting in this blind, the woods will resume its undisturbed behavior as if you’re not even there!
This portable blind is perfect for erecting a base camp for enjoying long days of birding and offers excellent concealment in a variety of (mostly woodland) habitats.
The footprint of this blind measures 55 by 55 inches, so two people can easily make themselves comfortable in here. The windows are zipperless in order to be as quiet as possible, and the purchase includes a carry bag, ground stakes, and tie-down rope so you’re fully equipped and ready to go. Carrying this blind is easy for most people of normal strength, and setup takes less than a minute!
The brand even includes four removable blaze orange safety panels for some added safety during hunting season, because with concealment of this level you certainly want to ensure you can be seen when there are sportsmen in the woods!
Tell your favorite birder to pack a chair, a snack, a field guide, and their optics, and they’ll be in business for a seriously awesome session of wildlife observation!
This book features more than 150 pages picturing classic, monochrome plumage art alongside some hysterical and dirty aphorisms. The author creates a sort of personality for each bird species, and pairs the ridiculous profile with classic scientific illustrations – it’s entertaining to say the least!
No doubt a hilarious addition to any naturalist’s personal library or a coffee table read that’s bound to go over well!
Including an index and log pages for writing down all of the most important details of a given bird watching session, this log book will help the avian enthusiast you’re shopping for to become more methodical about their hobby and provide them with a written history of their most favorite encounters that they can look back and reflect on!
What It’s Like to Be a Bird by renowned ornithologist David Allen Sibley is a truly fascinating text for any birding enthusiast with a true passion for learning and understanding the ins and outs of what it’s actually like being a bird! This book covers topics from nesting to singing and eating to flying, and aims to answer “what birds are doing and why”.
Covering mostly common backyard birds, Sibley has written this book for birders and non-birders alike with the intention of sparking some curiosity followed by an understanding of what birds are doing and why.
The overall quality and practicality of Sibley guides are renowned in the bird-world and this book is no exception to the reputation the author has made for himself!
Here’s a wonderful gift idea for a birder who’s been practicing to better identify bird songs.Bird Songs: 250 North American Birds in Song by Las Beletsky is an invaluable resource when it comes to both getting a chance to hear, and mentally log the sounds and songs of our North American species.
Here’s a passage from the about the author section of this book to give you a better idea of who put together this stellar learning tool. “Les Beletsky is a professional bird biologist and natural history expert. Prior to taking up nature writing, he conducted twenty years of behavioral research on birds, concentrating on bird vocalizations and breeding behavior. He has written or co-written more than thirty-five papers and two books on birds, one of which won an award from The Wildlife Society as “outstanding wildlife ecology book of the year.””.
Simply put, Beletsky is a more than credible authority when it comes to bird song, so rest assured you’re giving the gift of a quality learning tool here!
This purchase includes a beautifully illustrated and easily navigated book, along with a handheld audio device pre-loaded with the 250 bird songs and sounds. The intention is of course to use the two tools together in order to gain a truly comprehensive understanding of each bird species.
This book pokes fun at both birds and birders, featuring “poorly rendered illustrations, boring migratory maps, and facts about each useless bird”. The book identifies and discusses over 50 “dumb” birds that your favorite birder may or may not be already well-read on, but we guarantee this will be a new and unique perspective for them!
A perfect gift for passionate birders and those who can’t stand the sound of morning bird song alike, this silly book is bound to be a hit!
If the birder you’re shopping for pursues avian species by kayak, the Perception Splash Seat Back Cooler could make for a killer gift idea. One of our top picks within our list of the best kayak coolers, this handy seat back cooler is compatible with virtually any kayak with lawn chair style seating.
This cooler attaches to the back of kayak seats via strong bungee ball system and features a zippered opening on the top for easy reach-around access. There are also exterior lash points for securing additional gear.
RF welded internal seams keep paddle drips, splash, and rain out while 3/4-inch thick closed cell foam insulation ensures drinks and food stay cold all day.
No doubt a stellar gift for any lover of the outdoors in general that’s bound to be a pivotal piece of gear for extended days birding out in the boat!
Every bird watching enthusiast ought to own an outdoor hat with a classic aesthetic. Wide-brimmed sun hats are the unspoken uniform of birding, and the Tilley Endurables LTM5 Airflo Unisex Hat is one of the best quality and sharpest-looking options on the market!
Built from 100% recycled nylon with a polyurethane membrane and designed for UPF50+ protection, these hats offer both a striking aesthetic and a high degree of functionality. Equipped with a durable water-repellent coating and moisture-wicking hydrofoil, Tilley hats don’t wind getting wet either – a foam liner in the crown furthermore adds buoyancy in the event the hat takes a spill into the water.
There is an integrated sweatband across the forehead as well as grommets for added ventilation, so the Airflo Hat remains comfortable to wear even during periods of high exertion in warm weather conditions.
My personal favorite feature, Tilley has included a built-in slim pocket located within the crown of the hat that’s perfect for stashing an ID, some cash, or other small items.
Available in a wide array of aesthetics, there’s an LTM5 Airflo suited for everyone!
The Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants are an excellent choice of field pants available in both men’s and women’s sizing that will make a wonderful bird watching gift for anyone who appreciates high-quality, performance apparel for the outdoors.
These nylon pants are perfectly suited for bird watching applications, featuring an active fit with articulated knees and trimmed calves, two-way stretch, and a great array of pockets for stashing your on-hand essentials. They also pack nice and compact for easy storage and transport. The Guide Pro Pants are intended for active pursuits in the outdoors, so they can keep up with any bird watching style!
Treated with a StormRepel DWR water-resistant finish, these pants will furthermore not wet out in the event of some unexpected (or expected) weather.
Eddie Bauer has even built these pants with bluesign certified fabric to ensure safe and sustainable textile production, so this is a gift you can feel good about giving – especially to someone with a love for wildlife and wilderness!
Nothing beats a reliable down jacket when it comes to remaining comfortable in the cold. Sierra Designs’ 800 Fill Whitney DriDown Hoodie is in our opinion, one of the best value options on the market for those seeking a high-quality, yet reasonably affordable down jacket for outdoor applications.
Insulated with 800 Fill Power DriDown, this jacket is treated inside and out to resist moisture, so it fares better than most down garments when it comes to enduring some wetness. Your favorite birder will not want to wear this as an outer layer during heavy rainfall, but it will not wet out when worn through less intense precipitation.
Elastic cuffs around the wrists effectively seal in heat and eliminate drafts while a full hood and adjustable cinch-waist go on to provide a customizable fit. The brand has ensured this jacket can be worn in a manner that very effectively traps all of your precious body heat tight to your frame, so your favorite birder can really batten down the hatches with this one!
Two zippered handwarmer pockets, an inside kangaroo pocket, and an insulated yoke zipper pocket provide an impressive degree of storage and organization for bringing along any essential birding tools or gadgets such as field guides, GPS units, and binoculars. Perhaps best of all in regards to convenience, the DriDown Hoodie stuffs into its own zippered pocket for easy storage and transport, so it’s an excellent travel companion!
Available in both men’s and women’s sizing and offered in a sharp array of colors, you can score a Whitney DriDown Hoodie for anyone and everyone on your gift list this year!
A packable rain jacket is a brilliant piece of deployable gear for enduring the elements that every birder ought to own. The Helium II Jacket by Outdoor Research is a fantastic option available in both men’s and women’s sizing that is remarkably packable, weatherproof, and stylish for its price point.
Built entirely from nylon, this is an ultralight rain garment weighing in at just 5.5 ounces. The Helium II is the sort of rain jacket that’s easily stuffed into an already full pack so it’s there when you need it, and barely even noticeable when you don’t!
Engineered to be fully seam-taped and built with YKK AquaGuard zippers, Outdoor Research has designed this garment to be truly wind and waterproof. It’s perfect for a quick walk in the woods, or for a full-on expedition, so rest assured this will make for a great gift if you’re concerned about your favorite birder getting some use out of it!
Available in a tremendous array of color options, selecting an option that suits the person you have in mind is furthermore made easy!
Here’s a HUGE gift idea for the bird watcher on your gift list who’s deserving of a particularly awesome gift this year! The Perception Pescador Pilot 12 Foot Sit on Top Kayak with Pedal Drive is a truly brilliant tool for silently sneaking around water bodies with hands-free propulsion!
The pedal-driven propellor system of this personal vessel enables you to power the boat with your feet rather than paddling it, meaning your hands are free to hold a camera or pair of binoculars. The ability to power the boat via propellor furthermore means you stay especially quiet and low profile compared to traditional kayaks that create a bigger disturbance through paddling.
The lawn chair style mesh seat with 2-level seat adjustment is exceptionally comfortable for all-day sits, and the kayak is even stable and spacious enough to comfortably stand as long as the conditions are not too rough. Featuring a 475-pound weight capacity and tons of below and above deck storage, your favorite birder can pack all of their essential gear and more in this boat!
Four integrated rod holders and a cup holder are also included here which can be modified to serve all sorts of functions, so the possibilities are endless! If the birder you’re shopping for also enjoys fishing as a hobby, then this will make for a doubly awesome gift idea!
Make sure to check out our post on the best pedal kayaks if you’re interested in this gift idea and want to explore some other options!
The Outdoor Research Helium Rain Pants are a brilliant layer to own for those unexpected changes in weather while spending time in the outdoors. Packing down to the size of your palm, your favorite birder can toss these pants into their backpack and ensure they stay dry at a moment’s notice.
These 100% Nylon, 30D ripstop seam-sealed pants are exceptionally lightweight while also offering complete wetness protection and an awesome degree of breathability. The Helium Pants are designed to be worn over your pants, but still remain nice and streamlined so as to not slow you down while trekking.
An elastic waistband, gusseted crotch, and elastic cuffs o on to ensure a snug but comfortable fit, while ankle zippers help to accommodate pairing these pants with high boots.
Best of all, these rain pants pack into their own back pocket for unparalleled portability, so you can truly take them anywhere.
Available in men’s and women’s sizing, this is without a doubt a brilliant tool for diehard birders who don’t let a little weather get in their way.
The Sitka Gear Gradient Hoody is an exceptionally capable and highly equipped garment designed for actively stalking and hunting in a wide variety of wilderness contexts. Engineered for sportsmen seeking a high-performance garment that offers unmatched warmth, comfort, and concealment, this is a BIG gift idea that your favorite bird watcher will end up utilizing for a whole lot more than viewing birds!
Sitka Gear is an industry leader within the hunting world that’s renowned for its innovation, wide array of offerings, and above all else – quality of craftsmanship. The brand builds outrageously awesome garments for enduring challenging conditions and environments that are perfectly tailored to the context-specific needs of the hunter.
With the Gradient Hoody, Sitka has engineered an ultra-versatile garment that can be worn as a mid-layer or outer-layer depending on the conditions. Designed for waterfowl hunting applications, in particular, this hoody will be the perfect bird watching companion on virtually any outing where you can reasonably match the camouflage options to the landscape.
The high-gauge polyester knit face is mechanically stretch bonded to a high loft fleece backer and furthermore treated with a durable water repellent finish in order to prevent wetting out. This hoody is super cozy and insulating, yet it doesn’t limit your freedom of movement in the slightest.
Featuring thumbhole cuffs and a warming muff pocket for some assistance retaining your dexterity and an upper storage pocket on the chest for stashing a smaller piece of gear or gadget, Sitka has stayed true to their reputation with this garment and equipped it with some highly practical features for self-sufficiency in the field!
Muddy wetlands, post-storm woodlands, and spring melt conditions all require a pair of high, waterproof boots in order to keep your feet bone dry and comfortable. These rubber and neoprene boots are entirely waterproof and feature a fleece lining in addition to two millimeters of thermal foam underneath the footbed. The insulating ability of these boots is as a result rated down to -40 degrees F, quite impressive in our opinion!
The 5mm neoprene construction provides an excellent degree of comfort and flexibility while the stretch-fit comfort topline seals in warmth while excluding debris from entering the boot. The high-grade rubber exterior of the main boot body furthermore ensures you can wail on these boots all you want without having to worry about their integrity – they’re built to be rock solid and to last for many seasons of wear.
While these boots offer impressive insulating ability, integrity, and waterproofing, they remain reasonably lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear.
The KEEN Targhee III Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boots are just a downright awesome pair of all-around boots for the outdoors that any bird watcher will love owning! Available in both men’s and women’s sizing, you can snag a pair of these righteous boots for anyone on your shopping list!
These boots are engineered to be remarkably breathable, waterproof, and comfortable for all-day wear while also offering an impressive degree of top-notch traction, support, and integrity. Equipped with an all-terrain rubber outsole and a torsion stability external support shank for enhanced support on uneven surfaces, the Targhee IIIs feel super solid underfoot and can handle any adventure.
These boots furthermore feature next to no break-in period, so they’re essentially ready for a full-on adventure right out of the box!
Perfect for exploring woodlands, deserts, mountains, beaches, and more in search of birds, the Targhee IIIs are bound to be a staple in your favorite bird watchers gear locker!
Nobody likes cold toes. Remaining properly insulated while out in the field birding is imperative to having a good time, and sometimes long, still sits lying in wait for avian visitors can make for a chilly experience.
Dr.Warm’s Rechargeable Heated Insoles are a brilliant solution to combatting cold feet during the winter season that will change the game when it comes to enduring freezing temps. Featuring several different heat modes warming up to 150 degrees F and up to 5 hours of battery life per charge, these insoles will ensure you don’t have to worry about chilly toes while remaining stone-still.
Available in a few different sizes, simply cut these insoles to the shape of the shoes/boots you want to fit them into, and charge them up. A remote control is included, so you can even change the heat setting without having to reach down and tinker with the insoles themselves.
Be sure to check out our post on the best heated insoles for some additional options if you like this gift idea.
How about the gift of some bug defense? Sawyer Products’ Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent and Clothing Treatment could make for a stellar gift idea if the birdwatcher you have in mind does battle with mosquitos, ticks, and other insect pests.
This package deal comes with some regular insect repellent as well as a clothing treatment for your outdoor apparel. According to the brand, the Picaridin lotion is effective for up to 14 hours against mosquitoes and ticks; and up to 8 hours against biting flies, gnats, chiggers, and sand flies. The clothing treatment will last up to 6 weeks or 6 washings, and will not stain or damage clothing, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces, or outdoor gear.
Best of all, Picaridin has been reviewed by Consumer Reports as the Fisherman’s Formula in its list of safe and effective insect repellents – so this is a friendlier alternative to DEET-containing products.
Owning an ultra-portable, compact camp stove for anywhere-cooking is a luxury that outdoorsmen and women of the past would have killed for. The Primus Micron Trail Stove is a brilliant companion when it comes to preparing dehydrated meals, boiling water for coffee, and sauteing meats and veggies to name just a few applications!
If you think the bird watcher you’re shopping for would enjoy the ability to prepare a hot meal rather than pack a sandwich on some of their more intensive outings into the wilderness, this will make a truly righteous gift that’s bound to see a ton of use! Pumping out 8900 BTUs, this is an impressively powerhouse little camp stove that can easily cook for one or two people!
Weighing just 3.1 ounces and able to fit in the palm of your hand when collapsed, packing the Micron Trail Stove is a non-issue. Featuring a narrow high speed flame for increased wind resistance, a Piezo igniter, and an oversized and foldable control valve for precise flame control, this is furthermore an impressively capable stove when it comes to performance.
How about some hot coffee while watching eagles nest? Or perhaps a nice bowl of soup while listening to a pair of cardinals calling? We’re talking next-level opulence here folks! Just screw this potent little camp stove right onto a propane gas canister and you’re ready to cook!
When embarking on any outing into the wilderness, it’s wise to bring along at least a minimalist first aid kit. The VSSL First Aid Mini Compact Adventure First Aid Kit is a brilliant solution that packs wonderfully light and low profile.
Measuring just 6.75 inches tall and 2 inches wide and weighing less than 10 ounces, this handy little set of first aid essentials can be easily packed into an already full bag. Including all of the necessary components for patching up and treating minor injuries in the field, the brand describes this kit as “Virtually indestructible, watertight, and ultra-compact; It’s the ultimate “vessel” to carry our curated first aid components.”
Made from 6061 military grade aluminum, this is a bomb-proof kit that you don’t have to worry about being gentle with. There’s also an integrated compass and LED flashlight built into the case, so this first aid set doubles as a piece of survival gear.
Equipped with 45 different first aid essentials all curated into categorized tins, navigating this kit is furthermore made easy.
The Fjallraven Kanken Mini Classic Backpack is a charming and highly functional gift idea that will make for a wonderful carry companion on more casual bird watching outings.
This backpack is not designed for high activity hikes and trekking applications, but that doesn’t mean it can’t absolutely hold its own in the outdoors. The Mini Kanken is built from Vinylon F. fabric which is dirt and water-resistant and features an additional rain flap for shielding the contents of the bag from the elements.
Offering just seven liters of storage space, this is a very compact backpack that will not be able to accommodate large gear loads. It is however perfectly suited for packing a pair of binoculars, a few field guides, and a snack – making it an awesome day pack option for budding naturalists and veteran bird watchers alike!
Featuring a unique and head-turning aesthetic that the brand is renowned for within both the outdoors and fashion industry, the Kanken is available in a tremendous array of color options in order to precisely match the preferences of the person you’re shopping for!
The ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Backpack is one of our favorite picks within our list of the best hunting backpacks that is designed for streamlined, organized performance in the field. If the bird watcher you’re shopping for is serious about their passion and goes all-in when it comes to their gear, this bag is an accessory they will LOVE owning!
This pack offers about 44 liters of storage, so you can pack quite a bit of gear in this bad boy. There is an integrated hydration pocket and port, zippered waist belt compartments, and a unique organizational front shelf pocket in addition to the main compartment here, so the Pursuit offers a high degree of organization.
There is also a gun or bow carry system included here which may or may not be relevant to the bird watcher you have in mind.
The front shelf pocket is a particularly cool and practical feature that essentially functions as a little table space for you while sitting in the wilderness. While bird watching you can use it to set down your binoculars, enjoy your lunch, or flip through a field guide to name just a few potential applications.
A hip belt and chest strap are also included in the design in order to assist with bearing the weight of a fully packed bag, so the Pursuit remains streamlined and low profile even when fully loaded.
With a few different camo options to choose from, selecting an option that matches your favorite birder’s local landscape should be easy!
If the person you’re shopping for often embarks on wet and wild missions in search of interesting bird life and also typically carries water-sensitive gear with them into the field, this could be a stellar gift for them. The Sea to Summit Hydraulic Dry Pack is a rugged, abrasion-resistant backpack designed for paddle sports, canyoneering, overlanding, and other outdoor adventures that will ensure the birding enthusiast you have in mind can keep their gear and gadgets safely stored.
Built from durable, waterproof TPU-laminated 600D nylon with a 10,000mm waterhead and welded construction for permanently sealed seams, the Summit Hydraulic Dry Pack is a stone wall to wetness. It’s perfect for stashing camera gear on wet and boat rides, and equally awesome for trekking through the rain and inclement weather in general.
Designed with roll-top closure, loading and unloading this pack is a breeze, while heavy-duty lash loops for externally securing gear are also present.
Best of all, unlike most dry packs, Sea to Summit has engineered this bag with a removable mesh and foam harness in order to deliver maximum comfort and airflow. In other words – this backpack wears more like a performance hiking backpack than it does a frameless dry bag, eliminating the feeling of walking around with a sack of potatoes on your back.
Available in several different sizes and colors, you can furthermore select a size and aesthetic that precisely suits the birder you have in mind.
Perhaps not the most exciting gift, but a highly practical tool for birders nonetheless that is bound to be well received, the OtterBox Performance Fast Charge Power Bank is a handy item to own while embarking on wilderness outings.
Available in several different battery capacities, this power bank will ensure that the birder you have in mind doesn’t end up with a dead electronics in the field. Perfect for adding some juice to cell phones, GPS units, and other electronics, owning a reliable power bank is a wise move if you travel even just a bit off the beaten path.
Equipped with USB-A and fast-charge USB-C ports, this device allows for multi-device charging and even features an LED display that shows you the remaining battery life.
We recommend the 15,000 or 20,000 mAh options due to their higher battery capacity. These models can fully charge a smartphone several times, so it’s the best bang for your buck.
Built with durability and lifespan in mind, the brand even offers a limited lifetime warranty on this product, a sure sign of sound craftsmanship.
If you’re shopping for an avian enthusiast who wears eyeglasses, a pair of Eagle Eyes Polarized Sleek Fitover-Style Sunglasses might change the game for them when it comes to comfortably viewing birds and wildlife.
These are simply sunglasses that are designed to accommodate a pair of glasses worn underneath, so they’re a solid alternative to prescription lenses. Equipped with patented TriLenium Gold lenses, these shades block out 99.9% of UV rays, resulting in better contrast, higher definition, and vivid imagery. Windows at the temples furthermore allow for better peripheral vision.
A unique, but thoughtful gift idea that very well may dramatically enhance your favorite birder’s experience in the field, this is a solid go-to gift depending on who you’re shopping for.
If you’re shopping for a big-time bird enthusiast that lives within the migratory path of any hummingbird species, this is a fantastic go-to gift idea you simply can’t go wrong with! Even if the birder you have in mind already owns a hummingbird feeder, this 32-ounce option from First Nature will make for a welcomed addition to their arsenal!
Designed with an easy-to-fill wide-mouth jar reservoir and a two-piece base, this is an exceptionally easy hummingbird feeder to fill, empty, and clean – so no more frustrating sugary messes! The red color has of course been intentionally chosen for the purpose of visually attracting inquisitive, nectar-seeking hummingbirds.
It’s amazing that with a simple sugar-water mix you can have the opportunity to spectate countless hummingbirds at your very own feeder! Their territorial disputes, incredible acrobatics, and the mesmerizing sound of their rapid wingbeats will no doubt keep your favorite birder entertained as long as there’s someone at the feeder!
If the birder you’re shopping for has a long-standing feud with their neighborhood squirrels when it comes to stealing the seed and food items they set out for their backyard birds, they will love this gift idea! The Squirrel Buster Standard Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder effectively excludes pesky rodent thieves from robbing the feeder!
This feeder works a lot like the standard tubular bird feeders you’re used to seeing but features a spring mechanism that closes the ‘shroud’ that provides access to the birdseed at the base when the set weight is exceeded. The weight limit for the feeder is adjustable, so you can even exclude larger birds such as jays and crows from the feeder if you’re specifically targeting smaller songbirds.
If the birder you’re shopping for has a favorite species, mating pair of birds, or even an individual bird that they enjoy seeing and feeding on a regular basis, then this feeder will allow them to reserve the food items they set out for exactly the intended recipients!
With a lifetime guarantee included, you can furthermore rest assured you’re purchasing a high-quality product with this gift idea!
Measuring about 13 by 9 by 9 inches, this feeder features a main platform for stashing seed and two suet cages for attracting a wide variety of bird species. It’s constructed of reforested, kiln dried, inland red cedar for a sort of rustic aesthetic, and is built with a polycarbonate window in order to keep an eye on the seed level.
The feeder can support up to five pounds of bird seed and two suet cakes and hangs from an attached cable.
This suction cup feeder attaches right to glass windows so you can see your local birds come to feed up close and personal! There are two trays for birdseed separated by a divider, so if the birder you’re shopping for wants to lay out two different types of food to attract a wider assemblage of species, they can! A water tray is also present for leaving some standing water in more arid environments.
Suet is a popular food item to leave out for the birds that’s super energy-rich! Consisting of 35% fat, this blend of rendered beef suet, cracked corn, millet and orange flavoring is bound to be a smash-hit at your favorite birder’s feeder!
This 12 pack of Blue Seal 11 Ounce Year Round Premium Orange Bird Suet Cakes is melt resistant for conducive year-round feeding and comes in no-mess, easy to open packaging. The suet cakes will fit essentially any feeder, and are bound to attract both the backyard birds you’re used to seeing, as well as some new neighborhood friends who won’t be able to resist the nutritional content here!
If the bird watcher you’re shopping for has a known affinity for woodpecker species, then a bag of the Lyric Woodpecker No Waste Mix will make for a wonderful gift!
This special mix of nuts, fruits, and sunflower seeds has been specially selected to attract woodpeckers, while also remaining a great birdseed option for chickadees, jays, nuthatches, and more.
Available as a five or twenty-pound bag, you can furthermore choose between a regular-sized, or a BIG bag of birdseed!
This type of seed will likely attract the widest variety of birds no matter where your favorite birder is regionally located. Black oil sunflower seed has a high energy content and is thin-shelled, enabling even smaller-beaked birds to access the seed within! Anyone who’s ever owned a bird feeder has probably noticed that the sunflower seeds are the first to go!
Wagner’s Gourmet Nut & Fruit Wild Bird Food is a wonderful option for attracting and sustaining a wide variety of common and uncommon songbirds including but not limited to chickadees, cardinals, finches, titmice, grosbeaks, and jays!
Offered as a five pound bag, this birdseed mix includes five highly nutritious foods, all of which are all-natural. No fillers or funny stuff, just protein and fat rich foods that the backyard birds will love! Compatible with all feeder types, this is bound to be a well-received gift!
This heat changing mug will make for a fun and unique gift for any bird lover that enjoys a hot cup of joe in the morning!
This 10-ounce ceramic mug displays 15 different bird species perched on two different wires. The birds appear as silhouettes, but when you pour a hot beverage into the mug, their true colors and details are revealed! Pretty neat huh!?
Shopping for an avid bird watcher and struggling to pin down the perfect gift? Our list of the best gifts for bird watchers has tracked down some awesome ideas for both aspiring and expert avian enthusiasts!
