As we nestle into the festive season, it’s the perfect time to gear up for some exciting birdwatching adventures!
Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or find the perfect gift for a fellow bird lover, we’ve got the ultimate list of birdwatching gifts and equipment that will make anyone chirp with joy.
1. Celestron Nature DX 8×42 Binoculars
Price: Approximately £150 (new), £100 (used)
When it comes to birdwatching, a sturdy pair of binoculars is essential. The Celestron Nature DX 8×42 binoculars are a fantastic choice, offering clarity and brightness that any birdwatcher will appreciate.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 8x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 42mm
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Close focus distance: 6.5 feet
- Lightweight and easy to carry
Review Highlight:
One reviewer on Amazon raves, “These binoculars are amazing for the price! Crisp images and the lightweight design is perfect for long walks in the countryside”.
Where to Buy:
2. Opticron Traveller BGA VHD 8×32 Binoculars
Price: Approximately £350 (new), £275 (used)
If you’re looking to splash out a bit more, the Opticron Traveller binoculars are compact, lightweight, and perfect for birdwatching on the go.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 8x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32mm
- Fully multi-coated optics for improved light transmission
- Waterproof design
Review Highlight:
“A fantastic pair of binoculars for their size. They fit easily in my bag, and the image quality is outstanding,” said one satisfied birdwatcher.
Where to Buy:
3. Birdwatching Field Guide: Collins Bird Guide – 3rd Edition
Price: Approximately £15-£20
The ultimate reference book for bird enthusiasts – now in its third edition. A comprehensive field guide is a must-have for any birdwatcher, and Collins Bird Guide is a firm favourite.
Key Features:
- Beautiful illustrations and photographs
- Clear identification keys
- Covers size, habitat, range, identification and voice
Review Highlight:
The Times describe this guide as “The richest, most comprehensive of the current guides”.
Where to Buy:
4. RSPB Guide To Birdsong By Adrian Thomas
Price: Approximately £17
Help the birdwatcher in your life to identify birds by their songs! This book is great for both beginners and seasoned bird watchers.
Key Features:
- CD & digital downloads included
- More than 100 songs and calls of 65 garden, woodland and farmland birds
- Reference section includes a detailed description of 185 further birds of the UK and north-west Europe
Where to Buy:
5. Roamwild Pestoff Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder
Price: £34.99
No birdwatcher’s garden is complete without a bird feeder and this one is spring loaded! This means that the feeding ports close when larger animals land on the feeder and automatically reopen for songbirds. No more spending a fortune feeding wood pigeons and squirrels!
Key Features:
- Prevents access from squirrels and large birds.
- Easy to fill and clean
- Holds up to 2 litres of bird seed
Where to Buy:
6. RSPB Classic Nest Box
Price: £18
A well-constructed nest box can provide a safe haven for birds to raise their young. The RSPB Classic Nest Box is designed to be both functional and eco-friendly, encouraging birds to take refuge in your garden.
Key Features:
- Made from untreated wood to ensure safety and comfort
- Suitable for different species such as sparrows and blue tits
- Easy to install and maintain
Review Highlight:
One customer noted, “I put this up in the spring, and by summer, I had blue tits nesting! It’s wonderful to see them thrive, and I love knowing I contributed.”
Where to Buy:
7. Ceramic Bird Bath On Pedestal
Price: Approximately £55
A bird bath is essential for attracting various bird species to your garden. This beautifully designed bird bath not only provides a place for birds to drink and bathe, but it also adds an aesthetic touch to your outdoor space.
Key Features:
- Shallow design caters to small birds
- Elegant pedestal with a classic finish
- Easy to clean
Where to Buy:
8. RSPB Gift Membership
Price: From £5 per month
Thinking of a gift that gives back? An RSPB membership is a wonderful way to support wildlife conservation while providing access to exclusive benefits.
Key Features:
- Free entry to RSPB reserves
- Access to a monthly member magazine
- Discounts on bird care products and events
- Opportunity to participate in conservation activities
Review Highlight:
An RSPB member said, “Becoming a member has deepened my appreciation for nature. The member events are a fantastic way to meet like-minded people and learn more!”
Where to Buy:
9. Sponsor a Cuckoo
Price: From £3 per month
Sponsoring a Cuckoo is a really popular way to see first-hand the movements of this iconic migratory bird. Their stories are bound to amaze and their feats are guaranteed to inspire any bird enthusiast.
Key Features:
- Up-to-date tracking of the migration in real-time
- All the proceeds will go to support the British Trust for Ornithology’s work.
Where to Buy:
10. Birdwatching Magazine Subscription
Price: From £4 per month
The Birdwatching Magazine caters to birders of all ages and abilities offering a treasure trove of help, expert advice and the latest bird news.
Key Features:
- Print and digital subscriptions available
- Site guides to 10 varied and wildlife-rich UK locations
- Expert reviews on the latest birding gear
Review Highlight:
A happy customer states, “Extremely informative with excellent regular features and interesting and sometimes amusing articles by the knowledgeable column writers’.
Where to Buy:
Wrapping Up!
These fantastic birdwatching gifts are perfect for any birding enthusiast (or maybe just for yourself!). From essential birding gear to thoughtful conservation contributions, you can’t go wrong with anything on this list.
As you celebrate, consider giving the gift of birdwatching; it’s a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Join the conversation! What’s on your wish-list for Christmas this year? Add a comment to tell us all about it!
Happy birdwatching and merry gifting!
