Bird watching is one of the most interesting experiences that you shouldn’t miss in Africa. It is an exceptional activity of its own offering birders a great chance to enjoy sight of amazing birds and listen to their incredible melodies as they sing. Unlike other activities/attractions, birding is noted for its simplicity-you don’t face strict rules while on bird watching adventure, no actual expectations/minimum requirements to meet except you spending great time with unique birds.
The essential equipment you must carry to ensure that you have enjoyable and successful birding trip include;
Binoculars.
A pair of binoculars should be a must-have when packing for bird watching in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania or any part of Africa. Binoculars are essential during birding tour as they help draw birds close to you. No need to look for expensive set of binoculars, find affordable ones and have great time with avifaunal species in the forest.
A good set of binoculars can go at US$150-200 or even US$1000 but you make a choice on what you can afford.
Field guide.
Birding can be more frustrating especially if you are the first birder. Imagine such moments when you find yourself at birding site full of colored birds but you can’t identify any. That can be frustrating and that is why the field guide plays a significant role.
A field guide contains descriptions of different birds in a particular place and comes with illustrations, information about their habitats etc. Field guides are essential for all novice bird watchers and also expert birders while in a new birding destination away from your home country.
Check list.
A check list is same as a field guide as it brings out the lists of birds that thrive in a particular place. But the difference between the two is that, the field guide isn’t more detailed except only where the bird species have been fully studied.
Check lists are essential for birders for keeping track of the birds he or she sights while on a bird watching tour. The checklists are easier to carry, they can be folded and slipped into your pocket or your daypack making it simpler to pick each time you come across bird species.
Good pair of shoes/boots.
While on birding trip, expect to venture off the trail though most birder usually emphasis ‘keep to the trail.’ Your enjoyment during bird watching isn’t restricted and this means, you must have good shoes/boots lightweight and essentially waterproof. Birding is done anywhere-you can venture into wet/muddy undergrowth, swamp, sand dune, forest etc.
Camera.
A novice birder or expert bird watcher, a camera should be a must carry equipment no matter the birding destination you plan to visit. Get a good camera and don’t leave behind extra batteries, cleaning tools, memory cards/other camera accessories.
Field clothing.
What you wear during bird watching is essential. You should carry clothes that match the environment and mind about the weather. Avoid brightly colored clothes-find something that makes you comfortable.
Daypack.
A daypack is one essential item you must have for bird watching. Carry not any daypack but choose a waterproof one too help protect your documents, field guides, hat, dry socks, extra checklists etc., in case it does rain.
Hat.
Birding has no specific time and not to suffer from sun heat, don’t forget to carry a hat. While on bird watching, expect to spend a little long hours than you may have planned.
Optics.
You can carry optics besides a set of binoculars/spotting scope. Optics are effective and offer you the best of bird watching expedition.
Notebook & pen.
To an expert birder, a notebook may not be necessary but first time birder needs it to keep record of their bird observation. It is the perfect way to learn bird identification, take note of detailed description of the birds you identify. Alternatively, you can carry a tablet / smartphone rather than carrying too many books.
