You Don't Need A Lot Of Equipment To Bird Walk
One of the greatest things about bird walking is that most equipment is optional for bird walking. Not everyone needs a camera with multiple lenses for close up or distant shots, or you might not care about identifying every little brown bird you see, just looking at them may be reward enough for you.
But if you do take bird walking seriously, bird identification guides are a good investment. Only get the field guides of birds in the areas you do your bird walking. Field guides for the birds of the world are not only fabulously expensive, but weigh a ton and are not worth lugging in your pack.
You do need good footwear for bird watching. The shoes or boots need to be sturdy, comfortable and with a minimum of heel. Depending on where you might walk to follow a bird, you might get into some (literally) sticky situations, so don't wear you best shoes.
Some people prefer to walk in shoe-boots, some in Wellington boots. If you are only going around your neighborhood or to tourist bird walking tours, then a pair of sneakers is all right.
Binoculars are also optional, but recommended, especially if you are nearsighted. They needn't be a huge expensive pair, they could even be pair of tiny opera glasses.
This way you can watch the birds without startling them by getting too close for their comfort. You can also spot whether or not you can get a great picture without getting all of you film equipment first. Binoculars can take a little getting used to, so practice first before going bird walking.
Bird Walking Vacations
There are vacation packages catered just for those who love bird walking. You can find them online or ask your favorite travel agent. You could also take vacations close to nature parks or preserves and do your bird walking then.
You can choose from staying at a hotel, a vacation rental home or camping out. Before you go, pack for any kind of weather. Also pack your sense of humor. Nature rarely performs on schedule.
If you think it might be sunny, be sure to wear a hat or at least use sunscreen. You will also need bottles of water, tissues, and protein bars to stave off the worst hunger pangs.
Anyway, I hope that you can enjoy bird walking as much as I do. There is just nothing better than getting out in nature, period. Just follow the above recommendations and you should have nothing to worry about except what species of bird you are going to find.
