bird call whistles

Any experienced birder will have a set of equipment they always pack when heading out to pursue their hobby, but if you are a complete beginner then the chances are that you have been relying on your eyes and ears alone to spot and identify birds. It might be true that these natural senses are all you need to appreciate avian species in the UK, but there are certainly a few things that can help you to have an even better experience. This brief guide is for any novice birder looking to put together a bird watching kit they can use in the field, whether they are heading into the countryside or sticking to the more urban areas.

A small notebook

Every birder knows the rush that comes when they manage to spot a new or favourite species in the wild and will keep a record of which species they have seen, when and where the sighting took place, sketches of the animal, and other notes such as the sex of the bird and its behaviour. Get yourself a small, pocket sized notebook that you can use to record your finds while they are fresh in your mind.

Bird call whistles

Not every birder will use these because they can be considered disruptive to the natural setting, but for species that are notoriously difficult to spot you can try using bird call whistles such as duck calls and curlew calls. These can be used for different purposes, for example, a duck call can be used to encourage ducks to land nearby, or startle them into the air which can be ideal for photographers. Using a duck call in a slightly different way can mimic the sound of prey, encouraging predatory birds like buzzards and hawks.

Many birders and nature photographers use our bird call whistles in such a way because, as any outdoorsman will tell you, you can’t always rely on nature alone to guarantee a sighting or a perfect photo. Our duck calls are a particular favourite among hunters and are often used as a lure for ducks, and others will bring a predator species within your sights. The ACME Duck Call whistle is available in classic wood or a lightweight but durable plastic.

Bird identification book

To help you make positive identifications when out spotting birds you might like to get yourself a pocket guide to the bird species found in the location you are bird watching in. Small enough to keep in a pocket or to store in your backpack, choose one that has illustrations in colour as this will make identification much easier and more accurate.

Binoculars

Binoculars are not strictly essential, but they can make a huge difference to your birding experience. If you will be on the move, spending all day outdoors, or just want to pack light we would recommend a compact pair. Many birders prefer binoculars that allow for between 7x and 10x magnification because magnifications higher than this can limit or distort your field of view, and binoculars are also more stable at lower magnifications. Monoculars are a good alternative that some find more convenient to use.

Outdoor clothing

Unless you are planning to do all your birding from the garden you will likely need to get some clothes that are appropriate for the outdoors. A waterproof hat and jacket that can be packed down into your bag are ideal, and you should also invest in some sturdy shoes or boots.

These are just a few of the basics that can help you get off to a good start as a beginner bird watcher. If you’d like any advice on how to get the most out of your bird call whistles we are always more than happy to help. Browse our range of bird calls, duck calls and curlew calls today.