In the last few years, birding has exploded out of niche hobby status to become one of the most popular outdoor activities in the U.S. Roughly 96 million Americans report watching, feeding or tracking birds in some form, which works out to more than one in three adults.
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It's no wonder — birds are colorful, plentiful and all around us. And birding is an incredibly accessible hobby. All you need is a set of binoculars (though you can supplement your viewing with plenty more equipment, from bird feeders to advanced spotting scopes). Plus, you can do it literally anywhere — I started birding in the middle of Chicago, the third-largest city in the country, and was delighted to learn just how many bird species call this urban area home (more than 200 year-round, with hundreds more passing through during migration in the spring and fall).
In this article: Nikon PROSTAFF P3 8x42 Binocular, NETVUE by Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder and Youvip Metal Roof Bird Feeder
Spring migration is currently underway, which makes this one of the best times of year to get into birding. And instead of guessing when birds might show up in your area, you can use Birdcast, a website that draws from live radar data to track migration across the country in real time. If you’re trying to catch peak movement — or just want to know when your yard is about to get busy — it tells you when to expect avian visitors to arrive.
Nikon PROSTAFF P3 8x42 Binocular
If you want to get into birding, the one thing you absolutely must have is a good pair of binoculars. Don't be tempted by pairs under $50 — their quality is dubious, and you don't want to skimp here. Nikon Prostaffs have solid magnification for a beginner, plus they're comfortably lightweight and gather tons of light, making it easy to ID bird species, even at dawn and dusk. I could write an entire separate article about how to choose binoculars, but this is the pair I confidently recommend to every beginner birder I know.
NETVUE by Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder
This feeder combines a seed tray with a built-in 2K HD camera (powered by solar panels) that sends alerts when birds arrive and uses AI to identify them. You can also live-stream your visitors. The camera even supports night vision.
Built with a metal roof to resist pests, chewing and exposure to inclement weather, this hanging feeder is designed to withstand the elements during outdoor use in all seasons. It's durable and protects the bird feeding area, which makes it great for year-round birds.
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Perky-Pet Glass Bottle Hummingbird Feeder
This feeder uses a green antique-style glass bottle that looks beautiful while still being functional to feed hummingbirds. It has a 10-ounce nectar capacity and is built to hang from your porch or deck with a hook or from a tree.
This outdoor birdhouse includes a solar-powered 1080p camera that lets you view live feeds of the inside, so you can see your resident birds nest and hatch. It's a great way to get a closer look without disturbing avian visitors.
This multi-feeder station includes a vertical pole with multiple hanging hooks, a metal suet feeder and a birdbath attachment. Set it up in your yard or garden to create a central feeding area that can support different food types and attract a wider variety of birds.
Laurel Foundry Modern Farmhouse Hiles Polypropylene Birdbath with Solar Light
This freestanding birdbath is made from polypropylene and includes a built-in solar light for better visibility at night — great for species who migrate at night, like warblers. It provides a stable water source for birds, while also looking great in your garden or yard.
Rosecliff Heights Leominster Freestanding Ceramic Outdoor Birdbath
Constructed from ceramic with a UV-resistant finish, this birdbath is made to hold up to the elements without fading over time. It works as a decorative element for your yard, as well as a stable basin for water, helping to attract birds during all seasons.
FEED GARDEN Glass Hummingbird Feeder
This glass feeder holds 16 ounces of nectar and features four bee-resistant feeding ports with a 360-degree perch. It also includes an ant moat to keep pests out.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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