Great Gifts for Under $25 for Birdwatchers

Bird watching is a favorite past time of thousands of people internationally. If you have a birdwatcher on your holiday gift list, you are in luck. These observant souls are always on the look out for items to help them in their quest of their winged friends. Here are some suggestions:

Magazine subscription
With the popularity of bird watching being so phenomenal, there are a variety of quality publications available to choose from.

The Audubon Society publishes one of the best publications around for bird watchers. This bi-monthly magazine contains absolutely astoundingly beautiful pictures. In addition to purchasing the publication, your recipient will be offered a variety of benefits. These range from local and national affiliation, field trips, activism opportunities, and many other benefits. You will not be buying simply a magazine for your bird watching friend. An Audubon membership is a cherished thing for birdwatchers.

Visit Audubon online at www.audubon.org for more information.

Birder's Digest is another high quality publication that your bird lover will enjoy. In addition to their bimonthly publication, they sell a variety of bird-related items. The subscription retails at $20. Birder's Digest also offer other membership benefits other than their publication.

Visit Birder's Digest online at www.birdersdigest.com for more information.

Journal/notebook and pen
Avid birdwatchers are always on the lookout for spotting bird species. Having a notebook to record their findings in is an enormous help. Otherwise known as a field journal, they are essential for proper recording of sightings.

Instead of spending big bucks with name brands and fancy packaging, why not stick with the basic, plain and simple notebook? With such a variety to choose from, the easiest to use and most convenient is a basic spiral bound pocket size notebook. Remember, notebook is the basic way of saying journal. Pocket size is the best size for bird watching journals due to its easy portability.

Mead Company, known for their assortment of writing paraphenelia, has some to choose from. Just be sure to pick one with a sturdy cardboard backing. It makes for an easier writing surface while in the field. Retail prices range from $1 - $5.

Notebooks/journals are available at any department store, grocery store, and other retail outlets. Even dollar stores have them.

Don't forget to purchase a pen to go along with the notebook you will be giving. Buy one with a rubber finger grip for ease. Birdwatchers will be recording their findings in various weather conditions. Have a pen that has a rubber area to hold on to while writing will help tremendously. These retail for around $2-5.

Bird Guides
Talk to any avid birdwatcher and sooner or later you will begin discussing bird guides. These books are a necessity for proper identification of the different species. They are usually broken down per region of the country.

A popular bird guide is authored by Bill Thompson of Birder's Digest. There is a different version for different regions, or states, of the United States. These popular guides retail at around $12.

I have seen these Bird Guides sold at Wal-Mart and other department stores. Plus, they are sold in pet stores, usually.

A very popular bird guidebook is titled "Bird Watching for Dummies." You read that correctly. This guide is excellent for both the newbie and experienced birdwatcher. It is written by Bill Thompson and the staff of Birder's Digest.

This guide gives information on bird watching and everything associated with it. For instance, binoculars, clothing, and how to keep a journal are all covered. It retails for around $20. It contains a wealth of information any bird lover will spend hours enjoying.

CDs
Birdwatchers and bird lovers alike love to hear bird songs. What better way to please them then to buy a CD of bird sounds?

A great CD of bird sounds is found in "Guide to Bird Songs" published by Stokes Field. It is available for different regions of the country. It contains both a CD and booklet. Information includes the habitat and location of various species, plus a wealth of other information. Besides being an informative package, it is soothing to hear the bird sounds. It retails around $15-20.

This CD is sold at department stores, like Wal-Mart, and other retail outlets. I have seen it in pet stores, also.

There you have it. Choose from any of these wonderful gifts for your bird watching friend and watch them smile. You may even hear them sing.