Spring is a fantastic birding season, but it can be unpredictable both in terms of weather as well as birds. Birders who are prepared with the proper equipment can enjoy safe, productive birding throughout spring.

Basic Gear in Spring

No matter what the season, birders always need basic equipment. By understanding the unique challenges of spring birding, however, that equipment can be adjusted for greater effectiveness.

• Optics: Birding binoculars that include lens coatings to preserve a true color representation are best in spring, when breeding plumages are uniquely colored and can be great clues for identification. Waterproofing is also desirable for spring optics, when rain can be more frequent. Greater magnifications can help birders get close views of birds without disturbing nests, and both binoculars and spotting scopes should be thoroughly cleaned in spring to remove any accumulated dust or dirt from less use in winter.
   
• Field Guide: A field guide is essential for spring birding when migrants are arriving. The most appropriate guide will use photos or illustrations to show both breeding plumages and late winter molts, particularly of last year's hatchlings just getting their adult coloration. Because warblers and shorebirds are such highly sought after spring species, specialized guides such as The Warbler Guide or Shorebirds of North America, Europe, and Asia are excellent reference tools for spring birding.
   

• Field Bag: A birder's field bag should be large enough to hold all their tools easily. There are many types of field bags to choose from, but a spring bag should be camouflaged or neutrally colored so it is less noticeable to birds, and the fabric should not rustle. Birds are especially sensitive to intruders and disturbances when they are claiming spring territories and protecting nesting areas, and the less birders provoke them, the better the birding will be.
   
• Hat: Days are growing longer in spring, but the sun is still low in the sky and can compromise birders' vision, especially early and late in the day when the birding is best. A comfortable hat with a broad brim is a good choice, and ventilation in the hat's crown will keep it more comfortable as temperatures rise.
   
• Camera: Spring can provide many spectacular photo opportunities as birds show off their bright breeding plumage and perch in open areas to sing. To avoid stressing birds, however, a zoom lens is essential, and many birders also make great use of macro settings and close focus lenses in spring to capture blooms and wildflowers.
   
• Notebook: A small notebook with a waterproof cover is ideal for recording spring sightings lists and bird counts. A notebook with both blank and lined pages can also serve as a nature sketchbook.
   
• Water: While the temperatures may not yet be scorching in spring, it is important that birders always carry water to stay hydrated. Smaller bottles may be appropriate in spring, but if longer hikes are planned, a larger supply may be necessary.
   
• Clothing: The weather and temperatures can shift suddenly in spring, and what started as a balmy day may quickly feel more like winter. Dressing in layers can help birders stay comfortable, and bringing along a lightweight jacket or rain poncho can be helpful. Shoes should have good traction in case trails are slippery from spring rain, and it can be wise to continue carrying gloves until late spring.

More Equipment for Spring Birding

In addition to the basic necessary supplies, a few other tools can help birders be prepared for any field conditions they may encounter in spring. The following items can be particularly useful:

• Sunscreen: After a long winter of indoor activities, it can be very welcome to be outdoors in the spring, but proper sunscreen should always be worn.
   
• Cleaning Cloths: An extra supply of lint-free cleaning cloths or lens cleaning wipes can be useful to keep optics free of pollen when spring plants bloom.
   
• Recordings: Birds are at their most vocal in spring as they use songs to claim territories and attract mates. Reviewing bird recordings can be useful to help birding by ear, but birders should always be careful not to stress birds with the overuse of sound recordings.
   
• Medication: Birders who suffer from pollen-related allergies may want to bring along extra medication in case their symptoms flare up while in the field. Watering eyes can make it more difficult to watch birds carefully, and sniffling noses can alert birds to potential threats.
   
• Wildflower Book: Spring flowers can be amazing to see, and birders who want to learn more about the habitats of their favorite birds can readily use a book on local spring wildflowers. Similarly, butterfly or insect books can also be helpful.

Before Heading Out for Spring Birding

Even with all the best supplies and proper gear, spring birding can be overwhelming. To stay safe and enjoy every moment of spring migration and birding all season long…

• Check local sightings for news of fallouts or the first appearances of spring migrants.
• Check updated weather reports to stay aware of possible storms.
• Consider joining bird festivals or groups to learn more hotspots to enjoy all year long.

Spring is many birders' favorite season, but to make the most of it, the proper gear is essential. By having all the right equipment and understanding how to make the most of spring conditions, birders can do their best birding in spring.

Photo – Spring Grackle © Sean McMenemy