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Binoculars - It works best if each person has their own pair. Look for an inexpensive pair of binoculars with a 7 or 8x magnification. Zoom lenses are not necessary - although they magnify the image, they also narrow the field of view. Smaller binoculars are easier to pack, less expensive and good enough for all but the more serious birders.

Children may prefer a monocular. Less expensive than binoculars, a monocular is also lightweight and fits easily into a pocket.

Field Guide - Just as essential as the binoculars. Get a local Field Guide to Birds, not Birds of the World. Be sure to get a paperback edition as it's easy to pocket, and will be put to hard use in the field. Good photos or detailed color drawings are more useful than a lot of technical information.

Camera - Optional. If you want a 'game trophy' of your best sighting, bring one along. Be sure it has a good zoom lens.

Listening Aids - Serious birders often use expensive little hearing aids to help locate birds in the wild. They are effective, but certainly not essential. Developing natural listening skills is satisfying, helps to focus concentration and is a good basic skill to hone for enjoying and discovering more in nature.

Water and Snacks - Bringing a supply of drinking water is a must. If children are along, you'll need a supply of snacks. . No need to cut short a good time because someone has the munchies! Natural snacks like nuts and seeds are a fitting treat for outdoor activities.

Be consistent with the time spent for each count
Spend about the same amount of time each time you do a bird count, for more accurate comparisons. Also, try to go out at the same time of day, again for comparisons. Early morning is usually the favored time for general bird sightings in most areas.

Count the number of birds within each species observed
While it's fun to count the number of different species you observe, remember to record the number of birds within each species you see. This is a valuable element in the process because it gives you a look at the status of each species' population year after year. If you see a flock of birds, try to estimate their number. When making repeat sightings, make a note and enter it later in your journal under the tally section.

Observe the seasonal changes in local bird populations
Annual Bird Counts can be more than once a year. You can determine your own bird count schedule, and become an expert on local bird species and population during each season. Every season brings migratory changes, all worth observing and noting.

Group size can be large or small
Any number can participate, and an Annual Bird Count is a great community event. Larger groups will be more noisy but the sightings are fun to share together. Dedicated bird counters may want to divide an area up and split the large group into smaller groups to cover more area and to be less obtrusive to wildlife. A notice can be posted showing the overall boundary of the Bird Count, and people can choose any route they like. At days end all meet together to tally the results. A shared pot-luck dinner can make the event downright festive. It will likely become an annual event.

Young children are most welcome!
Some avid birders may want to leave the young children at home, fearing they will have a short attention span or spoil the sightings with distracting noise or behavior. But the young ones have keen eyes and can contribute to the sightings. And most importantly, children need to learn about our interest and respect for nature at the earliest age. These events may set a lifelong pattern of appreciation for nature.

Let the young ones make some of the sightings. If you see a 'new' bird, wait and give them a chance make the discovery. Let even the youngest ones have their own journal to keep their drawings and entries. They'll be proud to share their entries with the group later on, and over time their journals will become family treasures.

Move slowly and steadily, at the pace of nature
Some in the group, especially the younger members, may want to rush ahead to see what's next. Point out to them that most creatures in nature move slowly when not alarmed. When a person moves quickly or suddenly in the forest, the ripple of energy is noticed by surrounding wildlife who instinctly move away from the sound of activity. Your group should proceed at a measured pace, stopping regularly for a while, keeping a calm aspect and speaking quietly together.

Quiet brings results
It's natural to want to make loud exclamations when making a new bird sighting, but this is counterproductive during a bird count. It takes some practice to remain quiet, and children will need reminding, but this greatly enhances the experience of being in nature.

Enjoying the shared experience is the priority, not the birds
In the eagerness to spot and identify local birds, it can be easy to get excited and put the bird count above the shared experience in being together in nature. Relax and have fun together, and if someone scares the birds off with a loud exclamation or some inappropriate birding behavior, let it go. It's more important to have fun together in nature - there will be other opportunities to spot birds. The small adventures we take with family and friends are fleeting and precious, so enjoy each moment!

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