For the birds

Our pick of the best gear for birdwatchers

The scope

There’s nothing like an extreme close-up of a zootie (that’s birder slang for a rare or unusual bird) in the wild. And while binoculars can get you close, if you want to make sure you can confirm the identification with detailed observations, you need a spotting scope. According to the experts, it’s the fastest way to advance your birding. The Nikon Prostaff 3 Fieldscope packs incredible magnification in almost all lighting conditions, in a simple, lightweight and durable package with a water and fogproof construction, and has fantastic optical quality. Comes with a compact tripod and carry case.

About PGK1068; nikon.com.

The bag

Wood & Faulk’s waxed canvas field bag – hailing all the way from Portland, Oregon, in the US – includes a luxurious, comfortable leather strap and trim, solid brass hardware, and a zipper to keep your belongings secure, so you’ll be the best-looking birder going around. Easy to keep clean and to keep you camouflaged in your environment, at 28 centimetres high without handles, it’s also the perfect size to fit your camera, binoculars, notebook and water bottle, all within quick and easy reach when you spot that rare find. About PGK475; woodandfaulk.com.

The whistle

Kaufmann Mercantile’s wood and metal bird call whistle set is not only highly accurate and made from long-lasting woods and metals, but is also handcrafted by a birder in a small workshop in the French mountains. The set of six – which you can use to summon feathered friends including golden plovers, long-billed curlews and black-billed cuckoos – can be stored away in their pine box for protection between uses. Because they’re that fancy. About PGK919; kaufmann-mercantile.com.

The guide

A true delight for the bird fancier and the first definitive ornithological field guide to New Guinea, the Birds of New Guinea by Beehler, Pratt and Zimmerman is good for amateurs and serious bird watchers. Beginning with a detailed introduction to the region, it covers more than 700 species of birds, illustrating more than 600 of them, and covers identification, distribution, ecology, vocalisations and behaviour. Also includes sections on climate, biogeography, rainforest ecology and conservation. About PGK143; amazon.com.

The binoculars

You don’t have to be a professional ornithologist to treat yourself to a great pair of binoculars. And when we say great, we’re not talking about shelling out thousands of kina, either. These Alpen Optics Wings binoculars have super bright, sharp optics, an ergonomic lightweight design, are waterproof and fog-proof, and come with a lovely case. About PGK1267; alpenoptics.com.

The journal

Made from 100 per cent recyclable, all-weather paper that sheds water, dirt and grime, the Rite in the Rain birder’s field notebook lets you document your birding outings no matter what the weather. Jot down notes and observations or sketches, and kiss soggy, illegible paperwork goodbye. It works with any pencil of course, but pairs particularly well with Rite in the Rain’s mechanical pencil, which comes in black, red or yellow. Journal about PGK32, pencil about PGK47; amazon.com.

The chair

If you’re keen to just sit, soak up the serenity and wistfully watch your birds in peace for a while, this portable trail chair from LL Bean could be just the ticket. Made from a lightweight, durable material, it includes adjustable side straps so you can find just the right recline angle, and foam cushioning so you can get comfortable no matter how rough the terrain. There’s even a pocket on the back to hold your birding journal and reference books when your hands are busy zooming your lens. Available in red, olive or camouflage. About

PGK100; llbean.com.

The camera

Unfortunately, you aren’t going to go very far in birding with a standard point and shoot, or your phone’s camera. But the good news is you don’t have to break the bank, especially if you choose Canon’s PowerShot SX50 HS. It shoots birds in flight easily in Sports Mode, has a 50x optical zoom lens that goes all the way from a wide-angle 24mm to 1200mm to capture the minute details on feathered subjects, and shoots full high-definition video – all in the form of a compact digital camera. About PGK1362;

shop.usa.canon.com.

The threads

Of course you can dress in any clothes you want to go birding. But if you choose the right colour palette and fabric you’ll scare fewer of them away. Filson’s ultra-lightweight Feather cloth shirt and durable Dry Shelter cloth pants will blend into any forest or jungle habitat. Both available in olive and tan. From about PGK443; filson.com.