BIRDING FOR BEGINNERS

BIRDING REQUIRES KIT THAT’S VERSATILE, TRAVEL FRIENDLY AND MOST IMPORTANTLY INCONSPICUOUS. THIS KIT WILL HELP YOU GET THE BEST FROM YOUR ADVENTURE. WORDS: NORA WALLAYA

MILLICAN BOWDEN THE CAMERA MESSENGER BAG

This lightweight, 20-litre field bag has the space to carry all your essentials along with camera equipment and a laptop. It has an easy-access roll-top, plenty of compartments (including one for a water bottle) and a stabilising strap to secure it to your body while on the move. Plus, it’s made from 65% recycled weatherproof canvas and has aluminium fastenings — not a hint of plastic in sight. RRP: £135. homeofmillican.com

NIKON COOLPIX P1000

With a 125x optical zoom and

250x digital zoom, you’ll be poised to get the most from your bird photography, wherever your subject might swoop. Action shots retain sharpness and clarity with Nikon’s own vibration reduction and image stabilisation technology. Plus, it has built-in wi-fi and Bluetooth for quick uploading and sharing.

RRP: £899. jessops.com

CONTIGO AUTOSEAL

LUXE TRAVEL MUG

This sleek travel mug keeps drinks hot for up to five hours, and cold for up to 12. It’s designed for onehanded drinking, is spill-proof and has a lockable lid and button-push mechanism for easy sipping. It’s BPA-free and is fully dishwashersafe. RRP: £29. gocontigo.com

4 RHS BIRDWATCHING JOURNAL Jot down field notes and record sightings with the help of this new birdwatching companion. With beautiful illustrations along with reference information on identification and habitats, the journal helps you organise the details of your birding trip and learn what to look out for. RRP: £9.99 (pre-order). waterstones.com

RSPB POCKET GUIDE TO

BRITISH BIRDS

Around 950 illustrations and 215 distribution maps make this new edition of the bestselling field guide a must-have for beginner birders. It’s compact — ideal for travel — and has descriptions that cover identification, calls and song. RRP: £6.99. rspb.org.uk

COUNTRY INNOVATION

AVOCET JACKET

A great all-rounder, this jacket is made from a top-quality waterproof, windproof and breathable fabric that also happens to be quiet, with minimal rustle, so you won’t scare away the wildlife. It’s roomy, with plenty of space in the hood and the body for extra layers. RRP: £195. countryinnovation.com

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