Gifts for Bird Lovers and Bird Watchers
- 20 gift ideas
- From under $10 to $100 and up
- 10 niche picks
Good gifts for bird lovers fit how they watch. Field birders use 8x42 binoculars, a binocular harness and a weatherproof notebook, while backyard birders enjoy a squirrel-proof feeder, a window feeder or a heated birdbath. A copy of The Sibley Guide to Birds suits both.
Quick picks
- Best overall: 8x42 binoculars for birding The classic birding size, for a birder ready to upgrade. Idea 1
- Best splurge: A spotting scope for distant birds Reaches shorebirds and waterfowl that binoculars cannot. Idea 2
- Best book: The Sibley Guide to Birds A reference to keep by the window for naming visitors. Idea 6
- Best stocking stuffer: A weatherproof birding notebook A weatherproof notebook for the life list. Idea 4
- Best for backyard birders: A squirrel-proof feeder Keeps seed for birds, not squirrels. Idea 11
Birders split into two camps: those who go out to find birds, and those who bring birds to the yard. The best bird watching gifts match one camp. We sorted these 20 ideas into field gear, books, feeders and yard extras so you can pick for the person you know.
Ask what binoculars and feeders they already own before you buy, and plan on seed or suet to go with a feeder. For retirees and older relatives, our Gifts for Grandparents guide has more ideas.
Ideas 1 to 5
Field gear for birders on the move
For the birder who goes out to find birds rather than waiting for them.
1. 8x42 binoculars for birding
Eight-power magnification with 42 mm lenses is the classic birding size, bright and wide enough to find a small bird in the leaves, so it suits a birder ready to upgrade from an old or toy pair. Look for waterproof construction, a comfortable weight and a neck strap that does not dig in. Let them try a pair first if you can, since fit is personal.
Tip: Keep the receipt, since binocular fit and eye relief are personal.
2. A spotting scope for distant birds
A scope reaches birds that binoculars cannot, such as shorebirds on a mudflat or ducks across a lake, so it suits a birder who spends time at wetlands and coasts. An angled eyepiece is easier to share between people of different heights. Check whether a tripod is included, since a scope needs a steady mount, and plan on buying one.
Tip: Check whether a tripod is included, since a scope needs a steady mount.
3. A binocular harness
A harness spreads the weight of binoculars across the shoulders and stops them from swinging, which is a relief for a birder who walks for hours with a neck strap. It suits anyone who carries binoculars on long walks, trips or festival days. A chest pack style keeps them close and ready to lift. Check that it fits the binocular size they own.
Tip: Check that it fits the size of their binoculars.
4. A weatherproof birding notebook
Rite in the Rain paper takes notes in drizzle and fog, so a field list survives the walk, which suits a birder who keeps a life list or a trip log. It is pocket sized, with a spiral binding. Pair it with a pencil or a pen made to write on weatherproof paper.
Tip: Add a pen made for weatherproof paper so notes stay legible.
5. A phone adapter for the spotting scope or binoculars
Digiscoping means taking photos through a scope with a phone, and an adapter lines the phone camera up with the eyepiece so a birder can record a sighting worth sharing. It suits a field birder who already owns a scope or binoculars. The listing gives a maximum eyepiece size, so check the fit with their gear before you order.
Tip: Check the eyepiece size listed against their scope or binoculars.
Ideas 6 to 10
Books and field guides
6. The Sibley Guide to Birds
David Sibley's illustrated guide covers North American species with detailed paintings of each plumage, a reference to keep by the window for a birder who wants to name what visits the feeder. It suits both beginners and experienced watchers. It is large, so a home copy works better than a pocket one, and it is worth checking that it covers the region where they live.
Tip: The guide covers North American species, so check it suits their area.
7. A book that plays bird songs
Learning songs is how birders find birds they cannot see, and this book plays the calls of 250 North American species. It suits a beginner who is learning to identify birds by ear or a grandparent who likes to match the song to the picture. It has a built-in audio player, so check the battery and format before gifting.
Tip: Check the battery type, and keep spares with the gift.
8. What It's Like to Be a Bird
Sibley's later book explains why birds flock, sing and nest as they do, with large paintings, a coffee-table read for a curious backyard birder who wants to understand the behavior they see at the feeder. It is a book to dip into rather than a field guide. It also works for a reader who is not a birder yet.
Tip: Give it with a feeder, since it is about behavior at home.
9. The Backyard Bird Chronicles
Novelist Amy Tan's illustrated journal of the birds in her yard is a warm read for someone who loves watching their own feeders. It suits a reader who likes nature writing and sketches. It makes a quiet gift for a retiree or a grandparent who spends the morning by the window.
Tip: Add a bag of seed so they can start a chronicle of their own.
10. A Charley Harper bird puzzle
Charley Harper's bold, geometric bird art makes a 1,000-piece puzzle for a winter evening indoors, which suits a bird lover who also likes jigsaws. It is a gift for the off-season when the feeders are quiet. Check the finished size against the table they use.
Tip: Check the finished size against the table they use.
Ideas 11 to 17
Feeders for the backyard birder
Match the feeder to the birds the person wants to see.
11. A squirrel-proof feeder
Brome's Squirrel Buster shuts its feeding ports when a squirrel's weight lands on it, so the seed goes to birds, which suits a backyard birder who is tired of refilling the feeder for squirrels. The cardinal ring gives bigger birds a perch. It can be pole-mounted, so check the pole or hook before you plan the spot.
Tip: Check the pole or hook they use before you order.
12. A smart feeder with a camera
A camera feeder records visitors and suggests the species with AI, so a birder can see who stopped by while they were out. It suits a tech-minded backyard birder or a grandparent who wants to see birds from a phone. App and subscription features were not checked, so read the listing details and the Wi-Fi range before you buy.
Tip: Check the Wi-Fi range at the spot where the feeder will hang.
13. A window feeder for close-up views
A suction-cup feeder on the glass brings birds within arm's length, a treat for someone watching from a chair, or for a grandparent with young visitors. It suits a birder with limited yard space, an apartment or an upper window. Clean glass helps the cups hold, so wipe the window first.
Tip: Wipe the window first so the suction cups hold.
14. A hummingbird feeder that's easy to clean
The HummZinger's saucer design comes apart easily for cleaning, which matters because nectar needs changing often, so it suits a birder who wants hummingbirds on the porch. It is for people who live where hummingbirds visit, so check that first. Add a nectar recipe card and a small brush for the ports.
Tip: Add a small bottle brush for cleaning the ports.
15. A finch feeder for nyjer seed
A fine metal mesh tube made for tiny nyjer seed brings goldfinches to the yard, which suits a birder who wants more small, bright visitors. It hangs from a hook and holds 2.5 pounds. Nyjer seed is sold separately, so add a bag with the feeder.
Tip: Buy a bag of nyjer seed to go with it.
16. A woodpecker suet feeder
A tail-prop suet feeder gives larger woodpeckers, even pileated ones, a place to brace while they eat, which suits a birder who wants woodpeckers in the yard. It holds two suet cakes at a time. Suet cakes are sold separately, so add a few to the gift so they can hang it straight away.
Tip: Add a few suet cakes so they can fill it right away.
17. Dried mealworms for bluebirds
Bluebirds and wrens often skip seed but come for mealworms, a treat that brings different birds to the yard, which suits a birder who already has a feeder and wants variety. It works best in a dish or a feeder made for mealworms. The set has two 18-ounce bags.
Tip: Use a tray feeder or a bluebird box to offer the mealworms.
Ideas 18 to 20
Yard and window extras
18. A heated birdbath for winter
Open water is scarce in freezing weather, and a heated bath draws birds that never visit a feeder, which suits a birder in a cold-winter state. It mounts on a deck rail and needs an outdoor outlet, so check the power before you order. The listing shows a 20-inch bath in a light stone color.
Tip: Check that there is an outdoor outlet near the deck.
19. A cedar bluebird house
A properly sized nest box invites bluebirds to raise a family where the birder can watch, which suits someone with an open yard and some patience. It is made of cedar and built for bluebirds. Place it according to the nest box guidance for their region.
Tip: Read the placement guidance for their area before they mount it.
20. Window decals that help prevent bird strikes
UV-reflective decals are visible to birds but subtle to people, a thoughtful gift for someone who feeds birds near big windows. They are made to make glass visible to birds, so they suit a birder who has had birds fly into the glass. They are low-cost and easy to apply.
Tip: Follow the listing's instructions for where to place them on the glass.
Frequently asked questions
What are good gifts for bird lovers?
Match the gift to how they watch. Field birders want binoculars, a harness or a field notebook, while backyard birders want a squirrel-proof feeder, a window feeder or a hummingbird feeder. Books such as The Sibley Guide to Birds suit both. Ask what feeders and binoculars they already own.
What do you buy for a birder who has everything?
Look at the extras: a binocular harness, a phone adapter for a scope, a weatherproof notebook, a smart camera feeder or a heated birdbath. A book such as What It's Like to Be a Bird also works. Our Gifts for Someone Who Has Everything guide has more ideas.
What are the best binoculars for bird watching as a gift?
8x42 is the classic size for birding, bright and wide enough to find small birds in the leaves. Look for waterproof models, and check weight and fit with the birder. Keep the receipt, since binoculars are personal and the person may want to try a different pair.
What is a good gift for someone who feeds birds?
A squirrel-proof feeder, a window feeder, a finch feeder with nyjer seed, a suet feeder or a bag of dried mealworms suits a backyard birder. A hummingbird feeder works where hummingbirds visit. Add seed or suet, since feeders are sold empty.
What are good bird watching gifts for grandparents?
A window feeder or smart camera feeder brings birds close to a chair, and a field guide or a book that plays bird songs adds to the pleasure. A puzzle of bird art also suits a winter afternoon. See Gifts for Grandparents for more ideas.
What do you get a bird lover who is just starting out?
A beginner needs a way to see birds and a way to name them: a basic feeder, a field guide such as the Sibley guide, and a pair of binoculars. A window feeder is an easy first step, and a book that plays bird songs helps with identification.
