Gift for a Birder? Suggestions? Particularly books or magazines... (1 Viewer)

[southernwayfarer]

I'm looking for a not-too-expensive gift for a birder in my family. My first inclination is a nice reference book or perhaps a magazine subscription. Any suggestions? The person receiving the gift lives in Louisiana, he's young and is a scientist. Unfortunately they already have Lowery's Louisiana Birds. Is "Birder's World" a good magazine? Any other nice reference books worth considering? Input would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[pinsonp2]

You might try the "The Singing Life of Birds: The Art and Science of Listening to Birdsong" (Paperback) by Donald Kroodsma. It is more than just about bird song, under $20 at amazon.com. Birder's World is a good magazine for a birder too. In addition, there are two new Field Guides recently published that might be good gifts: Petersen's Guide to North American Birds ($26) and the New National Geographic Guide to North American Birds.

 

[Steve Babbs]

Buying books for birders if rather risky, apart from the risk of getting one they don't like there's always the problem that they may have it. As a birder I'd much rather someone played it safe, even if it seems a bit boring, a got me a voucher for Amazon so I could choose my own book.

 

[Stephen C]

day out

Buying books for birders if rather risky..

I agree with this, although not about getting a gift voucher (it's chicken!). Ask around, check his book shelf, etc.

My suggestion would be, if he's a young birder, to find someone to take him out for the day. A friend of a friend, someone from the local bird group (membership here is another option), etc.

He would learn about the birds locally I'm sure and meet a fellow birder. It may only cost you the fuel and a bottle of wine...

good luck

 

[lulubelle]

How young is young?! Depending on his age, a young adult for example, then he may indeed (like the rest of us!) have all of the field guides. If he is in his teens or younger, maybe not and then I would ask his parents what he does or does not have. Other suggestions:
1) A birding calendar
2) Moleskine cahiers from Barnes & Noble - small durable journals (come in sets of 3, can fit in any pocket. Found at front of store by checkout). Pair this with several packages of nice pens. I have a pen fetish and you can never have enough pens or journals! Good for the avid lister.
3) "A Big Year" by Mark Obmascik
4) "A Supremely Bad Idea" -can't remember author!
5) Gloves, scarf and disposable hand warmers (used by hunters). I found some gloves at Academy that are a glove/mitten combo. Good for using bins and when your hands are frozen enough, you can pop a hand warmer in the top of each mitten top, pull over and warm your hands quite nicely!

Sometimes the simple gifts are the best! Hope this helps.