Tips for Birding in Your RV

From the barnacle goose to the short-billed dowitcher, there are an estimated 914 bird species in the United States and Canada.  This diversity is one of the biggest reasons people love birdwatching: they can chase after rare species and fill notebooks with their collection of feathered prizes. 

Birding is a natural hobby for RVers. While traveling to amazing destinations across the country, RVers will have the opportunity to see gorgeous and unique birds that would never fly into their backyards.  

If you are interested in learning more about birding, we are highlighting some informative and inspirational resources to get you started.  

What is birding all about?  

Birding is a beloved activity for all ages. From the moment you pick up your first pair of binoculars, you'll begin to learn how to identify birds by their look and sound, and you'll feel a connection to nature like never before.  

To get started, visit the American Birding Association, National Audubon Society or the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. These organizations are packed with resources for all aspects of birding. 

Here are some great articles for beginners: 

• Audubon Society: How to Start Birding 
• Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Binoculars and Beyond: Nine Tips for Beginning Bird Watching 
• Birdwatching Bliss: Bird Watching Tips and Helpful Hints to Become a Better Birder

What Do I Need to Go Birding?  

Unlike some hobbies, birding is not gear-intensive. The most important things you'll need are a good pair of binoculars and a field guide to look up species.  

Binoculars

For advice on binoculars, visit the Cornell Lab's article, "Six Steps to Choosing a Pair of Binoculars You'll Love." For a more technical overview, head to Optics Planets' write-up, "How to Choose the Best Binoculars."  

Field Guides

Field guides are in-depth catalogs of bird species that include physical descriptions, habitat ranges and pictures. They are available in print and digital formats, as well as apps that feature bird songs and can even aid in identification. Learn more with the Audubon Society's Best Birding Guides and Apps.

Additional equipment

Once you have the basics, you can stock up on clothing, waterproof notebooks and other outdoor gear. For longer lists of suggestions, check out Audubon's "Guide to Birding Gear" and Bird Watching HQ's "Recommended Bird Watching Equipment, Gear and Resources."

Where Can I Go Birding?  

You can go birding anywhere there are birds! Many birders like to set up a feeder and see what arrives in their backyards.

But RVers will want to travel. When you are planning your RV destinations, research national and state parks on your route. These are often great locations for birding, and their websites can offer tips on the best places to go.  

Besides national and state parks, the American countryside abounds with birding locations.  Check out these lists of birdwatching hotspots in every state.  

• Bird Watching Daily: Hotspots Near You
• BirdNote: Find Places to Birdwatch Near You 
• Fulltime Families: Birding from Your RV 

Another great way to find birding locations is to connect online with other birders, either on forums or through social media. RVing lets you make new friends around the country, and you can learn more tips and tricks from birders who share your passion. Read these articles for more information on the birding community.  

• All Best Binoculars: Birding Forums 
• Wild Birds: Find Other Birders
• Audubon: How to Meet Other Birders
• Audubon: How Twitter Can Make You a Better Birder 

Inspired to go out on a birding adventure? Make sure you pack everything else you'll need for RV journeys with our RV Adventure Checklist. Download free today!