Bird Count Day Shopping List

A bird count day needs more than binoculars. You will need route materials, recording supplies, volunteer equipment, registration items, and food and drinks for people returning from the field. Prepare one complete kit for each counting route, then keep spare pencils, tally sheets, and power banks at the registration desk. This checklist covers the practical items to buy, borrow, charge, print, and pack before participants arrive.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 48
Party tentsqty 2
Folding stoolsqty 8

Field equipment

Binocularsqty 20
Telescopesqty 4
Tripod for telescopeqty 4
Bird guidesqty 12
Route mapsqty 12
Clipboardsqty 20
Tally sheetsqty 100
Pencilsqty 40
Pencil sharpenersqty 4
Compassqty 8
Backpacksqty 12
Reflective vestsqty 12
Name badgesqty 60
Information boardsqty 6

Equipment

Tabletsqty 4
Power banksqty 6
Charging cablesqty 8
Walkie-talkiesqty 8

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Flashlightsqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 4

Kitchen

Water jugsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving traysqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Dustpans and brushesqty 3

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 6
Pocket whistlesqty 8

Catering

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Ice packsqty 12
Coffee filtersqty 100
Reusable storage containersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 6
Corkscrewsqty 2
Bottle openersqty 3
Cool bagsqty 8
Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea selection - 100 bags
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemon tea - 2 boxes
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Grape juice - 3 packs
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 60 pieces
- Whole wheat rolls - 30 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Aged cheese - 2 kilo
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Butter - 500 grams
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Mandarins - 4 kilo
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Nut mix - 4 bags
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning sponges - 2 packs
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Nitrile gloves - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Plain crackers - 4 packs

Tips

Prepare one clipboard, tally sheet, pencil, route map, and bird guide for every counting route, plus at least 10% extra pencils and sheets for replacements.
Charge every tablet and power bank the day before, and pack the matching charging cables. Do not rely on one charging point at the registration desk.
Pack binoculars, compasses, reflective vests, and flashlights by route rather than leaving them in one central box. This makes distribution faster during the briefing.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add water for the field period. Use coolers for chilled drinks and thermos flasks for hot drinks.
Set aside enough reusable cups, plates, and cutlery for every registered participant, volunteer, and organiser, with at least 10% extra for late arrivals or dropped items.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a bird count day?: Plan binoculars, bird guides, clipboards, tally sheets, pencils, route maps, and compasses for each counting route. Add telescopes with tripods, tablets, power banks, walkie-talkies, backpacks, and reflective vests according to the route and volunteer setup.
How many binoculars do I need for a bird count event?: Aim for one pair per participant who does not bring their own. Add at least 10% spare equipment, so a group of 20 people would need 22 pairs if everyone requires one.
How much food and drink should I buy for bird counters?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, followed by water for the rest of the count. Buy one sandwich per participant and volunteer, plus around 10% extra snacks and sandwiches for late arrivals or larger appetites.
When should I prepare the bird count shopping list?: Check and pack field equipment at least 2 days before the event. Shop for food and drinks 1 day before, chill the drinks overnight, and charge tablets and power banks the evening before.

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