What to bring for a bird count day

A bird count day needs more than binoculars and route maps. Plan food and drinks for the full group, plus practical equipment for outdoor routes, registration and changing weather. This list covers the items to buy, borrow or bring, from waterproof clipboards and reflective vests to coffee, sandwiches and waste bins. Check quantities against your registration list, then leave time to chill drinks and pack route materials before participants arrive.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 30
Party tent
Waste binsqty 4

Equipment

Binocularsqty 15
Telescopesqty 2
Flashlightsqty 12
Power banksqty 6
Megaphone
Thermos flasksqty 6

Sports equipment

Reflective vestsqty 20
Waterproof clipboardsqty 15
Measuring tapesqty 4
Compassqty 6
Binocular strapsqty 15
Route signsqty 12
Conesqty 20

Tableware

Mugsqty 35
Glassesqty 35
Platesqty 35
Cutlery setsqty 35
Serving plattersqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 6
Coolersqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea bags - 100 pieces
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Lemonade - 4 bottles
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilos
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Whole wheat bread - 10 loaves
- Whole wheat rolls - 40 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper cups - 50 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dish cloths - 10 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Plan around 500–750 ml of drinks per participant for a half-day count, including water, coffee and tea. Bring extra thermos flasks so hot drinks can be served while teams are out on their routes.
Allow one sandwich per participant, plus 1–2 snacks each. Buy a few extra portions for volunteers and late arrivals, and keep dietary-requirement items clearly separated.
Prepare one waterproof clipboard, writing set and route map for each counting team, with at least two spare sets. Pack measuring tapes, compasses and binocular straps before the morning of the count.
For outdoor routes, provide one reflective vest per volunteer and enough flashlights for anyone returning after dark. Add power banks and LED lamps if teams may be away from the registration point for several hours.
Do not leave shelter and waste disposal until the last minute. A party tent, waste bins, coolers and route signs should be ready before registration opens; check extension cords and lighting if the venue has limited power.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a bird count day?: Plan one sandwich and 1–2 snacks per participant for a half-day event, plus about 10% extra for volunteers and late arrivals. Add separate portions for every dietary requirement collected during registration.
How many binoculars should I bring to a bird count?: Aim for one pair of binoculars per counting team, not necessarily one per person. Bring at least two spare pairs if the group has more than five teams, and check all equipment the day before.
What should I pack for bird counting in bad weather?: Bring a party tent or other shelter, waterproof clipboards, reflective vests and sealed storage for route maps. Check the weather forecast 24 hours before the event and add extra lighting or power banks if conditions could delay teams.
When should I prepare the bird count shopping?: Buy non-perishable supplies and check borrowed equipment at least 3–5 days beforehand. Get fresh groceries the day before, chill drinks overnight and pack route materials before registration starts.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.