What to Bring on a Bird Walk

A bird walk needs more than binoculars and a route. Pack drinks, coffee, sandwiches and snacks for the group, then prepare practical field and safety gear for changing light and weather. You will also need printed maps, name badges, pens and directional signs so people can follow the route without constant instructions. This shopping list covers the supplies to buy or bring before the walk, including items that are easy to arrange too late.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 3
Chairsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 3

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Extension cordsqty 2
Power stripsqty 2
Power banksqty 4

Field equipment

Binocularsqty 15
Telescopesqty 2
Bird guidesqty 10
Clipboardsqty 6
Red light lampsqty 8
Headlampsqty 8
Rain ponchosqty 10

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Reusable platesqty 40
Reusable cutleryqty 40
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving traysqty 4

Paperwork

Route mapsqty 40
Name badgesqty 40
Pensqty 12
Directional signsqty 8

Safety

First aid kit
Whistlesqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Washing-up tubsqty 2
Trash bag holdersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee beans - 1 kilo
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Orange juice - 4 liters
- Cola - 2 bottles
- Cola Zero - 2 bottles
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 40 pieces
- Multigrain rolls - 40 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Butter - 500 grams
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Student mix - 2 kilo
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Paper napkins - 3 packs
- Stir sticks - 1 pack
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls

Tips

Plan around two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add more for longer walks or warm weather. Bring coffee, tea, chilled drinks and enough reusable cups for the full group.
Take at least one pair of binoculars per two participants where possible, and check every pair before the event. Test telescope eyepieces, headlamps, red-light lamps and batteries the day before, not at the meeting point.
Pack one printed route map per participant, plus a few spares for volunteers. Prepare name badges and pens in advance; handwriting them while people arrive creates a queue at the start.
Bring rain ponchos even when the forecast looks dry, especially for early-morning walks. Add a first aid kit, whistles and charged power banks so volunteers can handle minor incidents and low phone batteries.
Allow time for drinks and snacks to be set out before participants arrive. If you use coffee machines or kettles at the starting location, check access to power and pack extension cords and power strips beforehand.

Frequently asked questions

What food should I bring for a bird walk?: Pack sandwiches and easy-to-carry snacks, with at least one portion of each per participant. Bring extra food for roughly 10% of the group, and confirm dietary requirements before shopping.
How many binoculars do I need for a bird walk?: Aim for one pair per two participants if people will share, or one per person for a more continuous viewing experience. Check all binoculars before the walk and bring at least one spare pair if available.
What should I pack for an early morning bird walk?: Bring coffee, tea, chilled drinks, sandwiches and snacks, plus headlamps or red-light lamps for low light. Pack rain ponchos and charged power banks at least one day before the walk.
How many route maps should I print?: Print one route map for every registered participant, plus 10% extra for late arrivals, damaged copies and volunteers. Prepare them no later than the day before so missing copies can still be replaced.

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