What to bring for a garden bird count

A garden bird count needs more than binoculars and a tally sheet. You will be preparing several observation spots, welcoming participants, and keeping everyone supplied while they record sightings. Plan food and drinks for the full group, plus enough clipboards, pencils, forms and guides for each counting position. Weather protection, charged devices, lighting and a simple cleanup setup are easy to overlook, especially when the count starts early or runs into the afternoon.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Folding tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 35
Party tentsqty 2
Observation stoolsqty 12

Equipment

Binocularsqty 12
Birdwatching telescope
Tabletsqty 2
Chargersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 2

Lighting

LED lanternsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Reusable platesqty 40
Reusable cutleryqty 40
Serving traysqty 4
Pitcherqty 4

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 2
Small bowlsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2

Stationery

Clipboardsqty 35
Pencilsqty 40
Waterproof markersqty 6
Tally formsqty 40
Name badgesqty 40
Rolls of tapeqty 3
Bird guidesqty 10

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 8
Waste binsqty 4

Groceries

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Semi-skimmed milk - 4 liter
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Honey - 1 jar
- Still mineral water - 6 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 liters
- Orange juice - 3 liters
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Bake-off rolls - 40 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilogram
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Tomatoes - 1 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Salted pretzels - 3 bags
- Whole grain cookies - 4 packs
- Speculaas - 3 packs
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Unsalted nuts - 1 kilogram
- Napkins - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs
- Birdseed - 2 kilograms

Tips

Prepare one complete counting kit for every observation spot: a clipboard, tally forms, pencils, a waterproof marker and a bird guide. Add spare pencils and forms so one lost item does not stop the count.
Check binoculars and the birdwatching telescope before participants arrive, then charge every tablet and phone overnight. Bring the correct chargers, extension cords and at least one backup power option.
Buy drinks for the whole session, not just the welcome period. Use thermos flasks for hot coffee and tea, coolers for cold drinks, reusable cups and a pitcher for easy serving.
Pack snacks that can be served without a kitchen: use serving trays, small bowls, cutting boards and bread knives. Check dietary requirements before shopping and keep suitable options clearly separate.
Do not leave weather and visibility items until the morning itself. Party tents, observation stools, LED lanterns, tape, waste bins, cleaning cloths and buckets should be ready before the route and observation spots are set up.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a garden bird count?: Bring binoculars, a birdwatching telescope, bird guides, tally forms, clipboards, pencils and waterproof markers. You will also need seating, weather cover, charged tablets or phones, drinks, snacks and basic cleaning supplies.
How many tally sheets and clipboards do I need?: Prepare one clipboard and one set of tally forms for each permanent counting spot, plus at least 10% extra forms and two spare pencils per spot. This covers misplaced sheets and damaged paper.
How much food and drink should I buy for a bird count?: Plan at least two drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Provide one snack portion per person and add 10% extra if the attendance list may change.
What should I prepare the day before a garden bird count?: Charge tablets and phones, check binoculars, print the forms, pack each observation kit and confirm dietary requirements at least 24 hours beforehand. Set out signs, tents, seating and lighting before participants arrive.

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