Binoculars

• A pair of binoculars is an essential bird identification tool.binoculars image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com
  
  A pair of binoculars helps tremendously in getting a good look at distant birds. Binoculars are the most important basic birding tool and they need to be chosen with care.
  
  

Field Guides

• These are pocket-sized books that can be carried in the field for bird identification. There are many excellent ones available for all of North America and for different geographical regions.
  
  

Check Lists

• National Parks have bird check lists for their specific areas.Grand Canyon National Park image by jay clark from Fotolia.com
  
  These abbreviated lists are available for specific sites such as National Parks and Monuments, individual states and countries, wildlife areas and state parks.
  
  

Birding Associations

• Each state has local chapters of the National Audubon Society and the American Birding Association. Check listings in local papers or go online to find nearby chapters and meeting places. Guided field trips also are available.
  
  

Online Bird Identification Aids

• Online help exists at such sites as The Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birding.com.
  
  

Bird Song Recordings

• Become familiar with bird songs to help identify birds.Background with a silhouette of a singing bird image by Jadehawk from Fotolia.com
  
  Learning the sound each kind of bird makes aids in identification even if the bird is difficult to see. Sound files are available at birding sites online or on CDs.