What gear you need for birdwatching

Binoculars

They’re the only thing you really need. The most common choice is 8x42: the 8 is how many times the image is magnified, and the 42 is the diameter of the lenses in millimeters. That combination gives a bright image and a wide field of view, which makes it easier to find the bird.

A 10x42 pair brings birds closer. At that magnification the movement of your hands shows more and the field of view is narrower. If you’re buying, look for waterproof binoculars that focus well at two or three meters.

To identify and keep records

• A field guide to the birds of Colombia, printed or on your phone.
• Merlin Bird ID, to identify birds from a photo or a song.
• eBird or a notebook, to write down what you see.

Clothing

Wear muted colors, such as green, brown or gray. In warm, humid places like Topocoro, light long-sleeved clothes, a hat or cap, a rain jacket and shoes or boots that can handle mud work well.

For a day in the field

Bring water, a snack, sunscreen, insect repellent and a bag for your trash.

Optional

Bird photographers usually use a telephoto lens of 300 mm or more. You can also take photos with your phone through binoculars or a spotting scope.

A spotting scope helps with distant birds, for example out on the reservoir.