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Birding gift - suggestions wanted (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter itsmatt
- Start date
SueO
Well-known member
I love field guides and they are not prohibitively expensive. A "Where to Find Birds" type book for areas he might like to travel to would also nice. On the expensive side--excellent binoculars or a scope. Also, anything that could make a day of birdwatching easier--special outdoor clothing and the like. What a good son.
Sue
Sue
redeyedvideo
It's like water off a duck's back!
The ultimate gift for someone who is bird crazy could be very expensive if you're talking about a trip to the Antarctic for instance! What's your budget?
Working down from there could be a night or two in the Kruger with an evening game drive thrown in or even a trip to the coast, has he been to Richard's Bay? If these are above budget then a subtle perusal through his bookshelf looking for his field guide may give you some idea, as Sue mentioned books are a good idea unless he's got a library full. Avoid the beginner type guides as well.
When my family don't know what to get me I usually end up with beer - not that I'm complaining but wild bird food would be a better option.
Working down from there could be a night or two in the Kruger with an evening game drive thrown in or even a trip to the coast, has he been to Richard's Bay? If these are above budget then a subtle perusal through his bookshelf looking for his field guide may give you some idea, as Sue mentioned books are a good idea unless he's got a library full. Avoid the beginner type guides as well.
When my family don't know what to get me I usually end up with beer - not that I'm complaining but wild bird food would be a better option.
MJB
Well-known member
One option (which may not be commonplace where you are) is to give him a voucher for a book shop that sells bird books, or for an optics shop. That way your Dad can make his own choice. Good luck!
MJB
I've spent many a day and night in Kruger, but if someone were to organise a surprise weekend to the national park, especially one of the camps in the extreme north, I'd be over the moon ...for a Jo'burg-based birder, can't really think of a better birthday present, and not bad for accompanying sons too :t:
redeyedvideo
It's like water off a duck's back!
Botswana's not too far away either. :t:
Then there's Kurisa Moya Nature Lodge near Polokwane, the list goes on. It's not 3 months since I was in S.A. now I'm pining to go back.
West End Birder
Well-known member
Ahem! ;-) well there is only one book to buy him......
TexasMockingbird
Bird Nerd
I highly recommend a DVD set of David Attenborough's The Life of Birds. It's a spectacular series.
A Falconry Lesson I've been given a Christmas present for them the previous two years and I got another one at Christmas I still need to go on
A cd with bird songs and calls if he's into that aspect of birding, or needs to brush up on bird sounds.
A donation to Bird Life South Africa in his name is also a good idea. Someone sponsored a Puffin in my name at the RSPB for Christmas last year.
A donation to Bird Life South Africa in his name is also a good idea. Someone sponsored a Puffin in my name at the RSPB for Christmas last year.
redeyedvideo
It's like water off a duck's back!
Me too, a bit like giving a vegetarian a voucher for Aberdeen Angus Steakhouse.
Doesn't look like the OP has been back, maybe bought a card instead.
dantheman
Bah humbug
This comes up now and then. Presumably most decent/long time birders already have most of the things mentioned, although of course another birding trip or book tokens would never come amiss.
Without knowing exactly what is missing from their collection, one thing that occurred to me was some original artwork - either original plates from a fieldguide, or a standalone painting. Edging towards ultimate and also kind of safe, unless they have a total loathing for art/don't really like birds.
Without knowing exactly what is missing from their collection, one thing that occurred to me was some original artwork - either original plates from a fieldguide, or a standalone painting. Edging towards ultimate and also kind of safe, unless they have a total loathing for art/don't really like birds.
