Great Gifts Under $50 for a Bird Watcher

Surveys estimate 42 million people consider themselves a casual bird watcher in the United States. Do you know one? Chances are you do, and probably need to get an affordable gift for them during this holiday season. I too am an avid bird watcher, and I have a few gift recommendations. These gift ideas for your bird watcher are all personally recommended by me, because I own each of these, and can testify to the quality, interest, and affordability of these items. Don't worry though, I don't benefit in anyway from these gift recommendations, except knowing that other bird watcher enthusiasts are getting quality gifts.

My first gift recommendation for your bird watcher is the Sibley Guide to Birds (http://www.sibleyguides.com/sibleyguide.htm). In my opinion, this is the best birding guidebook on the market today. Don't get me wrong; I have lots of bird guides, but this one it the one I grab first. It is fully illustrated by the talented David Allen Sibley, and has views of the birds standing and flying. It points out key points of identification. It has great maps of where and when you might see the bird in question. If your bird watcher doesn't have this guidebook, then you owe it to them to get this gift. This gift retails for $35.00, but you can probably get it cheaper on Amazon.com. If you want a guide book that is easier to carry around, if your bird watcher likes to hike or bird outside their home like I do, then get the Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America (or if you live on the west coast, the Western version). These smaller guides still have all the birds you will see in your area, but the book is smaller and lighter for your backpack. These retail at $19.99, which makes it a real bird watcher bargain gift!