With over 40 million birders in the United States (that’s more than one in ten of us!), almost everyone has a birder on their holiday list. It might be grandma with a backyard full of bird feeders … which are full of squirrels. Mom sending you grainy photos attached in emails titled “look at this bird I saw!” (see above photo). Dad at a national park wearing khakis with binoculars aimed at a distant fluttering feathered friend.
Or you have a friend who likes to put birds on things.
Ok, maybe some of those are the birders on my holiday list. Whoever is on your list this year, the Bird’s the Word holiday bird gift guide will start you on your way.
First up, let’s upgrade those binoculars. While portable and great for a quick look at a bird, binocs don’t offer the distance and stability of a good spotting scope.
They’ll definitely be invited to that hawk gawking party now.
Next, for the bird lit person on your list (you know, they have a shelf full of bird guides…), I’d recommend my favorite birding book Kingbird Highway, by Kenn Kaufman. Part road trip, part see-as-many-birds-as possible, written by one of the most noted birders in the world. It’s inspiring!
For that quirky bird-art loving niece, how about some steampunk songbirds? Made out of found antique objects, each one is unique, and are sometimes sold at Joie de Vivre in Cambridge.
Perfect for the next Waltham steampunk gathering.
Finally, there’s no place quite like Etsy to find lots of birds on things. The prints and paintings from Natasha Newton’s Etsy store are particularly striking.
Since Etsy allows you to select by a location as well, you can narrow your search to Boston and see what comes up, like these adorable little bird carvings:
This way to local bird gifts!
Happy shopping this holiday season, for all the birders on your (bird) list! Don’t forget the partridge in the pear tree.
PHOTO CREDIT TO: My mom