The Birding Gear You Need (If You’re a Time Traveler)

One of the best things about birding is that it requires almost nothing: just a bird nearby to admire. But for those looking to elevate their experience at home or in the field, Audubon has had no shortage of recommendations. From DIY projects like how to fashion your own birdhouses from cigar boxes, tomato cans, or gourds (a 1952 article advised readers: for the best selection, grow your own!) to the latest advances in photography and outdoor gear, we’ve covered it all.

On the occasion of our magazine’s 125th anniversary, our editors pored over our archives and scoured the internet to find items, both vintage and modern, that we’ve featured over the years. The result: a pan-historic buyer's guide. Below, explore our selection of products and projects that proves technology may change, but appreciating and protecting birds never goes out of style.

1. 1914 Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America by Frank Chapman
2. 1947 Guides by Audubon editor Roger Tory Peterson boosted interest in birding by focusing on field marks and simple descriptions.  
3. 2021 Audubon’s Birds of North America evolved to include conservation threats faced by 800-plus species.  
4. 2022 Patagonia’s featherweight Houdini windbreaker could be packed into a pocket.  
5. 1924 For those with musical chops, a pitch pipe helped turn birdsong into sheet music. 
6. 1953 The Audubon Bird Call, a hand-operated lure, was popular with children—and women who didn’t want to smear their lipstick.  
7. 1964 Before digital sound files, birdsongs were on vinyl. 
8. 1917 Early birders sported fedoras for both sun protection and fashion. 
9. 2015 Direct-to-consumer sales meant Maven’s high-end B1 8x42s cost less.
10. 1942 Bausch & Lomb were some of the most popular binoculars pre-World War II, when only a few thousand pairs were made in the country each year.  
11. 1952 Pencils and a notebook offered an engaging, affordable alternative to photography. 
12. 1909 Early avian photographers embraced the compact Pony Premo No. 2 camera. 
13. 2015 eBird app 
14. 2016 Adapters like Phone Skope converted smartphones into zoom cameras. 
15. 2015 The Stanley Classic thermos, still a birders’ staple, dates to 1913. 
16. 1986 Kowa TSN-2 scope 
17. 1956 Quickset’s aluminum elevator tripod raised a scope to eye level. No more “stooped” and “unhappy” victims! 
18. 2009 Tilley became the modern birder’s go-to brand for its light, durable shade (that floats!).
19. 2019 Bogs’ comfy waterproof boots created instant comfort in frigid, wet conditions. 
20. 2009 Audubon’s squirrel-resistant tube feeder ensured birds got all the goods. 
21. 1943 Columbine, zinnias, and other native plants were a boon for birds. 
22. 1904 A hole cut into a cigar box created a home for cavity-nesting songbirds. 
23. 1952 Gourd birdhouse

This story originally ran in the Summer 2024 issue as part of a package called “Time Flies,” celebrating the 125th anniversary of Audubon magazine. To receive our print magazine, become a member by making a donation today.