Bird-watching kits available for checkout at St. Pete libraries
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I checked out my pair after a birding event at the North Community Library in St. Pete. Photo: Kathryn Varn/Axios. Then I went birding at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve for my birthday! Photo: Courtesy of Winston Bartlett
Did you know the St. Petersburg Library System has bird-watching kits available for checkout?
- I didn't, either — until I went with a friend to a bird-watching event at the North Community Library.
- Along with taking us birding in Fossil Park, librarian Andrew told us about the bird-watching kits available for checkout in the library system.
Why it matters: Bird-watching had a moment during the pandemic and continues to be a popular pastime that has mental health and environmental benefits.
Zoom in: Each kit comes with a pair of Celestron Outland X 10x42mm binoculars (a $73 value, per Amazon), a Sibley's Backyard Birds of Florida folding guide, a Birds of Florida Field Guide and lens wipes.
- There's also a tip sheet for how to use the binoculars for the uninitiated, like me.
- I checked out a pair and had a blast spotting ospreys, blue jays, gators and more at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve for my birthday.
Get your kit: There were five kits available as of Monday. If you check one out, let us know how it goes by emailing [email protected].
