There is often a feeling that birdwatching is very difficult and you need a lot of specialist knowledge, but to start you don't need any knowledge at all. You only need a pair of binoculars - quite simple ones will be fine to start with, though you may choose more powerful ones later if you get really interested - and a book of birds, the more specific to your area the better. Later you could try a CD of birdsong to help you identify what you hear, but most people find it easier to go by sight, at first anyway.

Early morning is a very good time for birdwatching. You can either take your book or a birdwatching app, and just use your binoculars to try and spot a few kinds. It's about patience, not knowledge - that comes later.

You can also get tips from birdwatching sites or even take a few classes. Have fun.