Try several kinds of binoculars before deciding what to buy. Binoculars ranging from 7x35 to 10x50 are ideal for bird-watching. Compact models are handy for carrying in your pocket. For beginning birders, your best bet is 7x35 binoculars with coated lenses and central focusing. The 35 is the lens size in millimeters.
Coated lenses reduce glare and the halo effect common in uncoated lenses.
Be sure to protect the coating with a special cleaning kit, available at camera stores. Using binoculars efficiently takes practice. You'll soon get the knack of keeping your eyes on the bird while raising the binoculars. Many river companies carry high-powered spotting scopes that can be set up at camp for wildlife watching. These powerful scopes can make it easy to see birds at a great distance.