Some people try to be the first to spot a species that is migrating across their area. The only equipment you really need in observing birds is your eyes. Yet, many birds can be identified by their sound alone. Guide books, about birds, can help you learn to identify birds. There are many bird guide books in bookstores and libraries.
Guide books vary in size, price and areas they are covering.
One of the most popular guide books for North America is put out by the National Geographic Society. Check out your library to see if they have an area bird list. When you are in that area, you will know which birds to look for. Binoculars are part of a birder's basic equipment. They will bring all the birds up close, so you can more easily see their markings.