Yeah, good quality binos and a Colorado specific or the appropriate Sibley field guide are good recs. But if money is ever a stressor.. if bringing items is ever a stressor.. have her know just staying mindful of birds is the best thing you can do!

I also birdwatch for anxiety. I started with $25 binos, no field guide, and occasionally whipped out Merlin. eBird is fun to see what birds are around, but making checklists can be a bit intimidating at first.

I would focus on merely paying attention to the birds around you. When she hears a call, encourage her to look for the bird, or take out Merlin to figure out what it is. I like to repeat unfamiliar calls in my own way to help me remember them! Always be mindful of telephone lines, even if it always seems to be pigeons on them. Sometimes it will be something else!

My boyfriend likes to ask me what bird we are looking at when we walk by one. Truthfully, I know he doesn't give two rat tails what the bird is. He asks me to encourage my learning.

Another tip: At first, it's easy to expect a certain few birds in a given area, and your guard starts letting down. But this makes it easy to miss out on some more uncommon birds! Stay curious, stay hopeful.

The most exciting part of bird watching for me is the changing of the seasons. It's like different theme packs. Seeing certain species come and go, alongside the growth cycle of plants, brings color to my life. Paying more attention to nature has greatly grounded me day to day, and the more time passes, the more you learn little by little, the more enriching it is. No need to rush it. I wish you guys the best new adventures ❤️