The main equipment used for birdwatching is a pair of binoculars together with a trusty bird identification field guide.
As a novice you may not want to invest a lot of money in expensive binoculars until you get more comfortable with using them and know which ones you prefer. This is because there are different types of binoculars, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. A number of people also use telescopes, however, again, as a novice you may not want to invest a lot of money in the early stages.
Make sure you use an identification guide suited for your area since different areas in the world will have different species and subspecies. For Cyprus we recommend using the Collins Bird Guide “Birds of Europe”. The Greek version of the guide can be purchased
here.
Since birdwatching is an outdoor activity you will need proper clothing and protection to keep you going for long periods of time which are sometimes needed for birdwatching. The weather in Cyprus calls for a hat and regular sunscreen application in order to keep your head cool and keep protected from sun burns. Water is a must in all situations and especially in the summer where temperatures are high. Snacks although not compulsory are highly advisable.