Sure, "any old hat" will do. After all, birdwatching is not a fashion event and no birdwatcher has ever won a best in hat category, but birdwatching is an outdoor activity. One of your most important concerns other than the birds is protection. Exposing yourself to the elements and suffering afterwards will definitely make your birdwatching unforgettable, but in a bad way.

Here are some tips in choosing a good hat for birdwatching.

Consider the climate and the weather. Think of the location where you will be going birdwatching. If its just in the vicinity of your neighborhood, then that "any old hat" of yours will do. But if you will be spending a lot of time outdoors under the rays of the sun, then get the appropriate hat.

A good birdwatching hat should be lightweight with a brim for sun protection. It should always be wider than your face. If you are going to a place where there is little covering and where you will be exposed to the sun for some time, consider protection for your ears and the sides of your face. A sunscreen also affords protection, but it cannot keep the feeling of heat off your skin.

On days when its really bright, you could have a problem with glare so youll want to protect your face. A higher crown is good for better ventilation. Waterproof nylons are ideal for tropical conditions.

Color me camouflage. An outrageous, funny hat would be very tempting for an outdoor activity, but only for humans and not for birds. Birdwatching is strictly that watching; and when you scare birds off, what else is there to do?

Remember that you will enter the birds territory, even if you watch them from afar. The best hat color would be the ones that resemble mulch or dried leaves or the ground. So go for the tan, beige and dark greens.

Avoid hats that are pure white and those that come in bright colors. The best colors are earth tones. If you look like your surroundings, birds are less likely to be agitated at a sight that is familiar to them.

A hat should reflect your style and personality and birdwatching should not deter you from this goal. When you enter the territory of the birds, you are the guest and certain behavior is required so be sure to choose the appropriate hat that befits a guest in the wild.