BIRDING OPTICS

A bright view can make all the difference in the performance of binoculars: A brighter image provides more detail in the image you are viewing. More specifically, it’s easier to see details of birds in the field or at your feeding station. Take a look at the objective lens in a series of binoculars – a simple eyeball view of the larger end of the binoculars will tell you which models will provide brighter images.

The legs of your tripod can become high-quality trekking poles by using the Trek Grips with the ProMAX line of tripods from Field Optics Research. Two of the three tripod legs can be removed and the cork-based handles installed, creating lightweight, strong trekking poles. Plus, by removing two legs, the overall weight of the tripod is reduced by more than half, which also takes a little strain off your back. In addition to the Trek Grips, Field Optics Research currently offers four ProMAX tripod models to which the handles can be attached.

I swung my spotting scope around and without much trouble picked up the little falcon. Through the 32x wide-angle lens, it was obvious: Merlin! We took turns tracking the Merlin as it dive-bombed the vultures, showing off its speed and agility. The power of the scope created an amazing viewing experience, but what really helped was the wide-angle lens.

We spotted the Bald Eagle flying and were thrilled when it swooped up to land in the top of a snag. The kids and adults on my field trip were giddy, everyone hoping for a look through my spotting scope. I spun the barrel of the scope around and found the eagle.