Date: 9/03/09
Contact: Margie Klein
Phone: (775) 486-5127 ext. 3502

TOOLS FOR BIRDERS AND WILDLIFE VIEWING

Birding and wildlife watching are among the most popular outdoor pursuits. They are hobbies that offer something to participants of all ages and can be accomplished at locations close to home.

“The key to success as a birder or wildlife viewer is having the right tools,” said Margie Klein, Wildlife Education coordinator for NDOW. “Birdwatchers and wildlife watchers are finding out that a binocular, a field guide and a camera are essential to a fulfilling viewing experience.”

Quality binoculars may very well be the most important piece of equipment to any animal watcher. High quality binoculars with good magnification are now available in lightweight, compact sizes. Twenty years ago a good binocular weighed several pounds and put undue pressure on a person’s neck. Another must have is the binocular harness. This item fits around a person’s shoulders instead of being slung around the neck and holds the binocular comfortably against one’s chest until they are used.

“Hunters and researchers may still use the heavier binoculars with serious magnification, but for the casual birder and wildlife watcher, it’s really not necessary,” said Klein.

If viewing wildlife is just a sideline to another activity, and you do not have much room for extra gear, a slim line monocular is another option. The monocular is about three inches long and can easily slip into a fly-fishing vest.

As a rule you get what you pay for with optics, but outdoor enthusiasts can pick up a decent binocular for about $250 to $300. A monocular sells for much less.

Birders traditionally prefer a lower-powered binocular with 8X or 10X magnification. Although serious viewers may think that the higher power, the better, this is not necessarily true for the casual viewer. In fact, higher-powered binoculars, such as those in 12X or 16X, have a darker field of focus. That makes seeing identifying features in shade or shadows much more difficult during the best viewing times, dawn and dusk. In addition, the more high-powered the lenses are, the more difficult it is to hold the binocular steady or to focus in on your subject. A wider field of view is also important to the novice birder or wildlife watcher because it makes finding the subject easier in the first place.

Binoculars are labeled with two numbers, the magnification power first, then the size of the lens. For example, a 6 X 30 pair would be perfect for a child, with a decent magnification of 6 times, and a lens diameter of 30 mm. Remember, a larger lens will allow more light in, but will also be heavier. Most binoculars have lenses in the 30mm range.

The first thing to do when adjusting a binocular to your sight is to move the barrels together or apart so that your eyes are lined up with them and you only see one image. Next, try to focus on a fixed object and with the right eye closed, move the center focus wheel until the image is sharp. Then close the left eye and while looking with the right eye move the adjustment ring (usually on the right barrel) until the image is in focus again. After the initial adjustment, use the center focus wheel to zoom in on subjects near or far. Remove or roll down rubber eye caps on the lenses if you wear glasses. Keep the binocular clean and covered when not in use.

Finally, remember to bring other important tools when you leave on your excursion. “Field guides are invaluable to identify the birds and animals that you see. Field notebooks and cameras will help you remember the experience,” said Klein.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing.