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Tips on Buying Birdwatching Equipment
By Neo Smith
Many families entertain the idea of getting a pet at one time or another.
Sometimes it is the children that insist that their lives will not be complete
without a friendly pet to have fun with. Then there is the posture of a
bird. Believe it or not, birds perch differently. For example, a Flycatcher
perches vertically (straight up and down) when on a branch while a Vireo
perches horizontally (almost lying down) when on the same branch.
Here is a feature that is often overlooked: bird-proof door locks. You
should get a cage that your bird can't escape from. Just think about what
would happen if your bird escaped & was free the entire day while you're
out!
The #1 thing to watch for is a cage that is sturdy, but can be broken
down in a matter of 2 minutes or less, without the need for any tools. All
of the top brand name bird cages have this feature.
Know What Species to Expect. There are approximately 900 species of
birds in the United States and recognizing each of them is nearly
impossible. So when you visit an area, do a little research first.
Tips on Buying Birdwatching Equipment
The most essential equipment in birdwatching is the binocular. Other than
that, there¡¯s the camera, notebook and field guide. There is also some
fancy electronic equipment that makes bird identification available at the
touch of a button, but to enjoy a good birdwatching expedition, all you
need other than the proper clothing and shoes is good, reliable viewing
equipment.
Binocular or telescope?
If you plan to go hiking while birdwatching, a pair of binoculars is a good
idea. They're convenient and easy to carry. However, if you plan to visit
wide, expansive areas like reservoirs and estuaries, a telescope is better
because it carries a higher magnification and you can focus better at
longer distances.
The first rule for buying a birdwatching equipment should be comfort. It
should not be too heavy and should allow easy manipulation. It also should
not cause strain on your eyes. Rubber coatings are a good bet to protect
your body against knocks. If you choose a telescope, buy a good tripod
for appropriate support especially if you will be birdwatching at a stationary
position.
Additionally, binoculars with built-in digital cameras enable you to identify
birds once you get home. These benefits will definitely enhance your bird
watching. A great pair of binoculars will turn a mediocre experience into a
great one. You can count on it! Does your cage stimulate your bird like it
should?
To fill up your hummingbird feeder, remove the cap holding the
prescription vial on and fill it up with nectar and replace the cap. Closed
tightly, turn the prescription vial upside down as quickly as you can.
Don't be afraid to ask the store workers any questions you have about
owning a bird or about the differences between varieties of birds. Learn
as much as you can before you make your final choice.
If you desire the look of antiques without the price tag, reproductions are
also available. Replica antique bird cages often maintain the look and style
of the original, but at a fraction of the cost. The magnification indicates
the focusing power. There are two numbers indicating the specification
(for example, 7x20, 10x40, etc.). The first figure is the magnification
power and indicates how many times larger an object will look through
the lens. The next number is the objective lens' (the front lens) diameter
in millimeters and indicates how bright the object will appear. As the lens
get larger, the more it can gather light so the brighter the image through
the lens.
In general, the lower the magnification, the brighter the image and the
wider the field of view. The depth of field is also greater and the nearest
focus point is also closer. A higher magnification means that the image will
be less bright and the depth of field will be narrower so you will need to
frequently change the focus. The lower magnification will also be lighter
than the one with higher magnification.
Field-of-view (FOW) refers to the width of an image as seen through the
lens. This is either in degrees or ¡®width at distance¡¯. So if you have a 250ft
at 1000yrds, an object that¡¯s 1000 yards away will appear 250 feet wide.
One degree is about 17m at 1000m, so just do the math.
As for price, you usually get what you pay for, so choose viewing
equipment that you can reasonably afford. For a newbie birdwatcher,
$200 or less is a good mark, as long as you do your shopping. Then, as
your hobby progresses, start buying the more expensive ones. Brand-
name equipment can cost over $1000.
Have you thought about the toxin levels of minerals like Zinc & Lead in
the cage you are considering? This should be your #1 priority when
looking for a bird cage. Avoid hollow bars! Especially if you're getting a
medium to large bird. Any decent sized bird will bend or possibly chew
through a hollow cage bar.
If you choose to use a bird cage cover, try to use it roughly the same
hours each day. Like most people, birds need a routine to feel safe,
happy, and secure.
Get a good pair of bird watching binoculars if you are serious about bird
watching. We may have the best intentions to let our bird spend most of
his time out of the cage. But there will still be times when he needs to be
in his cage.
After you have brought your bird bath home, find a place to set up the
bath well within sight of your outdoor and indoor spaces.
About the Author
To draw more birds during bird watching, consider using a fountain bird bath.
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/49705.html
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