Just seen what I think is a small bird of prey on a walk. Only managed to get some very blurry photos. Maybe a kestrel? Or Sparrowhawk? Any ideas?
Yeah I think it’s a good call for a Kestrel. Size shape and colour seems to add up from the photos. Ace birds!
Yep! this is the next step and maybe add a Slinky too
@colinfilth has just asked me to lube up my pole! This isn’t even the Filth thread
Intrigued by the lurking swan. Presumably the heron chipped off at the first sight of of it?
They had a hissing match and the swan went past. The heron stopped put. There was another swan off to the left of the shot, so they had a bath together
Stupid Egyptian goose duck
In sad bird news I’m starting to wonder if our video blue tit nest box is going to get a resident this year. It almost always does, but it’s getting quite late now and I’ve not seen much interest. Last year was a bit harrowing with the nest getting raided out by a woodpecker, but I’d still quite like to see them give it a go.
muscovy duck has started hanging around awkwardly by a stream near me, is always stood at nearly the same spot when i run past
The blue tit is such an underrated bird. They’re so common that people forget how pretty they are.
That heron looks so wise
Binocular recommendations anyone?
Budget of around £100 (really fancy the Nikon Prostaff 7s ones but at £160 they’re a bit too much).
I wear glasses and have a very unsteady hand if that makes a difference.
Tricky one, as a lot of it is about what is comfortable and what works for you.
I’ve used Opticron bins for about 20 years now, and got an Opticron telescope too a couple of years back.
Optics shops tend to be a bit few and far between but there are some expos at nature reserves that are worth a go to try some out before buying.
These seem OK for under a ton, but like I say, worth getting your hands on some and give them a try first.
Cheers.
After giving it a bit more thought I’m maybe more tempted by a compact pair as I think having some that just slip into a coat pocket and can be with me all the time might be better than a heavy pair which I forget to take with me on dog walks etc.
I think trying some out does seem the best bet tbh.
I’ve got these… Nothing fancy, but they’re as much as I need, and do their job of making things bigger. Think I paid about half the RRP, worth shopping around. Definitely not compact/won’t fit in your pocket though!
Edit - meant to reply to @HotBeefTrauma
Compact is a good idea, but it is possible to get bigger pairs that are crucially still light, albeit I’m usually comparing mine to carrying my DSLR camera with zoom lens. I have a basic RSPB pair and they’re great for birdwatching.
These get good reviews tbf. Seem like a good deal and a good spec.