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CE Webster

I love bird watching, whether at the bird feeder or out on the trail.

The Importance Of Waterproof Binoculars

Bird Watching Binoculars No Responses »
Jun 052010

Which binoculars will perform well for bird watchers and outdoor enthusiasts?  Should you buy binoculars that are fog-proof, weatherproof, rainproof, climate-proof, rustproof, spray-proof or waterproof?  Here is what you need to know when investing in a good pair of binoculars.

Bird watchers encounter all types of weather conditions.  It would be sad to miss that rare bird sighting because your binoculars have fogged-up or moisture has collected in them.  The proper sealing of binoculars is one of the most important features of good optics. There are no industry wide standards for the sealing process.  Many manufacturers boast fog-proof, weatherproof, rainproof, climate-proof, rustproof, spray-proof, waterproof and many other “certain-proofs”.  Some of these words are just alerting the consumer that there was an attempt to seal the binoculars against harsh weather conditions.

Waterproof binoculars are nitrogen gas purged and use O-rings to seal the optics.  They protect from rain, leakage and fogging. The waterproofing offers better optics in all weather conditions.  Waterproof binoculars ensure clear views in mornings’ heavy dew and during times of elevated humidity.  Waterproof binoculars allow you to enjoy events without worrying about the effects of harsh weather conditions.  The waterproofing even keeps dust and dirt out.  Dirt building up over time in your binoculars will obscure the view.

Buy binoculars that are waterproof!  Waterproof means the following two things about the optics.

* Additional protection and maximum measures were taken by the company to seal the binoculars.
* If the seal of a waterproof binocular fails, the warranty by most companies will cover resealing the binoculars.

There are a few basic precautions that bird watchers and outdoor enthusiasts need to take to ensure that the optic seal is not damaged.

* Buy a waterproof binocular that is easy to grip and feels comfortable in your hands.  This eliminates them slipping and dropping out of your hands which may loosen the seals.
* Always carry and use lens caps and rain guards to protect your binoculars in damp or dusty conditions.
* Get a comfortable and secure binocular harness.  A good binocular harness will keep the binoculars close to your body and prevent them from bouncing and banging into things.  This jarring could also loosen and effect the binocular seals.
* Be careful where you store your binoculars.  When not in use place them in a durable and waterproof case.
* Never leave your binoculars in the car or any other place that has extreme temperature swings.  These conditions will put a high amount of stress on the gaskets and seals in your binoculars.

For any birder or outdoor enthusiast waterproof binoculars is a must, even if rarely used in bad weather.

There are many good waterproof binoculars on the market.  The waterproof binoculars that I recommend are the Nikon 7294 Monarch III or the 7430 Monarch 8×42 waterproof ATB binoculars.  These binoculars are waterproof and “if” anything should happen to them the Nikon warranty is superb.  The warranty states: “Nikon is dedicated to quality, performance and total customer satisfaction. If your Nikon Binocular, Spotting Scope or Fieldscope requires service or repair not covered by our 25-Year Limited Warranty, Nikon will repair or replace it (even if it was your fault) for just $10, plus return shipping and handling.”

Other posts you may find helpful are: The Nikon 7294 Monarch III Waterproof Binocular Review and Nikon 7430 Monarch 8×42 ATB Binoculars

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Ruby-Throated Hummingbird-Final Leg For The 2010 Migration

Hummingbird Feeder No Responses »
May 092010

Have the ruby-throated hummingbirds reached your area yet?  Check out the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds Spring 2010 Migration Map to see!

After their long journey from southern Mexico or western Panama the hummers have made their way up through the mid and eastern parts of the United States and into Canada.  They have been spotted on the eastern side of Quebec, near Toronto and Ottawa and some have continued as far north as New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.  Did you know that most hummingbirds will migrate to the same spot every spring?

I have to tell you that the first ruby-throated hummer of the season I saw was on April 30th, precisely the same day that I saw him last year.  Maybe, I was looking harder that day, too!

Here are two more interesting facts about hummingbirds:
1.  Ruby-throated hummingbirds are 3 – 3 3/4 inches long with a wingspan of 4 – 4 3/4 inches.
2.  Hummingbirds are very intelligent.  From one year to the next they can remember places and individual people (How do they know that?).

I hope you have your hummingbird feeder cleaned, filled and out for the hummers.  After their long spring journey back to their favorite spot they will certainly need the nourishment.

Visit my other posts for more information on Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Spring 2010 North American Migration and Prepare Your Hummingbird Feeder For The Ruby Throated Hummingbird

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Posted by CE Webster at 6:59 am Tagged with: , , , , , , , ,

Nikon 7294 vs 7430 Binoculars

Bird Watching Binoculars No Responses »
Apr 032010

Which binoculars should you choose for bird watching?  Well, let’s put the new Nikon 7294 Monarch III 8×42 binoculars up against the Nikon 7430 Monarch 8×42 All-Terrain binoculars.

The Nikon 7294 Monarch III 8×42 binoculars and the Nikon 7430 Monarch 8×42 All-Terrain binoculars are similar in many ways.  They are both a roof prism binocular.  The specs for lineal field of view of 330 ft./1000yds. and angular field of 6.3 are identical for the 7294 and the 7430.  Both have the exact eye relief (19.6 mm) and exit pupil (5.25mm) as well as eye cups with the multi-setting click stops.   They are alike in their close focus distance of 8.2 ft. and relative brightness of 28.1.  These lightweight binoculars are equal in their weight (21.5 oz.) and size (5.7 x 5.0 in.).

So, what is the difference?  The major difference is the coating on the prism and lens.  The Nikon 7430 Monarch 8×42 All-Terrain binoculars has a full multi-coated lens that highlights brighter and clearer images with less ghosts and blurs.  The new Nikon 7294 Monarch III 8×42 binoculars have a new dielectric high-reflective multilayer coating.  The dielectric high-reflective multilayer coating features even crisper images and sharper colors through the binoculars.  The coating also allows a much improved low-light performance with the Nikon 7294 Monarch III 8×42 Binoculars.  I love the fact that Nikon is continuously out there improving their binoculars.  The full multi-coated lens on the 7430 is a super crisp and bright lens.  So you can imagine the superb view that you get on the 7294 with the dielectric high-reflective multi-layer coating.

Another change in the new Nikon 7294 Monarch III 8×42 binoculars is it’s newer body style.  The new body furnishes a stronger and more rugged binocular.

The warranty for both binoculars are the same great warranty that Nikon provides.  I like Nikon’s warranty because they definitely stand behind their products.  It covers damage to the binoculars (even if it’s your fault).  Let’s face it, when we are out in the elements anything can happen.

In conclusion, the Nikon 7294 Monarch III 8×42 binoculars and the Nikon 7430 Monarch 8×42 All-Terrain binoculars are both great glasses.  If I were looking for a new pair of bird watching binoculars I would certainly look at the new Nikon 7294 Monarch III 8×42 binoculars first.

Other posts related to this:

The Nikon 7294 Monarch III 8×42 Binoculars Review

Easy Steps To Choosing The Right Bird Watching Binoculars

Nikon 7430 Monarch 8x42mm  All-Terrain Binoculars

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Posted by CE Webster at 4:26 pm Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2010 Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Migration Update

Hummingbird Feeder No Responses »
Mar 272010

The ruby-throated hummingbirds have made their way into the mid-section of the United States.  They were first spotted in the states in February around the panhandle of Florida and eastern Texas.  Some of them will make their way as far north as New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Labrador and west as far as Minnesota into Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, Canada.  Check out the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds Spring 2010 Migration Map.  You can see that they are as far north as the Kentucky/Indiana Border and as far northeast as Virginia.

One thing that I have found interesting this year is that the ruby-throated hummingbirds are migrating farther west into areas of central Texas.  It will be fun to see exactly how far west they will venture.

In early spring, a fascinating event to watch is the ruby-throated hummingbirds migration route around the Allegheny Mountains.  You will notice the vacant areas in southwestern Virginia, eastern West Virginia, north-central Pennsylvania and western Maryland as they seem to avoid the Allegheny Mountains.  It usually takes a week or two for them to fill in this region.  See if you notice this happening this year.

Here are two interesting facts about the ruby-throated hummingbird that you can use to impress everyone at your next party:
1.  The hummingbird’s heart rate can get up to 1260 beats per minute.
2.  The hummingbird has the largest brain, percentage wise in relationship to total body weight-4.2% of all birds

Keep an eye out for your first ruby-throated hummingbird this spring.  Your hummingbird feeder should be out and ready.  They will soon be reaching your area if they haven’t already.  The ruby-throated hummingbirds will appreciate the nourishment after their long trip from Mexico or Panama.

Visit my other posts for more information on Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Spring 2010 North American Migration and Prepare Your Hummingbird Feeder For The Ruby Throated Hummingbird


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Posted by CE Webster at 11:35 am Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , ,

Prepare Your Hummingbird Feeder For The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Hummingbird Feeder No Responses »
Mar 132010

The ruby-throated hummingbirds have begun their 2010 migration. This is the time to prepare your hummingbird feeder for their return to your bird feeder.

In my last post I wrote about the ruby-throated hummingbird’s spring 2010 North American migration. The ruby-throated hummingbird is the only type of hummers found in the eastern United States.

A hummingbird feeder is a great way to attract the ruby-throated hummingbird. The hummingbirds are drawn to the color red, so this is a good color of feeder to purchase. Avoid a feeder with yellow on it because yellow attracts bees. When selecting a hummingbird feeder, look for one that has a basin because they are easier to clean than the inverted bottle type. Since the hummingbirds are very territorial purchasing several feeders will lessen the chance of fighting. This will give you more opportunities to spot the ruby-throated hummingbird at your bird feeder.

The ruby-throated hummingbird has a long bill and drinks nectar by rapidly sticking their forked tongue in and out. The nectar provides the fuel that they need to keep up their rapid pace.

To make your own nectar for your bird feeder mix one part sugar with four parts water. If you find that you are attracting bees you can dilute the mixture with a little more water. Don’t add red food coloring or honey to the mixture because these are not good for the hummingbirds.

If possible hang the feeder out of direct sunlight to keep the solution from fermenting. Keep the feeder away from windows to prevent hummingbirds from flying into them. Placing your hummingbird feeder near flowers will help to attract hummers to your bird feeder.

It is very important to change the mixture often, especially when the weather is hot. Clean the feeder carefully each time you change the solution. If the solution is cloudy it has already spoiled and you should replace it immediately.

The ruby-throated hummingbird eats insects to supply the protein that they require. If you put out fruit or banana peels they will attract flies near the feeder, then hummers will eat the flies and discover your feeder.

Ants are a nuisance at the hummingbird feeder. Ants will crawl down to the hummingbird feeder if you don’t do something to stop them. One thing you can do is to purchase an ant moat that can be hung above the feeder. A do-it-yourself idea is to take a plastic cap, put a hole in it and thread a wire through it. Close the hole with silicone sealant. Then keep the moat filled with water to stop the ants from crawling down to the feeder.

By following these simple guidelines you will be enjoying healthy hummingbirds at your bird feeder for another great season.

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    Posted by CE Webster at 1:49 pm Tagged with: , , , , , ,
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