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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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

Technorati Tags: bird feeder, Bird Feeders, hummingbird, Hummingbird Feeder, hummingbird migration, hummingbirds, ruby-throated hummingbird, ruby-throated hummingbirds, Your Bird Feeder

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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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

Technorati Tags: 2010 hummingbird migration, bird feeder, Bird Feeders, Birds, hummingbird, Hummingbird Feeder, hummingbird migration, hummingbirds, ruby-throated hummingbird, ruby-throated hummingbirds, 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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There are many details of the hummingbird migration that are not known.  Relatively few are banded each year and even fewer are recaptured to provide some information of that bird’s activity. Until the technology will allow very small, lightweight transmitters it is unlikely that enough data can be collected to fill in the unknowns.

What is known is that the ruby-throated hummingbirds that spend their winter in southern Mexico or western Panama have begun their northward migration.  To successfully migrate the birds must double their weight to fuel the long journey ahead. Some of the birds will be migrating up to 2500 miles including a 500 mile, 20 hour trip across the Gulf of Mexico. Some ruby-throated hummingbirds will choose the longer, but less difficult, trip along Eastern Mexico into Texas and then migrate up the United States from there.

The males begin the migration first with the females following approximately a week and a half behind. Their migration is spread over two or three months.

After they arrive in Eastern Texas or southern Florida they travel as far north as Nova Scotia, Labrador, New Brunswick or as far west as Minnesota into Manitoba , Saskatchewan and  Alberta.  They may move up to 20 miles per day, depending on the weather and availability of insects and plant nectar. There is evidence that an individual hummingbird will take the same migration route and return to the same place each year.

You can watch the migration and report the first sighting at your bird feeder here: http://www.hummingbirds.net/map.html

Technorati Tags: Birds, hummingbird, Hummingbird Feeder, hummingbird migration, hummingbirds, ruby-throated hummingbird, ruby-throated hummingbirds, Your Bird Feeder

A good binocular harness system eliminates the annoyances that you have been dealing with when bird watching and hiking. The harness will hold the bird watching binoculars securely against your body eliminating any swinging or twisting. A good harness will protect your binoculars from any damage that may be caused from swinging into trees or other hard surfaces. And, no more missing those fast moving birds, because your binoculars are in a waiting position for you to grab and aim. This enables you to see many more birds while hiking and bird watching. Another important benefit of the harness is that your binoculars will be held in place while you are using your camera to photograph birds.

The binocular harness takes the weight of the binoculars off your neck. It distributes it evenly to your back and shoulders. Imagine hiking and birdwatching without the binoculars rubbing your neck all day. Your day will be a walk in the park.

The harness can be easily adjusted and used for people of any weight and height. The level of tightness of your binocular harness can be modified to suit your movement. You will move more comfortably, more freely and more quickly, which will make your day more enjoyable.

A binocular harness system will keep your binoculars safe and will keep you more comfortable. Choose the best binocular harness system available because your equipment is valuable and should be protected.

Technorati Tags: binocular harness, binocular harness system, bird watcher, bird watching, Bird Watching Binoculars, Birds, Photographing Birds

Whether you are watching birds at your bird feeder or hiking along a trail, use your Nikon binocular to see all the details.

Click here to see the  Nikon Binocular.

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Remember your Nikon Monarch ATB binoculars on vacation-you don’t want to miss a thing.

Click the link to get your pair of Nikon Monarch ATB Binoculars.

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Canon EOS Rebel T2i Camera

The new Canon Rebel T2i EF-S is a lightweight and easy to use camera that incorporates many professional EOS features including:

• 18.0 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor and DIGIC 4 Image Processor
  • Captures images with exceptional clarity to provide more than enough resolution for crops and enlargements. The DIGIC 4 Image Processor speeds up the EOS Rebel T2i’s operations and offers improvement in fine detail and natural color reproduction.

• ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12800)
  • Allows shooting from bright to dim light.

• An advanced HD Movie mode for Full HD movies
  • HD video at 1920×1080 resolution with selectable frame rates of 24, 25 or 30 frame rates per second. Movies are saved as MOV files. Other recording sizes include HD at 1280 x 720 or SD/VGA at 640 x 480. Full manual exposure control. An external microphone can be used for stereo sound quality.

• Enhanced iFCL 63-zone, Dual-layer metering system

• • The new system delivers a very high level of accuracy by not only measuring the amount of light but color and luminosity as well. It supplies intelligent scene analysis for perfect exposure.
    

• Up to 3.7 frames per second continuous shooting
  • The Canon EOS Rebel T2i can shoot up to 3.7 frames per second (fps) for up to approximately 6 consecutive RAW files or approximately 34 full-resolution JPEGs. Shooting at speeds of up to 1/4000 sec., the EOS Rebel T2i camera can capture even rapidly-unfolding scenes with ease.

• A new wide LCD monitor
  • Wide 3.0 inch (3:2 aspect ratio) Clear View LCD monitor (1.04 million dots/VGA) for improved viewing. An anti-reflective and water-repellent coating provides a clearer and more smudge-resistant surface.

• Quick Control Screen Button
  • New Quick Control Screen button for easy access to frequently used settings. The Canon EOS Rebel T2i’s refined button layout makes it simple to navigate among any number of settings.

• Dedicated Live View/Movie shooting button
  • Quick and smooth transition between still and movie mode. No need to navigate through menus-just a simple press of a button.
    

• New compatibility with SDXC memory cards
  • The Canon EOS Rebel T2i camera is compatible with both SDXC memory cards for greater storage capacity and with Eye-Fi SD cards. An Eye-Fi card enables wireless uploading of your images directly from the camera.

• Compatible with the full line of Canon EF and EF-S lenses
  • The Canon EOS Rebel T2i is compatible with all Canon lenses in the EF lineup, from compact and lightweight lenses to ultra-wide angle and super telephoto lenses. The Canon image stabilizer, available in some lenses, minimizes the effect of camera shake. A very good feature when photographing birds.

Here are a few of the new features that the Canon EOS Rebel T2i camera provides that will make every bird watchers’ pictures stand-out.  The new expanded ISO range makes it easy to shoot from dim to bright light, eliminating one of the biggest concerns that bird watchers have when photographing birds.  The wider LCD monitor furnishes a clearer view and the anti-reflective coating makes it easy to see the subject even in bright light.  Go from still pictures to video with one quick press of a button, no fumbling with menu screens or carrying an additional video camera around all day. Shooting at shutter speeds of up to 1/4000 will surely enhance your success when photographing birds.  As you can see, the new Canon EOS Rebel T2i provides many beneficial features for taking pictures and will be a valuable piece of equipment while bird watching.

Canon feels that the EOS Rebel T2i camera is the best Rebel they have developed, providing some of the most advanced components of any digital SLR camera.  This camera is due out in early March.  I will keep you posted on the release date.

Click here for more information or to pre-order your Canon EOS Rebel T2i Camera.

Canon EOS Rebel T2i Camera

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