Darn, I'm trying to catch up on Tweeters since I was gone and every time
someone mentions 'spotting scope' they cause one more issue to be raised.
In working on distant birds nothing beats a half-way decent scope. A
better scope is a joy. But a really important part of the equation is the
tripod. I use a relatively heavy Bogen (have a dent in my shoulder to
prove it! Yes, Christine I had it with me in Anchorage and used it to
scope the waterfowl on Otter Lake.) tripod with an unconventional Slik
pistol grip head. If you can point your finger at a bird you can usually
point your scope pretty close with it. (Another sidelight after looking at
any bird always return the scope to the lowest power if you get a zoom. It
will make finding the next bird miles easier). I like the pistol grip
because I usually share the scope with the kids in other countries and they
can intuitively use the pistol grip. For little kids I usually aim it at a
sleeping dog, cow, goat, member of the Family, etc because they don't bop
around so much as birds. You'll know when they can actually see something
through the scope because you may not understand the language but the
excitement is immediately evident. Kind of like 'enthuse a new birder' or
'value the environment' and you'll be amazed at what they take you to see!

Sorry (until the next thought comes along) but a scope is a significant
investment and should be enjoyed (and shared).

Would others please add what they consider most important or helpful? I
know that I'm overlooking much.

Bob
taylorrt at geocities.com





At 06:06 PM 10/19/97 -0700, you wrote:
>Bushnell Spacemaster spotting scopes are one of the best values on the
>market. I a rubber armored Spacemaster with the zoom lens (15x-45x) and I
>like it very much. For $300 +/- it is just fine. Try Seattle Audubon
>Society, I believe they carry these or one can be ordered.
>
>Good Birding.
>
>Tom Schooley, Olympia WA , dunlin at mail.tss.net
>"The earth that directed itself instinctively in its former phases
> seems now to be entering a phase of conscious decision
>through its human expression." -Thomas Berry
>
>----------
>> From: KGabr22015 at aol.com
>> To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
>> Subject: Spotting Scopes
>> Date: Sunday, October 19, 1997 12:38 PM
>>
>> Santa wants to give me a spotting scope for Christmas. I know nothing
>about
>> such things and he doesn't either. Can anybody recommend something
>moderately
>> priced and suitable for a dilettante birder? Also, where in the Seattle
>area
>> would be the best place to shop for such? Many thanks.
>