In a message dated 97-10-20 17:29:09 EDT, you write:

<<
Would others please add what they consider most important or helpful? I
know that I'm overlooking much.
>>
I use a Kowa TSN-823 scope with an inferior tripod. The tripod does not
support the scope properly allowing too much movement. I like the 45 degree
angle on my scope. This allows the people that bird with me to use the scope
without constantly changing the height of the scope or contorting your body
to see in the scope. A nice gentleman let me use his Swarovski (with a Bogen
tripod) on Sunday at Deception Pass as I just had my binocs with me. This
was a straight spotting scope so he kindly adjusted for my height then he had
to bend down to see. Because of his kindness, I did get to see Ancient and
Marbled Murrelets and a Rhinoceros Auklet! The gentleman with him had a
Bogen tripod that adjusted low enough so you could sit down to view birds.

Donna Ferrill
Mukilteo/Cle Elum, WA
Brdr1 at aol.com