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How to Choose a Pair of Binoculars

Binoculars are an unmatched tool for better connecting with the outdoors, letting you enjoy elusive wildlife without disturbing it, getting a look at the trail ahead, or getting a closer look at birds, butterflies, and other flying animals. Since birdwatching was my entry into more serious natural history, binoculars were what really started my naturalist journey. They opened up a …

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8 reasons why you should start birdwatching

If you’re an outdoor adventurer or nature lover, finding new ways to connect with nature can add a new dimension to your experiences. Birdwatching is an increasingly popular pastime among young people around the world. In this post, I’ll give you eight reasons why you should start birdwatching, from health benefits to better travel. Let’s dig in with this Birdwatching …

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The 5 Best Field Guides for the Birds of North America

One of the most exciting things for a naturalist is running into new and unfamiliar species. This makes field guides an essential part of any nature-lovers go-bag for outdoor adventures. Field guides can help you sleuth out and identify new encounters using field marks and other cues. In this Birdwatching Basics post, I’ll review my top 5 guides to the …

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How to use the Merlin App for birdwatching

Developers release new outdoor mobile apps all the time. If you’re learning birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology‘s birding app Merlin is one you can’t miss. The app’s new features provide great tools for birdwatchers of all skill levels. Since being a beginner birdwatcher can be especially challenging, it’s important to recognize how these can help people that are just starting …

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How to use field marks for birdwatching

Do you use field marks when you’re watching birds? Let’s imagine a typical situation: You’re walking to your car after work, or starting a hike on a gorgeous Saturday morning. Or maybe you’re stopped at a traffic and looking out the window. You see a bird that you don’t recognize. It’s there for maybe for a few seconds or a …

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A Naturalist’s Guide on How to Use Binoculars

Whether or not you’re a birder, binoculars can really enhance time spent in nature. Animals are often wary of people, making it hard to see them up close. Binoculars can bring you up-close and personal with animals at medium distances, or help you find or identify things at longer distances if they are inaccessible. I’ve used my binoculars for everything …