what binoculars for birdwatching

[fuzzy]

Hi Folks
been reading the posts on birds and have got interested, I wondered if anyone can give me any tips ie what binoculars to buy and can anyone recommend a book which will enable me to identify the birds - I need something really basic, as simple as pos. as at the moment I can just about tell the difference between a seagull and a budgie. also does anyone know if there is a bird watching group around here -between Brighton and Eastbourne

[Graham]

Hi Fuzzy

If you are serious about birdwatching it's a good idea to get the most expensive binoculars you can.

This site gives you advice on buying binoculars for birdwatching.

HERE

It's aimed at young people but the advice is good whatever age you are and it explains things in simple terms for beginners.

If you want a more adult perspective try this site from In Focus they are the people I bought my bins from and they are very good.

IN FOCUS

There are lots of good birdwatching books around my advice is to have a good look round and choose a fairly simple book of British Birds to start with you can go on to European one's later. Also a good tip is to buy a smallish one so that you can slip it in your pocket while you are birdwatching you don't want anything too heavy. Again the RSPB do some excellent books for beginners.

Hope that helps, happy twitching, let us know what you see.

Graham

[fuzzy]

Thanks Graham I have found a couple of books that I must have bought at least a year ago and just added to the pile I do tend to do that with books and cd's. I have found the website very useful - some beautiful photos there and I have added it to my favorites list. I am planning to go round to my friends house at the weekend because she has a beautiful garden must have loads of birds there - she doesn't know yet though so I'll have to wait and see.

Thanks for taking the time I really appreciate it.

[glenw]

Hi fuzzy, just returned from a fortnight in your neck of the woods. Did a fair bit of birdwatching whilst I was down there, I found this site ( www.sos.org.uk ) helpful in finding places to go, they may well be a useful contact for you. many of the local groups like this one are very keen to encourage new people into the hobby. If you are Brighton way, keep an eye out for the peregrines. They nested in the town centre and are fairly easy to see. I found 3 together on the old pier. Also, the RSPB reserve at Pulborugh Brooks isn't too far away and has plenty to see.

good luck

[fuzzy]

Thanks Glen
Lots of food for thought there!
I will certainly check out what you have suggested.