There are two ways to participate in the binocular giveaways:
1. Subscribe to the Eagle Optics weekly e-newsletter. When the e-mail arrives in your e-mail IN box, click on the link to open the e-mail, and view our fantastic weekly specials, informative articles, and learn about current new products and rebates. Each time a subscriber opens the e-mail, his or her e-mail address is entered in the monthly drawing for a free binocular! And because our e-newsletter is sent each week, there are multiple chances to win.  For more information and a list of previous winners, click here, or simply click on Weekly Specials on the Eagle Optics home page. While the binocular model changes from month to month, May’s binocular is the Celestron 7×50 Oceana binocular (left)!

2. The second way to win a binocular is to write a product review of a binocular sold on our website.  We value your opinion, and so do our customers!  Reviews which are published on our website are an important way for our customers to evaluate their choices while shopping online. Feel strongly about the performance of your binocular? Write a review about it! It will not only help others, but when your review is published, you will be entered in a drawing for a new Eagle Optics Denali 8×42 binocular!

The best binocular is a free binocular. Become part of our binocular giveaway offers today!

Nina Cheney
Eagle Optics Staff
Binoculars: bring them. See what they bring you.

For birders around here, spring migration is like 2 or 3 holidays rolled into one. With warm sun on our faces, we celebrate the change of seasons and the return of our birds who have spent the winter months in the more inviting climates of the Neotropics. This year, for the first time in Wisconsin, birders can help raise funds for bird conservation while doing what they love: identifying, counting, and documenting birds. Announcing the Great Wisconsin Birdathon!

The first annual Wisconsin Birdathon invites teams and individuals to conduct their counts during any 24-hour period in the month of May. The brainchild of the Wisconsin DNR and the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, the event is designed to help fund and support bird conservation and protection in Wisconsin, and at the same time, provide a fun format for documenting the myriad of bird species migrating to our state at this time of year.

We’re excited! An Eagle Optics team will be participating in the birdathon. Our intrepid team, pictured above, L to R: Parker Reynolds, Mike McDowell, Nina Cheney, Ben Lizdas, and Kate Fitzmier (not shown) will dedicate the day to documenting as many species as possible. We have chosen the wonderful Pheasant Branch Conservancy, just a few miles from our office, as the site for our observations.

So far, we already have over $300 in pledges, which will go to the Bird Protection Fund, and support a variety of bird conservation initiatives statewide. Would you like to chip in?  Go to this link and designate the Eagle Optics team or any of the Foundation Birdathon teams to receive your pledge.  Then follow the instructions for pledging.  You will be contacted after the counts have been completed and numbers tallied. A minimum pledge of $20 to any participating Foundation team will make you eligible for a drawing to win an Eagle Optics 8×42 Ranger binocular! Please pledge if you’re able. Later, we’ll announce the winner and post photos of our count day.

The Great Wisconsin Birdathon promises to be a lot of fun, for a great cause. Do you know of a local birding challenge in your area that benefits birds? If so, grab your binocular and get in on it!

Nina Cheney
Eagle Optics Staff
Binoculars: Bring them. See what they bring you.

When migrating birds come through the Midwest in the spring, it’s a very big deal. Come early May, we hearty folk trade snow shovels for binoculars and slap on sunscreen, ready to immerse ourselves in warblers, shorebirds, tanagers, thrashers, and grosbeaks. We live for this. And what better way to get our migration satisfaction in the Heartland than at The Biggest Week in American Birding?

This 10-day Ohio festival has it all, folks. Located near the southwest shore of Lake Erie and surrounded by prime birding habitat, Biggest Week provides the ultimate remedy for winter-weary birders. Birding sites include Crane Creek, Maumee Bay State Park, Magee Marsh, and Ottawa National Wildlife Area, which provide an amazing variety of warblers, water birds, shorebirds, songbirds, and resident species. In fact, the Magee Marsh Boardwalk is famous in May and was dubbed “Warbler Capital of the World” by Kenn Kaufman.

Why is this unique area teeming with so many warblers and others birds? Well, the southern edge of Lake Erie presents an obstacle birds are hesitant to cross during migration. Until they are ready to make the crossing, birds will rest and refuel in several birding hotspots on the lake’s southern edge, providing birders the opportunity to see warblers at eye level and water birds close up. These experiences along with the sheer number of birds you can expect to encounter during this event are bound to amaze bird lovers of all ages.

This year, the beautiful Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center will serve as the festival headquarters and place to be for receptions, silent auction, evening keynote speakers, and vendors. The Biggest Week in American Birding is brimming with free guided activities, trips, travel talks, and workshops. Bird by canoe, participate in a Big Sit, take a guided boat or bus trip, help with bird banding, learn about digiscoping, and so much more. See the full schedule here.

Co-hosted by Black Swamp Bird Observatory, Destination Toledo, and Lake Erie Shores and Islands, proceeds from a number of the festival activities will benefit vital bird conservation and education programs. According to the festival website, “We believe that connecting people to the joys of birding is the first step in building support for conservation; people care more about the things they love.” Last year, over $20,000 was raised for these important conservation initiatives. Your visit to the festival will assist this effort: it is eco-tourism at its best.

So, register now for one of the most exciting birding festivals anywhere, and bring the family! The region offers plenty to do for the non-birders in your group, too. Eagle Optics is proud to be a sponsor and vendor for The Biggest Week In American Birding. Stop by our booth May 7-13 for individualized advice on selecting optics and first-hand experience with the many binoculars, spotting scopes, and tripods we will have on hand. See you in Ohio!

Nina Cheney
Eagle Optics Staff
Binoculars: Bring them. See what they bring you.

When recommending binoculars for the beginning birder, we first consider size and specifications. With a wide variety of shapes and sizes available, the choices can seem daunting. Before you buy, it’s good to educate yourself about the basics of optics. If you’re more of a visual learner, many of these concepts are explained in our YouTube videos on the Eagle Optics web site (see “Understanding Optics” in our playlist).

Magnification
Let’s start with the numbers on a binocular. What do the numbers mean? The power and size of a binocular is defined by numbers. A full-sized 8×42 binocular is by far the most popular choice for birders, for several reasons. The first number, 8, refers to the magnification, which in this case enables you to view something 8 times closer than you would with the naked eye. While some birders may prefer a 10-power (10x) magnification for more detail, there are tradeoffs. The 10x is harder to hold steady than the 8x. That’s why we give the nod to 8×42 for those new to birdwatching.

Magnification also greatly affects the field of view, the distance seen from side to side through the binocular. This is something that is built into the binocular’s optical system, but generally speaking, the higher the magnification, the less bright, and more narrow the field of view will be. A wide field of view is beneficial when trying to locate a bird or animal and follow its movement.

Objective Lens Size
The second number, in this case 42, is the size of the objective (front) lens, measured in millimeters. The objective lens is the light gathering lens; the bigger the lens, the brighter the image. That brings me back to the newcomer with the low-quality compact: the small lens of a compact binocular gathers less light, making it difficult to see details, especially in low light conditions. Remember, birds are more active during dawn and dusk. Also, birding often takes place in the woods or under a canopy of trees where sunlight is diffused.

Features
Eyeglass wearers, take note: If you want to use your binocular with eyeglasses or sunglasses, look for one that offers 15mm or more of eye relief. Eye relief refers to the distance images are projected from the ocular lens to their focal point, and the measurement can vary from 10mm to 23mm.

Close focus is another feature to consider when buying a binocular. Many prefer a close focus (3′-6′) in order to observe butterflies, dragonflies, and wildflowers. For birdwatching, consider a binocular with a close focus of 10 feet or less. Also, waterproofing and fogproofing are fairly standard in today’s optics. We recommend buying a waterproof and fogproof binocular; you won’t have to worry about using your binocular around water and in any type of weather.

While it isn’t necessary to spend a lot of money on binoculars, be aware that the more you spend, the better the quality of the glass, and the less need to upgrade in years to come. Therefore, it makes sense to spend as much as you can afford. While it’s possible to spend upwards of $2000.00 for a binocular, here are a few recommendations of our binoculars in various price points:

Eagle Optics Kingbird 6.5×32 Binocular $119.99 (especially recommended for children)

Eagle Optics Kingbird 8.5×32 Binocular $129.99

Eagle Optics Denali 8×42 Roof Prism Binocular $179.99

Eagle Optics Ranger 8×42 Binocular $299.99

Eagle Optics Ranger ED 8×42 Binocular $439.99

Eagle Optics Golden Eagle HD 8×42 Binocular $589.99

We stock nearly every major brand, and we’ll be happy to consult with you one-on-one! Please give us a call. Happy birding!

Nina Cheney
Eagle Optics
Binoculars: Bring them. See what they bring you.

The ABA, beloved to birders and birdwatchers, provides a forum, community, and resources for all who treasure birds. Each year, a bird species is chosen to serve as an emblem of the ABA. The Evening Grosbeak won the hearts of the judges this year for many reasons, according to President Jeff Gordon: “This species is an excellent choice for the ABA to spotlight for many reasons: its disconcerting decline in various regions; its beauty; its embodiment of both the exotic and the familiar; and its great appeal to both neophyte and veteran birders. But I was drawn most to the Evening Grosbeak because of its ability to generate excitement and spark new birders.”

The Evening Grosbeak’s likeness, painted by Ohio artist Julie Zickfoose, appears on the ABA’s Bird of the Year logo, pictured above. That same image will adorn special 1” stickers sent to ABA members! So, don’t be surprised to see these stickers adorning members’ binoculars, scopes, cell phones and noses (kidding about the noses) in the months to come.

Why have a Bird of the Year, you might ask? Jeff Gordon explains: “The ABA Bird of the Year program is all about birders being more conspicuous, and drawing attention to the excitement of birding and the fellowship of birders. Many of you enjoy acting as leaders of the flock, sounding the cries that bring our community together, making it bigger, stronger, and more effective.” Plus, it can create awareness for a species, like the Evening Grosbeak, whose numbers are in decline in some regions. Find out how you can help here.

If you’re lucky enough to see Evening Grosbeaks where you live, you know how special they are. Here are some tips to identify them. If you’re a photographer or digiscoper, you can enter ABA’s photo contest! And, watch for May’s issue of Birding for an Evening Grosbeak Photo Salon (see all the ABA  Bird of the Year Events here).

Not yet an ABA member?  Click here if you’d like to join.  In doing so, you’ll become part of a community enjoying benefits the ABA folks work so hard to bring us.  If you’re thinking about buying a new binocular, Eagle Optics will include a 1-year ABA Membership for $15 (regularly $45) when you shop from a select list of binoculars.

Let’s all celebrate and support the ABA and the Evening Grosbeak in 2012!

Nina Cheney
Eagle Optics Staff
Binoculars: Bring them. See what they bring you.

What could be better? Get or give a new binocular, and at the same time, support THE organization in North America which caters specifically to recreational birders.  As a member of the ABA, you’ll receive a the stunning bi-monthly, full-color, award winning magazine,Birding, along with the Gear Guide, and newsletter, Winging It.  You’ll also be informed about ABA conventions, workshops, and festivals throughout the U.S.  Oh, and speaking of festivals, check out the ABA website for great information, including a way to search for a birding festival by state or by month. The ABA can even help you plan a birding or nature festival in your area.

When you join the ABA, you become part of a community of like-minded people, people who love and care about birds.  The ABA’s mission is to make birding fun and accessible for all by helping to conserve bird habitat, and to increase your knowledge and skills to make you a better birding citizen.  Our role at Eagle Optics is simply to help you choose binoculars so you can get out there and enjoy birds!

Discover all the resources the ABA offers, and enjoy a new binocular for yourself or a loved one.  It’s a win-win.  We’re always happy to help find a binocular for your taste and budget.  Give us a call!

Nina Cheney
Eagle Optics Staff
Binoculars: Bring them. See what they bring you.

The first bird of our safari was this Superb Starling: so striking and colorful with its iridescent feathers, we asked our guide to stop so we could get a better look. As the days went on, I realized this bird was as common in Tanzania as the American Robin is at home. (Still, I never got tired of seeing it.) Below, I caught this handsome Ruppell’s Long-Tailed Starling along the path that connected the tents in our Serengeti camp.
As we maneuvered over the bumpy roads of Tarangire National Park, we heard the loud, monotone call of this adult male Von der Decken’s Hornbill before we spotted it foraging on the ground near some elephant dung. I loved his posture, enormous beak, upright tail, and distinct coloration. He just made me smile.

This gallant, gracious Egyptian Goose posed cooperatively on a rock as we passed a stream.

The Kori Bustard (below) was one of my personal favorites and I tried to photograph them as often as I could.  We spotted this one shortly after our vehicles entered the incredible Ngorongoro Crater. I wasn’t even sure what I was seeing at first. These birds are huge!  The males average about forty pounds.

This Kori Bustard (don’t you love the name?) sauntered through the grasslands of the Ngorongoro, searching for seeds and small lizards, while wildebeest and zebra grazed in the background.

When our group stopped for lunch near a lake, we were cautioned to eat inside the vehicles because the clever Black Kites, which soared overhead, might swoop down and steal our food. According to our guides, who had their box lunches out of sight under the vehicle (below), the kites were swift and agile, and did not execute these thefts politely. However, the curious, more humble Helmeted Guineafowl, who strolled between the vehicles looking for crumbs, were ever so endearing.
On a morning when we were exploring the kopjes (rock formations that sprung up in the Serengeti plains), I was lucky to capture this photo of a Dark Chanting Goshawk, perched regally atop a thorny Acacia tree. Its gray coloration, dark eyes, striped pantaloons, and contrasting bright orange beak and legs made for a stunning visage.

This White-Breasted Go-Away Bird is a female; the males are distinguished by striking black and white plumage and a black beak. I was completely charmed by her crest and her catchy name.

East Africa, and Tanzania in particular, is amazing in so many ways. It was fascinating to see the variety of birds there. The most unusual bird, for me, was the Secretary Bird. Tall and stately, its long, projecting tail feathers and drooping head plumes bobbed with each step as it surveyed the ground for prey. I wouldn’t want to be a snake or rodent in its path, but observing it was completely mesmerizing.

If you’re lucky enough to go to Tanzania, expect the trip of a lifetime, and bring a good quality binocular to optimize your experience. You’ll never regret it!
Nina Cheney
Eagle Optics Staff
Binoculars: Bring them. See what they bring you.

1. Buy a binocular that is waterproof and fogproof. These features are standard on most of today’s binoculars, but it’s good to ensure this by checking the specs before you buy. These binoculars are O-ring sealed to prevent moisture from entering the optical system, and the barrels are nitrogen purged to prevent internal fogging of the lenses. Waterproof binoculars can survive splashes or a quick dip in the water, but not extended submersion. When I’m in my kayak, I keep my bin around my neck or tether the strap to the kayak in case it goes overboard, so I can quickly fish it out.

2. Low magnification works best when you’re on the water. Choose a magnification of 6x or 7x. When your feet aren’t on solid ground, even a magnification of 8x may be too hard to hold steady; definitely steer clear of 10x. Low magnification also gives a wide field of view. For a better understanding, check out our short video, Understanding Binoculars: Magnification.

3. Choose a compact or mid-sized binocular that is portable, lightweight, and easy to pack in your gear and carry along.

Note: Where there is water, there is usually sand. Beware of wiping your binocular lenses around sand. A grain of sand on your lens may be too small to see, but when rubbed in, can cause a scratch. Blow the lenses with your breath or use a soft brush before using a cleaning cloth.

I’m counting down the weeks until I’ll be packing up and heading to the river. How about you? We’d be happy to help you choose the right binocular for your next season of boating. Give us a call!

Nina Cheney
Eagle Optics Staff
Binoculars: Bring them. See what they bring you.

With Surefire’s line of illumination tools, everything is under control. Ever seen a flawless beam of light coming from a flashlight? I mean, one without dark spots, imperfections, or rings? We hadn’t, and we were duly impressed. Amazed, even. Surefire lays claim to offering a world-famous beam, achieved by combining quality components and power sources, and by teaming the light source with the correct precision reflector. There is even a tiny computer inside regulating power from the battery to deliver the most consistent light output. Wow! The result, when compared to ordinary flashlights is like night and…well, day.

Consider these factors that make Surefire products light years above other brands:
1. Some of the smallest, brightest and most lightweight flashlights in the industry.
2. Surefire’s use of super-efficient LEDs means there is no filament to burn out or break.
3. The instrument won’t suddenly quit once the battery power runs out; instead, it provides gradually decreasing levels of light as it uses every last drop of energy in the battery.
4. Your hand will easily and quickly find the switch on the tailcap, and a lockout feature prevents accidentally leaving the flashlight on. Two styles of headlamps afford no-hands illumination.
5. Impact and weather resistant; O-rings keep dust, dirt, and moisture out.
6. Your choice of rechargeable or non-rechargeable flashlights; both use high-power density lithium batteries which perform better in cold temps and have a longer shelf life.
7. Surefire’s no-hassle, limited lifetime warranty.

Check out these 4 staff favorites:
LX2 Luma Max Flashlight: Compact, dual-output, with a high beam 10x the light of a big 2-D cell battery flashlight!
St. Minimus Hands-Free LED Lighting: Comfortable, hands-free convenience with a variable, wide-range beam that matches your natural field of view. The Minimus runs on a single 123A battery, and has a setting for a long-running SOS beacon.
G2X Pro Flashlight: Tough polymer body and two output levels: a brilliant, wide 200-lumen beam, or a low-output setting that can last 45 hours. A great companion at home or away.
E18 Backup Flashlight: Only 4” long, but don’t let the ultra-compact size fool you! Developed for patrol officers, this little marvel can do the job, whether it be self-defense, reading a map, or navigating at night.

This short video gives an impressive demonstration of the quality and strength of Surefire’s world-famous beam. Have a look!  While Surefire illumination tools may cost more than other store brands, it is money well spent on unmatched quality and dependability. Flashlights built to serve every time, in every situation. Highly recommended!

Nina Cheney
Eagle Optics Staff
Binoculars: Bring them. See what they bring you.

When I visited Tanzania with my Dad several months ago, I knew we would be seeing animals. That was a given. Equipped with my Zeiss Victory FL 7×42 binoculars and a Nikon D40 camera, I had flawless views, and as evidenced above, I came home with some really nice photographs. But almost as much as the memory of this giraffe family, some of my most favorite and lasting memories of Tanzania would be of the remarkable trees. Case in point: The incredible Baobab tree.

The Baobab grows to be so enormous that they were completely different from any tree I knew or had seen before. I was mesmerized, and took every opportunity to photograph them: the denizens of the Tanzanian landscape.

Even the tallest animals were dwarfed by the Baobab’s majestic presence.  This individual Baobab must be hundreds of years old. Radio-carbon dating has shown they can live to be over a thousand!

A stem-succulent, the Baobab tree has the ability to store water which is tapped by elephants during the dry season. When our guide drove our vehicle closer, we could see evidence of the elephants’ scapings along the length of the trunk in their quest for water.  Truly magnificent!

Nina Cheney
Eagle Optics
Binoculars: Bring them. See what they bring you.