Humming Birds General Markings and Characteristics

Author: Roger Johnson
Humming Birds like to flit around where they can get nectar from feeders or plants with their long straight bills.  Folks that have nector rich brightly colored flowers or colorful feeders in their yards can see Humming Birds most every day. They make a sight as they seem to float in the air while their wings move so fast you can hardly see them. They are so small that most of them only weight an ounce or two. Much smaller than most backyard birds. But they are very fun to watch as they drink and collect nectar. With their inquisitive ways they explore woodlands and yards. They do not glide around in the air. They like to move in short hops or spurts that are so fast you have to really watch to see them at work. They usually are a somewhat drab light brown in color with lighter underbellies.  But their antics make up for the loss of bright colors.

With your binoculars take some time and look for general markings and characteristics, things that you notice right off. Do not spend a lot of time trying to memorize different aspects of the Humming Birds. Just look for general information and then you will be able to quickly recognize what group these birds belong to by noticing size, general shape, colors and their behavior.

I suggest that you keep a note book of these characteristics. You can add to it from time to time. This will help you understand and learn. But be patient and note things only one at a time. Otherwise you may get tired and discouraged because you can't remember everything at once. It will all come in time as you watch these birds. Also take a look at the field marks such as a wingbar and eyering markings to tie some IDs down.

Please remember also to note what time of year you see them as well as other kinds of birds you see in your neighborhood.  Then you will be able to keep track of them better next year when the return.

A good field book on birds will help, but do not try to memorize everything in it all at once. Just learn about your specific bird of interest.

Humming Bird
Size & Shape
A small size, with a long straight bill, flat head and large eyes, short pointy tail
Color Pattern
Subdued light brown above, with gray-white underbelly, distinct necklace line and gray-brown wings
Behavior
Inquisitively explores woodlands and yards, moves in short hops or spurts
Habitat
Forest edge, woodlands, urban and suburban parks and yards

Birding is a great sport, especially watching Humming Birds. Their antics and activities will keep you busy for hours. With some enjoyable work in preparation by learning a few basics about them and with a good pair of bird watching binoculars you can have many hours of pleasure with your family or by yourself.

Roger Johnson

Category › binoculars , bird watching , bird watching binoculars , birding

Binocular Optics: How Binoculars Work

Author: Chris Jackson
Even though binoculars are a common tool used for many different types of occasions, the actual dynamics of binocular optics and how binoculars work is understood very little by those who actually use them. Binoculars seem like quite confusing contraptions at first, but once you have an understanding about binocular optics and how binoculars work, you will find they are quite simple.

Binoculars are essentially two telescopes placed side by side to give a viewer a more efficient view by using both eyes. There is one catch though. Telescopes are used for viewing large objects at long distances, mostly for astronomy, and actually magnify the object upside down. Typically space objects look the same regardless of them being upside down, so it doesn't really matter. This is not the case when looking at terrestrial objects as they are needed to be right side up to view the image correctly and efficiently. Therefore, telescopes had to be modified to be used as binoculars.

There are several components that go into binocular optics. Here is a list of the components and then an explanation on how binoculars work.

• Objective lens
• Prisms
• Eyepiece
• Focus
• Lens Coatings

Objective Lens:

The objective lens is the biggest lens that is closest to the object being magnified. The object of this lens is to gather the light and magnify it to a certain spot. This is similar to using a magnifying glass to magnify the intensity of the sun to make extreme heat. Both binoculars and magnifying glasses use a convex lens, also called a converging lens, which brings distant light rays into a focus. The image that is displayed is then picked up by the next lens and magnified further giving you what you see through a pair of binoculars. Of course, there are steps in between this process that are used to produce a higher quality image. The bigger the objective lens, the more light it will capture, thus giving a higher quality image, but this also results in a larger overall size of the binoculars. Quality can also play a big part in image sharpness; the higher the quality of objective lens, the better the end image will be.

Prisms:

The prisms are the part of binocular optics that flip the image. Before the image gets to the prisms, it is upside down. This is similar to if you use a magnifying glass, the image will be upside down at a certain point.

Prisms are basically wedge shaped pieces of glass and binoculars have two of them. The image bounces off the first prism correcting the image by 90 degrees and is then reflected to the next one which flips it the rest of the way and send the image toward the eyepiece

There are two types of Prisms that are most commonly used in binocular optics.

• Porro Prisms

These are the prisms used in the original binoculars of the 19th century, and are still used today. They are used by bouncing the light at 90 degree angles and require quite a bit of space, thus making for overall larger binoculars.

• Roof Prisms

Uses prisms to bounce and rotate the image with angles of more and less than 90 degrees. Roof prisms are more in line with each other than porro prisms, resulting in a more compact design. They are used in most expensive and compact models.

• Prisms are a confusing thing to discuss. For a diagram that better shows the difference between porro and roof prisms, check out the link at the end of this article.

Eyepiece:

Once the image is right side up, it is then picked up by the eyepiece lens and magnified even further giving you the image that ultimately hits your eye. The eyepiece is the lens that is closest to your eyes.

Focus:

When the image gets to your eye, there may be some focusing needed to make the image sharp and clear. To focus a binocular, a dial is turned that adjusts the distance between the ocular lenses (the objective and eyepiece lens). The exact point at which the object is focused will depend on the actual distance to the object, thus needing to be adjusted with each use depending on the situation.

Lens Coatings:

Since binocular optics have so many components to go through, lens coatings have been implemented to give off an even sharper image. These coatings not only protect the ocular lenses, but improve the image by reducing glare and fogging, apply phase correction for roof prisms models, and make the lenses easier to clean and repel liquids.

Now that you know the basics...
This is a just a quick explanation of Binocular Optics and how binoculars work. There is much more in depth information out there, and if you would like to know more click the link above. If you are in the market to buy binoculars, the best advice I can offer you is to go with the best you can afford because you get what you pay for. To view the best binoculars ordered by price range, please go to my blog here: http://www.BestforHunting.com
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/bird-watching-articles/binocular-optics-how-binoculars-work-4842766.html
About the Author
Chris is an avid outdoorsman raising a small family in Idaho where he spends a lot of time hunting and fishing with family and friends.  He is the owner operator of the popular websites www.OnlineFlyFishingGuide.com and www.SnakeProofGear.com, and others.

Category › binocular optics , binoculars , how binoculars work , optics , poro prisms , roof prisms

Binoculars and Brid Watching: Using the Right Binoculars the Right Way

Author: Alex
An Exotic animal is usually ascarce and abnormalanimalthat is not native to acertainlieu. Exotic animals are extremelywantedamongstindividuals wishing to keep a pet. People who want to do detailsdistinctive from other people and get pride in purchasingscarce and highly-pricedgoodsoften favor exotic animals. The definition of an exotic pet may differ, pet retail outletownersare likely to classify any animalother thanthe standard pet animals like cats, canines and fish as exotic.

Exotic animals are rare animals and animal lovers take pride in proudly owning a pet that is certainlydistinctivefrom thenormalselection of pets. It is actually a pet it is possible toexhibit off in yourpals and companywhenever theyvisit you and they woulddepartreally impressed. But it surelyrequiresan awesomeoffer of care and responsibilityto help keep an exotic animal in your home. It's notconstantlya superbideato acquire an high priced exotic animal as a pet in yourchild, simply because theywould notunderstand how to care for them. But ifyour son or daughterpresently has expertise and has carried outproperlyin terms oftaking care of pets, then it mightbe considered agreatgiftfor yourcherishedone.

As exotic animals are often imported from differentnationsthey've got lived and therefore aremade use ofto somedistinctive habitat. Make certainyou've gotresearchedeffectivelyregarding the pet you wantto maintainprior to you b ring an individualdwelling. The world wide webmay be thevery bestspot toappearance for strategies and suggestionson how toappearafter these attractive animals. It is possible to also question the pet shopowner all they know about the bestial. Additionally youneed tocome to a decisionwhat sort of enclosure would greatestfit the bestial. Ensure thatit's gotenougharea. Really don'thold them in a verytiny cage, that is cruel.

Bear in mind animals are residing beings also so should you be not assured about your capability toappearancejust after an exotic animal it'sideal to not obtainan individual. It willdemand a dedication from you to look after these animals. Also discussinto aarea veterinarian and see if they can treat the species of exotic animal you hope to help keep. It really isfinestto learnexactly where to get the pet just in the event it finds it tough tomodifyto your new setting.

Exotic animals make wonderful and totallylovely pets providingyou are takingcare of them and treat them humanely.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/bird-watching-articles/beautiful-exotic-animals-5411477.html
About the Author
Alex is an expert when it comes to exotic animals read his views about animals and why your home needs one.

Category › best binoculars , binoculars , bird watcher , bird watchers , bird watching , bird watching binoculars , birding

When To Buy New Binoculars

Author: Roy C. Smallwood 3rd
What is the best time of year to buy new binoculars?
Maybe there is no straight forward answer to that one. Is this the time? Is this the year? Can the budget handle it? Will your spouse allow it? The propositions are worth some
discussion. Herein are some considerations and proposals.
On the one hand, I know it is just like buying a new car—there are occasions when it is a
questionable time to buy. You and I know
that, when it comes to cars, the new model year is accompanied with an increase
in price. So it goes with binoculars.
For binoculars, January begins the new model year on many brands. True, new models
mean there might be some new technologies and other advances, which can be
exciting and just what you're looking for. But the months just prior to the end of the year may offer some deals worth examining. After all, it was just months ago that the new superior glass was put into use, new coatings were instituted, redesigned roof prisms incorporated, that new protection for the lenses became the norm. Good then—good
now. ‘Tis something to think about.
One of the times to consider buying new binoculars is when you know it's time to upgrade. You've spent a lot of time, maybe years, buying less expensive models hoping to find one pair that fits right, feels right, provides clear and crisp images, works in all light conditions, rain or shine, daylight or dusk. And it just hasn't happened. That's when you realize
it's time to upgrade. You're not going to mess around, not going to worry about the extra expense because you're going for some binoculars that will serve you well for the next decade or longer.
The goal is to get to the field (or forest...or wetland) and to enjoy the experience. The ability to spot that tiny little Marsh Wren hidden in the reeds, or to spy that shy buck through the thicket, or to notice the pheasant before it flushes, to know if that's a Redhead or a
Canvasback before anyone else—that's what you're after. That's what makes the purchase—the upgrade—worth it!
There is one other time that you know is the right time to buy new binoculars. You and I both know when that is—when you want to make someone else very happy. What are you waiting for? Go to it!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/bird-watching-articles/when-to-buy-new-binoculars-5380470.html
About the Author
Roy Smallwood is the owner of Kingbirdfeeders.com. He is an active member of the Bastrop County Audubon Society. He encourages everyone to participate and enjoy birding whether in the backyard or in the field. Visit www.kingbirdfeeders.com for ,binocularsandspotting scopesand happy birding!

Category › binocular , binoculars , birding