Help please

Martyn Jones · Status: Offline

RE: Help please

Vicky Harper · Status: Offline

Thanks! I'm going to have a look on Ebay for a second hand pair. I look for a pair with the spec you suggested.

Sorry the RN I was talking about was the Ring Necked Parakeet! I've realised using abbreviations is a bit unclear!

I went down today and didn't see them.

Thanks again for the advice.

Vicky

Mark Battersby · Status: Offline

Vicky

On the subject of binoculars, and this is purely my opinion, I would recommend that you buy the most expensive pair that you can afford. With most things 'you get what you pay' and I would target a good pair of second hand binoculars by one of the three top manufacturers -Leica, Swarovski or Carl Zeiss. This was the advise given to me by a friend when I was uncertain on whether to go for new or used and I have no regrets in buying a second hand pair of Leica 8x32 off Ebay. You may have to wait a while to get the right deal for you but its worth it.

Be warned, you may fall off your chair when looking at the price of new bins by these manufacturers and may wish to sit on the floor to avoid injury.

If you didn't know already, the first number (8) is the magnification and I would suggest that you shouldn't buy bins lower than this (again, my opinion). The second number (32mm) is the diameter of the objective lens and its this diameter that determines the amount of light in. So a pair of 8x40 will produce a brighter image than a pair of 8x32, which makes the 8x40 better in low light levels. For me, the 8x32 is a good, allround size.

On a different subject, what is the RN that you haven't seen yet on the Mersey?

Good luck.

Mark

Steve Suttill · Status: Offline

Vicky Sumner wrote:

I'm going to try to order a copy of the Greater Manchester Bird Report. Any suggestions as to the best place to purchase one.

Thanks

Vicky

The report is priced at £7, plus £1.40p (second class) postage. Postage has increased from Royal Mail and the report is also heavier than usual.

All cheques must be made payable to 'GREATER MANCHESTER BIRD RECORDING GROUP' and sent to: - Ian McKerchar, 42 Green Avenue, Astley, Greater Manchester. M29 7EH.

I've copied this from the Notice Board section of the Manchester Birding website. I hope that you have seen all the other bits of the website and not just this forum. There's loads of information there which quite a few people seem to miss.

Best wishes

Vicky Harper · Status: Offline

Thank you everyone for your sound advice. I'll be researching the information you've given me. I'm so excited about getting back into birding I want to find out everything I can. I know I need to slow down a bit and take small steps at a time. I'm amazed at how knowledgeable everyone is here. The county birds sightings are extremely impressive.

Thanks again

Vicky

Vicky Harper · Status: Offline

Craig Higson wrote:

Hi Vicky. I will probably upset a few people with what I'm about to say but....

I personally think you need (initially) to decide if you want to be a birder or a bird photographer. I would suggest that becoming a 'birder' first will help you become a better photographer. That's not to say there's any harm carrying a small camera around with you. The other reason I suggest going down that route is expense. Birding optics can cost from less than £100 for something to get you on, to way over £2000 for a top end scope. With camera gear you can double or even treble that if you really wanted, although starting out you could obviously spend much less. The better optics you can afford the more enjoyment you will get, and I'd suggest spending more on a good pair of bins first.

If you look back through the discussions on here you will find many similar questions about bins and scopes. I always say go and try and buy the best you can afford unless you really need a pair straight away and are on a budget. A scope is probably not essential unless you are covering a large open area. Have a look at second hand gear too. This forum or places like birdforum often have some bargains. Other than bins, I'd say a notebook and field guide and you can start straight away.

There's always people on here with advice to offer.

I definitely want to be a birder but would like to look into photography even if it's just so that I can look through photographs later to help identify birds if that makes sense.

Thank you. I'll look for a decent pair of bins first. I'll try to find a second hand pair and work my way up.

Vicky

Vicky Harper · Status: Offline

I agree that the most important aspect is to have a passion for birding. My eye sight isn't fantastic that's why I need a decent pair of bins. I'm trying to identify birds by sounds. I've been listening to them on the RSPB website. I'm not sure if there's a better resource available.

Thanks

Vicky

Vicky Harper · Status: Offline

Doc Brewster wrote:

Hi Vicky

Rather than go into detail on here I have private messaged you to see if I can be of help Most forum members know that I manage Focalpoint Optics (thanks for the mention before Nick - extra discount next time ). I also am a wildlife photographer as well as a birder so hopefully can help with that too - Craig is right about lots he says about combining the two things, but it can be possible without breaking the bank!! Ian is right about the Manchester Bird Report too - an invaluable starting point for local info, as well as these forums of course Hopefully I can be of some help

Cheers
Paul

-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Monday 1st of October 2012 09:41:01 PM

Thank you! You're private message was really helpful. I'll be contacting you soon to find out more

Vicky

Vicky Harper · Status: Offline

Ian McKerchar wrote:

To answer the second part of you enquiry Vicky, check the 'clubs, societies and recording groups' pages of the Manchester Birding website. It lists all the birding groups in the county, all if which warmly welcome new members or just occasional visitors. They are a great way to build new birding friendships and to learn more, plus their very professional photograph illustrated talks are wonderful. Visit the one closest to you or maybe even travel to others if you can, you won't be dissapointed.

A little plug too but the Greater Manchester Bird Report (current edition 2010) is perhaps the best way to learn more about county birding and more importantly its birds. It's still available and only £7

Thank you! I'm sorry I have a problem with my memory so need to quote what people have said to enable me to reply. Sorry if that's irritating. I'm going to look at what's available locally. I'd love to go to the photograph illustrated talks. I don't mind travelling I want to learn from others as much as possible.

I'm going to try to order a copy of the Greater Manchester Bird Report. Any suggestions as to the best place to purchase one.

Thanks

Vicky

David Wilson · Status: Offline

If you want to get good photos of birds, but dont want to spend a fortune on camera equipment, might i suggest a bridge camera. ? There is an excellent choice on the market now with strong magnification for birds. I have the Lumix fz 150 but there are others equally as good. I enjoy both seeing new species and getting photos of them. Enjoy.

Vicky Harper · Status: Offline

Thanks a lot. I'll take a look at what's available!!

Vicky

Ian McKerchar · Status: Offline

To answer the second part of you enquiry Vicky, check the 'clubs, societies and recording groups' pages of the Manchester Birding website. It lists all the birding groups in the county, all if which warmly welcome new members or just occasional visitors. They are a great way to build new birding friendships and to learn more, plus their very professional photograph illustrated talks are wonderful. Visit the one closest to you or maybe even travel to others if you can, you won't be dissapointed.

A little plug too but the Greater Manchester Bird Report (current edition 2010) is perhaps the best way to learn more about county birding and more importantly its birds. It's still available and only £7

Ian McKerchar · Status: Offline

In answer to Vicky's question (what equipment is a must for birdwatching), the answer is merely an appreciation for the birds and nothing more. Optics are not entirely necessary for 'bird watching' nor anything else; including, as blind and partially sighted people would tell you, decent eyesight! Their vocalisations can be just as wonderful!

Of course to take it further, to another level of appreciation, binoculars are a must. A birdbook too is necessary but a telescope certainly isn't. Optics and birdbook do not make the birder

. As for which optics and bird book to choose, well, that's where it starts getting more difficult

Craig Higson · Status: Offline

Hi Vicky. I will probably upset a few people with what I'm about to say but....

I personally think you need (initially) to decide if you want to be a birder or a bird photographer. I would suggest that becoming a 'birder' first will help you become a better photographer. That's not to say there's any harm carrying a small camera around with you. The other reason I suggest going down that route is expense. Birding optics can cost from less than £100 for something to get you on, to way over £2000 for a top end scope. With camera gear you can double or even treble that if you really wanted, although starting out you could obviously spend much less. The better optics you can afford the more enjoyment you will get, and I'd suggest spending more on a good pair of bins first.

If you look back through the discussions on here you will find many similar questions about bins and scopes. I always say go and try and buy the best you can afford unless you really need a pair straight away and are on a budget. A scope is probably not essential unless you are covering a large open area. Have a look at second hand gear too. This forum or places like birdforum often have some bargains. Other than bins, I'd say a notebook and field guide and you can start straight away.

There's always people on here with advice to offer.

Nick Isherwood · Status: Offline

Hi Vicky. Welcome back to this great hobby of ours.

I think probably the main piece of equipment you're likely to need is a good pair of binoculars. As you probably realise there are loads of different manufacturers and makes. The best advice I can give you is to go to a good optics dealer and try some out. Try and find some that suit you and the type of birding you want to do. Focal Point near Northwich and In Focus at Martin Mere are both good dealers and have a wide stock of binoculars. There are of course other optic dealers out there too.

You can also invest in a scope and tripod too and you can look at these at optic dealers as well. It all depends on what style of birding you want to do and also how much you want to pay. Some makes of binoculars and scopes can cost thousands.

As for bird guide books, there are lots on the market but the main one which pretty much all serious birders own is the Collins Guide to birds of Britain and Europe. It's on it's 2nd edition now and if memory serves me right you should be able to get a copy for about a tenner or so.

Vicky Harper · Status: Offline

I'm not sure if this is in the right place but I wasn't sure where to post it. Admin please feel free to move it to somewhere else if needed.

A little bit about me:

As a young child I was always interested in birdwatching. I learnt the names of all the British birds when in Primary school and joined the local young ornithologist group. I've had a family and long spell of illness and really want to get back to my favourite hobby. I've realised how much I've forgotten and how little I know about birds after reading this site. I'm a bit baffled by it all but desperately want to find out more.

I'm willing to do my research but am hoping people can point me in the right direction. I am interested in taking up bird photography also.

I was wondering what equipment is a must relating to birdwatching. Any suggestions on binoculars, camera, scopes, identification books etc would be greatly appreciated. If anyone has any suggestions of courses/groups/websites to help me to find out more would be really helpful. I live in the Hyde area.

Thank you to anyone who can help.

Doc Brewster · Status: Offline

Hi Vicky

Rather than go into detail on here I have private messaged you to see if I can be of help

Most forum members know that I manage Focalpoint Optics (thanks for the mention before Nick - extra discount next time

). I also am a wildlife photographer as well as a birder so hopefully can help with that too - Craig is right about lots he says about combining the two things, but it can be possible without breaking the bank!! Ian is right about the Manchester Bird Report too - an invaluable starting point for local info, as well as these forums of course

Hopefully I can be of some help

Cheers
Paul

-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Monday 1st of October 2012 09:41:01 PM