RainyDayGiftGuide 2016: Birding Gear
Have fun shopping and Happy Holidays!!!
While the weather had been unseasonably warm in New England, the frigid temperature and the Holiday Seasons are both upon us again. As with years past, we have gather together an awesome collection of gift ideas for our RainyDayMagazine readers. Some of our suggestions are items we have reviewed during the year, others are new but looked too interesting not to pass along, and a few are so good that we continue to recommend them year after year. Of course, the selection criteria for all categories is the same every year: they are either things we have actually used or they are things we would actually want.
Lynx Edicons
Here in one volume is a synopsis of the diversity of all birds. Based on the latest systematic research and summarizing what is known about the life history and biology of each group, this volume will be the best single-volume entry to avian diversity available. Whether you giving this to a birder with an interest in global bird diversity, or a professional ornithologist wishing to update and fill-in their comprehensive knowledge of avian diversity, this volume will be a valuable addition to anyone’s library.
Wingscapes
Wingscapes AutoFeeder makes bird feeding easier than ever. Unlike conventional feeders, the AutoFeeder allows one to determine how much seed to offer and when! The result is the feeder stays filled much longer and birds learn to visit the feeder at the times of day that you choose.
The AutoFeeder is constructed of metal and heavy ABS plastic to withstand years of outdoor enjoyment. Squirrel-resistant, metal cap locks into place with metal hanging wire. Vents keep seed fresh.
Innovative yet surprisingly easy to use, The high-resolution bird-watching BirdCam Pro camera is equipped with time lapse, adjustable-sensitivity motion detection and a variable focus starting at 6 inches, so you can capture crisp, close-range images and video day or night.
Gardener’s Supply Company
Sparkling in the sunlight like an aquamarine jewel, this hand-blown glass hummingbird feeder balances like a work of art on its gracefully curved hanger. The ruby red flower on top is a magnet for hungry hummers; hang the feeder near a window or by the porch so anyone can enjoy these lively garden visitors. Made from recycled glass, the feeder screws securely into the powder-coated metal hanger.
Vanguard
Endeavor HD Spotting Scope has extra-low dispersion glass (ED) for accurate color rendition and virtually no color fringing. A phase-coated BAK4 roof prism and multi-coated lenses ensure optimum light transmission. Endeavor 65A comes with a 65mm objective lens and angled eyepiece with 15-45x zoom magnification. This is our “goto” spotting scope for all of our birding outings.
The PA-202 Digiscoping Adapter enables a camera to be attached to the Endeavor HD and XF series spotting scope, turning the scope into a long-range imaging system. A thumbscrew at the top of the adapter secures the camera lens to the digiscoping adapter and helps maintain alignment with the spotting scope eyepiece.
The most advanced binoculars we have in house is the Vanguard Endeavor ED IV 8×42. The Endeavor ED IV has been upgraded with advanced MultiGuard Coatings that provide even better light transmission for viewing in low light conditions. Endeavor ED IV’s magnesium construction and housing is engineered to provide great balance and light weight protection. The ergonomic open hinge design and large focus wheel provides easy handling and precise focusing. A great piece of gear that performs in all weather conditions!
…and One More Thing.
The FUJINON binoculars is a last-minute addition to this year’s RainyDay Gift Guide. The KF Series are new to us, but we are excited with our first impressions of this piece of birding gear. Note the ergonomic curved “grippy” design on sides of the body. Airtight, waterproof construction means it can be used safely near water. Nitrogen-filled optical tubes mean it will be fog-free in all conditions. The KF Series binoculars also have multi-coated lenses for bright and clear views. The roof and auxiliary prisms of the objective lens diameter for the 32mm and 42mm models have a phase coating to prevent flare and increase contrast. We look forward to seeing if its awesome specs lives up to the InTheWild expectations!
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