New Talon HD Binoculars

A new series of binoculars has been introduced by Vortex Optics. The new Talon HD Binoculars contain select high density, extra low dispersion glass. They are of the open hinge design for a sharp ergonomic look. A well balanced chassis is covered with rugged armor for a sure grip and easy handling. The Talon HD comes with soft carry case, neck strap, tethered objective lens covers, and a rainguard.


This series promises to deliver high level performance in its optics. The Talon HD’s, fully multicoated with XR coatings to maximize light transmission and brightness, deliver the finest image detail and color fidelity. Additionally, external glass surfaces are coated with ArmorTek which insures scratch resistant and oil and dust proof surfaces. Those who use the new Talon HD’s are bound to be impressed with its wide field of view and its close focus. This is great engineering to accomplish both these specifications in the same binocular.

The Talon HD binoculars are purged with argon, providing excellent water and fog proofing. Argon gas, being inert, extends the life of the binoculars because it does not attack the O-rings and seals.

This line features twist up eyecups offering a range of eye relief. This feature makes it well suited for those who wear glasses as well as those who do not.

Vortex Optics assures you will be pleased with all its products, backing them up with an unconditional and unlimited lifetime warranty.

The Talon HD Binocular is well positioned for the market, priced at the mid-level. High performance generally comes at a higher price. Not so with the new Talon HD Binoculars.

Pine Siskins of the Piney Woods

Would you have guessed that the Pine Siskin and the American Goldfinch are closely related?  For instance, look at their bills.  The Siskin has a thin and pointed bill while the Goldfinch has a bill that is conical.  The Siskin’s plumage makes it look more like a sparrow with all its streaking while the Goldfinch is brightly colored, especially breeding males.

 Both the Siskin and the goldfinches are members of the carduline finches.   Siskins are also related to the redpolls.  Carduline finches are among the smallest of finches and range in color from yellow and black to streaky brown.  Female carduline finches resemble non-distinct sparrows and wood warblers.

Pine Siskins often migrate in flocks where they mix with American Goldfinches. Both will come to feeders filled with either black oil sunflowers or with Nyjer. Pine Siskins can be identified by their forked tail, heavily streaked body, and a touch of yellow on their wing bars. Sometimes one must look hard to see this yellowish patch.

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A Time For Sparrows

This time of year many people consider the dead of winter.  Even so, there is plenty of birding to be done right now.  This is the time for sparrows.  Chipping Sparrows are feasting on the spillage under my front feeder even as I compose this post.  On last Saturday’s field trip conducted by my local Audubon Society in Bastrop County five species of sparrows were sighted.  They were, most numerous to least, Field, Lincoln’s, Savannah, Vesper, and Chipping.

The above picture of a beautiful pair of White Crowned Sparrows was taken by Bill Ravenscroft in McLennan County.

Sparrows, as a group, are some of the most difficult to master. I have struggled many years trying to learn these species and only now begin to think I might master them. Having studied on my own and in classes devoted exclusively to sparrows I believe that classes well presented by good birders are the way to go.


If one believes that all sparrows are small brown bodied birds with streaked backs and conical bills, then one will be forever frustrated. Yet, with persistence one can learn and recognize subtle differences. For example, Vespers have a chestnut patch on its shoulder, Song Sparrows have a big dark spot on its chest, Savannahs have yellow lores, and Lincolns' have a clear demarcation where the streaking on the breast gives way to a whitish belly.


Still, there are many sparrows that are easily recognized by substantive patterns. The White Crowns pictured above are but one example. Harris Sparrows have a black forehead that bleeds down its throat and nestle in all that is a very pink bill. Chipping Sparrows have a red-rufous cap with a white streak above the eye and a black streak through it. Then there’s my favorite, the Lark sparrow, with a face no one could mistake.


Well, my advice is to grab your good binoculars and get with your buddies and get into the field. Happy Birding—even in the dead of winter!