Anticipation

 

It’s that time of year in which I anticipate the arrival of Pine Siskins and American Goldfinches. The goldfinches arrive in their more drab plumage to be sure.  However, as time progresses, one can watch the molting to their more impressive brighter colors.

It is for precisely the opposite reason I enjoy the siskins.  There is only a hint of any color on the wings of siskins.  Such a lack of color often leads to many dismissals of these bird as just more sparrows.  Look closely and it makes considerable difference.

We must get the thistle/Nyjer feeders out, cleaned and full of seed, of course.

When To Buy New Binoculars

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!

Diversity within the Group

How often I am impressed with the diversity within a group! Or to put it another way, how can two members of the same family be so different?   Case in point is the Brown Thrashe and the Northern Mockingbird, members of the Mimidae.

Everyone knows a mocker.  They are ubiquitous, very visible and, to be blunt, obnoxious.  The mocker doesn’t just get its name from repeating songs of other species.  They enjoy mocking cats, dogs, other birds, even you.  It doesn’t mind singing day—or night--and over and over.  It dive bombs you and perches proudly on a fence post as if to say, “take that!” The mocker lives with you on a year round basis.

Brown Thrasher photographed by Bill Ravenscroft

However, the Brown Thrasher doesn’t appear just anywhere or at any time.  It tends to hide even when appearing in a region to which it has migrated.  You tend to have to hunt for this bird concentrating in low bushes and brush.  Its coloration is cryptic being rufous above and streaked below.  Only the white of its belly gives it away.  When it sings, it does so only twice instead of multiple repetitions.  The Brown Thrasher visits seasonally.