Lake Waco Nesting Bald Eagles

For several years there have been nesting Bald Eagles on Lake Waco.  This is a great triumph of environmental commitment, law, and effort.  It is a joy worth celebrating.  Local birders hailed the first successful fledge and continue to do so in subsequent years.

 

There have been successful fledges, but there have also been tragic losses. The problem has come in the form of not so sturdy, desirable nesting trees. The fishing is good; the parent birds have proved that. The snags available have not all withstood decay and high winds.

 

To assist future nesting, The Central Texas Audubon Society (CTAS) has proposed building a platform based on a successful design used in Oklahoma for these majestic birds. It is a substantial undertaking and will require raising funds, proper design, and placement such that safety for the nest and the fledglings is assured.

 

For the curious, and to deter the interference of humans about the nest, a camera is being planned for the platform which is hoped will be viewable from the internet.

All photographs by Bill Ravenscroft.

Binoculars for the Backyard Birder

Many people become interested in birding simply by becoming aware of the birds that frequent their own back yards.  Somewhere in our collective memories is a picture of the idyllic.  Placing a feeder outside a back window seems right, and when birds find its fare then the fun begins and the idyllic becomes reality.  So too arises the need to learn more about these creatures of feathers and song.
This sentiment was brought once again to my attention this past weekend as a group of our local Audubon manned a booth at our community expo.  Several people asked for advice on procuring binoculars they or a family member could use to simply see the birds in their yards better and, perhaps, identify them.

My first bit of advice is to walk away from the cheap and small objective lens models.  You are enjoying the birds coming to your yard.  You want to add to the enjoyment.  You are not looking to become frustrated.  You must consider any binocular as an important tool whose purpose is to add to your enjoyment and experience.  Examine your budget and commit to investing enough to ensure this goal.

Now to the numbers…There are two numbers that you will encounter such as 8x30.  The first refers to magnification and the second to the size of the objective lens.  Most birders use binoculars with a 7 or 8 power of magnification. Objective lens size of at least 30 mm seems well suited for most of us.  In general, an 8x32 or 8x42 binocular will serve you well.  It may well be to your advantage to consider the larger of these objective lenses owing to the greater light gathering ability of the larger lens.

Two other important considerations need mentioning.  One is whether you wear eyeglasses or not.  Be sure to inquire whether the binocular you’ve chosen can be used with or without glasses.  Second, beginners, especially, need a large field of view (FOV).  This will assist you in finding the bird.  Try to find a binocular with at least 350 feet FOV.

Vortex Crossfire

 

Here are some recommended models that fit the above criteria.  First, the 8x32 Vortex Crossfire and its cousin, the 8x42 Vortex Crossfire, are roof prism models.  Then there is the 8.5x32 Vortex Raptor which is a porro prism model.  All are very good but not too pricey.  The raptor is even a very good choice for youth or adults with smaller faces.

Vortex Raptor

Find what is best for you and go see if that is really a Ladder-backed Woodpecker on your oak and not a Red-bellied.  Happy birding.

Something You Don’t See Everyday

I remember as a young boy watching Roadrunner and Wylie Coyote chasing around.  Wylie always got the worst of it.  In one such episode, the roadrunner ran straight up a very tall cliff.  I just didn’t think that could happen even then but laughed all the same when Wylie suffered his fate.

I have learned otherwise since.  A week ago, we visited the reopened Bastrop State Park and there found a roadrunner.  While we were trying to take a picture before he scurried off, he ran straight up a tree and onto a limb!  It was amazing to see it do so—run up the tree, bark clips flying while the bird did not.  So, there he is sitting pretty with dinner in his beak.

Talon HD/Nat Geo Special

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Visit us at www.kingbirdfeeders.com for quality binoculars, spotting scopes, bird feeders, bird houses, field guides, and gear. roy@kingbirdfeeders.com