The Pentax VD 4×20 WP binoculars were built with premium optics in a compact package. The three-in-one design allows you to use them in binocular, monocular, and spotting scope configurations. The team at Ricoh Imaging USA sent us a pair of Pentax 4×20 VD 3-in-1 binoculars to review. We were not paid to endorse this product in any way, nor…
The Northern Cardinal
The northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a common bird in North America and is the state bird of several states. It is known for its bright red plumage and crest on its head. When is the Best Time to See a Cardinal? The best time to see a cardinal bird depends on the specific location and climate, but in general,…
5 Reasons Why You Should Have a Bird Feeder in Your Backyard
For some people, having a bird feeder in their backyard is an obvious choice. They understand that there are several rewarding benefits of this simple gesture towards nature. The question is not should they put up a feeder, it’s which bird feeder is best to attract the most birds. But for those of you wondering why you should place a…
Tips for Photographing Small Birds
In this article, we’ll share our tips for photographing small birds with your digital camera and telephoto lens. This type of wildlife photography can be both challenging and rewarding. Small birds, which often include songbirds, are a highly desirable species to photograph due to their striking colors and boisterous songs. It also means that, due to their size, they can…
8 Easy Ways to Identify Backyard Birds
The best way to identify backyard birds is to use a balanced observation approach that includes noting the behavior, voice, color, and field markings of the bird. A field guide may also help you identify the most common backyard birds in your region. The backyard, for many, is their own personal gateway to nature. It is a private paradise where…
Is 400mm Enough For Bird Photography?
Many species of birds are small and difficult to get close too, so is 400mm enough for bird photography? A lot of folks recommend 400mm as a minimum focal length for quality bird photography. But even at this range, you’ll still need the bird to be quite close to you for your subject to fill the entire image frame. However,…
Bird Photography: Does Your Camera Really Matter?
Photography can be an intimidating hobby. Not only do you have to understand terms like exposure, ISO, and shutter speed and how they all interact with one another, but you are faced with some (potentially) expensive decisions depending on your gear choice. As a beginner, it’s important to realize that every photographer has been faced with the same tough decision…
The Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder That Actually Works
In this article, we want to share the best squirrel proof bird feeder we’ve ever used. There are many bird feeders that claim to be squirrel proof, but we can only recommend the one that has actually worked well for us. We hope that this backyard bird feeder review helps you make an informed decision about the right model for…
80mm Pentax Spotting Scope Review (PF-ED80-A)
In this post, we’ll review a desirable Pentax spotting scope that has changed the way we approach the hobby of birding. The Pentax PF-80ED-A is sophisticated optical instrument designed for high-magnification views of one of mother nature’s greatest observing challenges; birds. The addition of a new optical instrument for birding will often result in a number of “ah-ha” moments, as…
Our Costa Rica Birding Tour
Our guided birding tour in Costa Rica included stops in varying climates, from the dry savanna habitat of Santa Rosa National Park, to the rain forest of Santa Anita. In total, we saw over 100 species of birds in Costa Rica thanks to our skilled tour guide from Natural Discovery Costa Rica. Planning an international birding trip can be daunting.…