Binoculars For Kids

Peering through the glass, you gaze at the green-winged teal bird just a few yards in front of you. The chestnut and green on the head tell you that it is a male. All day you have been waiting for this perfect moment. You look up for a second to look at the bird with your naked eyes, twisting your hand to make a minor adjustment to your instrument. You then look back through the glass, aim, and then shoot…a picture of the bird.

Besides enjoying Amish country while camping in Amish Country Ohio, you can also spend some time in an ancient yet thrilling activity: birdwatching. But where do you start?

According to the National Audubon Society, the populations of roughly a quarter of all bird species in America, including those in Amish country in Berlin Ohio, have decreased in the 1970s. This has included huge plummets of certain species, such as the Henslow’s sparrow and cerulean warblers. What has caused this drastic drop? Human activities, such as development, have greatly shrunk the habitats for birds, reducing their food resources and increasing diseases among them.

The good news is that with the right pair of camping binoculars, you can still enjoy watching several species of birds, during your camping trip. Here are some tips to make your birdwatching a little more enjoyable:

1. Six eyes are better than four (or two). Make sure that you bring a quality pair of binoculars with you. Today, you can find digital binoculars, waterproof binoculars, and even binoculars for kids! Determine which binoculars best meet your needs. Also, when using the binoculars, raise them up to your eyes, rather than looking downwards towards them.

2. Act like a hunter. Make sure to minimize your talking and movement, and never wear bright clothing.

3. Perfect practice makes perfect. When you spot a bird on the ground, in a tree, or in flight, you often only have a few seconds to point and see. Like a gunslinger from the Old West, your reflexes must be fast as lighting. Before your next camping trip, try practicing your “draw” by quickly moving your binoculars from your side, to your eyes, and then following a jet across the sky.

4. Find then birdie then see the birdie! Though it may seem too apparent, to see birds you have to go to where they are abundant. Some of the best locations for birdwatching are National Wildlife Refuges.

5. Do your homework. Studying a solid field guide will allow you to distinguish different birds. Start with individual birds and then work your way up to subgroups and species.

6. Birds of a different feather (and species). The U.S. contains roughly 900 species of birds, many of which call Amish country in Amish Country Ohio, their home. The chances of seeing all 900 in one camping area, is close to the odds of watching a penguin fly. However, if you do your homework, you will know which species you will likely spot in certain regions. When you see a certain species using your camping binoculars, sketch it or record it in a running list.

7. Sing a (bird) song. Learning bird calls and songs will help you to recognize them as they sing a tune. Today, several outstanding CD’s and DVD’s are available, which contain various songs and calls of these gorgeous creatures.

When camping in places such as Amish country in Amish Holmes County Ohio, birdwatching can become one of the most thrilling activities during your trip. Following some basic guidelines and using a quality pair of camping binoculars, can make a good camping experience, great. Watch the birdie!