I know this is a long-shot, buuuut does anyone have a field scope they aren't using? Any suggestions for a field scope that would be good to view raptors? From what I've read, it sounds like straight (vs. angled) is better for tracking. I'm going to be a volunteer with the Batumi Raptor Count this fall, run by an NGO conservation group, and they want me to bring one; but I can't afford the Swarovski 65mm field scope. Last year, I saw some of the raptor migration as they crossed from a place near Tarifa, Spain to northern Africa, and it was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life - if not t h e most exhilarating. The perils these birds face is astonishing, and I am working on an art education project for children about them.
Would love to find a decent second-hand field scope that is not too heavy? 3.5 pounds is the current weight, and I noticed a Nikon 50mm is only about 1 pound. I don't know scopes well enough to know if the 50mm is adequate. I suspect not. Also, where I am going has a lot of clouds, so light entry into the scope is a huge factor. I know, a long-shot; but miracles do happen! Thanks in advance for any suggestions or advice. I've learned and continue to learn so much from you all and am so grateful!!!! *Sandy Wold* Author/Originator of Cayuga Basin Bioregion Map (for sale at Wegmans, Autumn Leaves, Cornell Book Store, Cornell Plantations, and Visitor's Bureau) *https://sites.google.com/site/cayugabioregionmap/about-author-and-artist <https://sites.google.com/site/cayugabioregionmap/about-author-and-artist>* *www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-wold-877114a7/ <https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-wold-877114a7/>* www.Sandy-Wold.com <http://www.sandy-wold.squarespace.com/> *"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come ALIVE, for what the world needs is people who have come ALIVE." **- Dr. Howard Thurman, American Theologian, Clergyman and Activist (1900-1981) * -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
