6: How to Choose Birding Binoculars: Interview with Griffin Dennis

Binoculars are simple tools, in theory: they make it easier to see things—like birds—that are far away. But how do binoculars work? What do the numbers on binoculars mean? How much should you pay for a pair of birding binoculars? What should you name your binoculars?

Thanks to our special guest, self-proclaimed-optics-nerd Griffin Dennis, you'll have the answer to all these questions by the end of this episode. Learn everything you've ever wanted to know about how to choose a pair of binoculars for bird watching, whether you're just getting into birding or looking to "level up" your gear.

Plus, we ponder the plights, perils, and pleasing post-Sandy payoffs of Piping Plovers. (Sorry, that was a bit much.)

BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSED
USEFUL RESOURCES 

Audubon’s “Getting Started” binocular recommendationsAudubon’s “Good Value” binocular recommendationsCornell Lab of Ornithology’s advice for choosing binsAn excellent binoculars overview from REISign the petition to protect Chicago’s nesting Piping Plover pairLocated in Chicago? Email [email protected] and volunteer to protect the nesting Piping Plovers at Montrose BeacheBird is a great, free birding app to help you ID birds (like tricky shorebirds)

BINOCULARS RECOMMENDATIONS

Griffin: Nikon Prostaff 3s 8x42Mo’s binoculars (aka Oscar): Celestron Nature DX 8x42Sarah’s binoculars (aka Bindi): YOU DON’T WANT THESE.

BIRDS WE MENTIONED (in order)

Killdeer Piping PloverRed-Breasted NuthatchWhite-Breasted Nuthatch

BIRDS IN THE NEWSPiping Plovers threatened by rising Great Lake water levelsPiping Plovers threatened by Chicago music festivalPiping Plovers benefiting from Hurricane Sandy

OTHER COOL SH*T

Listen to our trip from Point Pelee, Canada!Sid (and Brainy) from the “Hey Arnold!” cartoonFollow Griffin (our guest) on InstagramMore about rising water levels in the Great Lakes

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