Sunday, February 18, 2018

Wildlife Binoculars

I often guide tourists in the forest. To watch birds, butterflies on distant flowers, or orchids in high trees, we usually use binoculars. I personally use a pair of 10x42 mm Visionking binoculars. They have got Bak4 roof prisms to deliver crisp images of birds or other wild animals that I watch. But they are not the best birdwatching optics available in the market.
Recommended Binoculars
a pair of Swarovski SLC 10×42 WB binoculars
For the best wildlife watching experience, I highly recommend that visitors buy a pair of Swarovski SLC 10x42 WB binoculars. The binoculars have got fluorite HD glass elements, and are filled with nitrogen. They are light enough to travel with. These binoculars belong to Mr. and Mrs. Buttiker, Swiss tourists who visited Arfak range for birdwatching.
Western Parotia (Parotia sefilata) was eating Red-Pandanus Fruit
During their trip in Arfak mountains, they were able to watch Vogelkop Bowerbird, Western Parotia, Green-backed Robin, Feline Owlet-Nightjar, Emerald Ground Dove, and etc. These birds were seen at the elevation between 1,300 and 1,500 meters above sea level.
For birds that live in lowland and lower montane forest, the variety of species will be different. Based on my previous birdwatching experience, I saw Lesser Birds of Paradise, Glossy Manucode, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificemt Riflebird, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Hooded Butcherbird, Palm Cockatoo, and a lot more.
Because the humidity and rainfall in tropical rainforest is very high, I highly recommend that visitors bring binoculars that are watertight or waterproof.
Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor)
in Arfak mountains
There are also similar binoculars manufactured by Leica, Nikon or Vortex.
Spotting Scope
In addition to binoculars, I also use a very affordable Kinglux 20- 60×60 spotting scope. It is equipped with Bak4 prism and is filled with nitrogen gas. Experienced birdwatchers usually bring Swarovski ATX 30-70×95 spotting scope.
Booking
If you are interested in taking a birdwatching tour with me in Raja Ampat, Klasow valley of Sorong, and Arfak mountains of Manokwari, please, contact me by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com. written by Charles Roring

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