As for binoculars they are helpful but not mandatory, Reimer noted, though Aversa pointed out binoculars can be handy since you never know what bird you could see when least expecting.
“It is difficult to appreciate the subtle beauty of birds without being able to see them up close,” said Aversa.
There are numerous options for less than $100, Doiron noted. Reimer said many lean towards the 7x power binoculars, while Lindquist recommends 8x30 or 8x40 power binoculars.
More important than the assistance of guides and binoculars, however, is simply using your eyes and ears.
“Start by looking at what’s out your window, in your backyard, or on your feeder, and go from there,” said Lindquist. “Visit the harbor and see what s paddling around in the winter. Take a hike in the state park or in one of the dozens of nature preserves this area is blessed with. Keep your eyes and ears open, find a bird, and really focus on observing it.”
Podcast 309: Flying Saucers, Rainscreen Walls, and Barndominiums
Matt, Brian, and Patrick hear from listeners about outdoor cats, sawhorses, and flying saucers before taking questions on wall assemblies for a barndominium, winter indoor humidity, and how to vent rainscreen walls.
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Wallpello on YouTube takes us to task for promoting outdoor cats. Rob shares his ’60s-era sawhorse brackets via video. Carson offers his thoughts on staying warm. Brad describes his experience of building a flying saucer. Ian asks about roof and wall assemblies for his barndominum. Jeff asks about running his HRV and humidifier at the same time. Kurt wants to know about venting rainscreen walls.