Below is the description for a new binocular I bought in December 2007. I bought the binocular just for the heck of it because I wanted to try out a mid-size bino, and the Bushnell Excursion 8×32 binocular only cost $126 at EagleOptics.com.

I used them to look out at the feeders during the winter. But I enjoyed them so much, and the quality was better than I expected that I made the Bushnell bino my primary binocular for birding. I used them for hawkwatching in March and for songbirds during the spring migration.

I no longer use my $389 Pentax binocular I bought in the fall of 1999 when I started birdwatching. And I no longer borrow my wife's $700 Zeiss Classic binocular, which are nice.

Nine years ago when I started birding, it was not possible to get a bino like this Bushnell Excursion with these features at such a low price. The Bushnell Excursion 8×32 is a good binocular for someone getting started in birdwatching.

Birdwatching Starter Kit

Here's my recommendation for a beginning birdwatcher's starter kit:

• Bushnell Excursion 8×32 binocular - $126
• Sibley's Birding Basics - $11
• Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America - $13
• Stokes Field Guide to Bird Songs: Eastern Region - (3 CDs) - $20

That's a good start for less than $200.

Perfect Notebook

You must record your observations. Any notebook will work, but I discovered Moleskine notebooks in November 2007 at a local Barnes and Noble store. Thus ends my quest for the perfect notebook.

I've been a note-taker and a nerd for notebooks since grade school. I've used the pocket ruled Moleskine and now the pocket plain Moleskine. I switched to plain because I've started doing more sketches, and I like sketching on paper without the ruled lines. My order for five more pocket plaine Moleskine's arrived today. That should last me for the summer. I fill a pocket Moleskine notebook every two or three weeks.

Binocular Description

Anyway, description at Eagle Optics :

Bushnell Excursion 8×32 Binocular

Easy handling mid-size bino

Not too big. Not too small. The size and lightweight composite chassis of the 8×32 Excursion binoculars is just right – resulting in a streamlined roof prism for your carrying comfort. Easy to pack and handle while sightseeing, the 8×32 is a clear choice for a wide variety of outdoor adventures, too.

Extending the viewing day

When you take along an Excursion, you'll have more time to take in the details. Why? The 8×32 Excursion binoculars add more minutes to your viewing day because of these fine optical features:

• PC-3 phase correction guaranteeing extra sharpness.
• Fully multi-coated optics increasing light transmission for brighter views.
• BaK-4 glass deliver crisp details from one edge to the other.

If you wear eyeglasses, twist back the eyecups and enjoy the full field of view.

Waterproof for any excursion

Whether you travel by foot or cruise along by some other means, take in all the sights with the solidly dependable Excursion binoculars:

• 100% waterproof and fog proof protection performs flawlessly in any situation.
• Rubber armor with ridges provides a secure, sure grip on cold, rainy days.
• Large center focus is easy to use ... even when wearing gloves.

There's more in the box with Eagle Optics...

The Bushnell Excursion 8×32 Binoculars come with:

• Carry case
• Neck strap
• Bushnell Lifetime Warranty

Be assured that...

• Eagle Optics maintains a free 30-day guarantee – we want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase.
• You can always count on Eagle Optics' friendly staff for answers to your questions – feel free to call us at 1-800-289-1132.

Our Price: $125.99

Other sites selling the binocular :

• Optics4Birding - $151.35
• B&H Video - $139.95