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 recommendations
• Audubon’s “Good Value” binocular recommendations
• Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s advice for choosing bins
• An excellent binoculars overview from REI
• Sign the petition to protect Chicago’s nesting Piping Plover pair
• Located in Chicago? Email [email protected] and volunteer to protect the nesting Piping Plovers at Montrose Beach
• eBird is a great, free birding app to help you ID birds (like tricky shorebirds)

BINOCULARS RECOMMENDATIONS

• Griffin: Nikon Prostaff 3s 8x42
• Mo’s binoculars (aka Oscar): Celestron Nature DX 8x42
• Sarah’s binoculars (aka Bindi): YOU DON’T WANT THESE.

BIRDS WE MENTIONED (in order)

• Killdeer 
• Piping Plover
• Red-Breasted Nuthatch
• White-Breasted Nuthatch

• BIRDS IN THE NEWS
• Piping Plovers threatened by rising Great Lake water levels
• Piping Plovers threatened by Chicago music festival
• Piping Plovers benefiting from Hurricane Sandy

OTHER COOL SH*T

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