Every Monday a reader's question is highlighted to provide birding information for everyone to enjoy. This week, Dirk from Manitoba asks...

"I've just gotten started birding, and while I have a good pair of binoculars, I'm considering getting a spotting scope. Is it a good idea to have one for birding?"

Many birders have spotting scopes, but are they necessary to enjoy birding? That's a matter of opinion, and it strongly depends on the type of birding you do. If your birding is confined to thick forests or close at hand in your backyard, a scope may not be much use, but if you go birding frequently in open areas where distant birds can be hard to see, a scope can bring them much closer to view in stunning detail. Learning more about spotting scopes can help you make the decision that will be best for your birding.

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Spotting Scope
Photo © Tim