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Real-World Review: Birding Mongolia with the ZEISS SFL 10×50 Binoculars
Mongolia – a land of endless horizons and “eternal blue skies.” During a WINGS birding tour, I had the chance to field-test the new ZEISS SFL 10×50 binoculars across the country’s vast steppes. The result: outstanding clarity, impressive light transmission, and a perfect balance of power and portability – ideal for birding from dawn to dusk in one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Birdwatching in the Eriskircher Ried
The Eriskircher Ried on Lake Constance is a unique natural paradise with rare reed beds, shallow water zones, and an impressive variety of birds, making the area a hotspot for nature watchers. The reserve reveals its full beauty and fascination especially during bird migration or when the Siberian iris is in bloom.
Green Woodpecker and Grey-headed Woodpecker – Similarities and Differences
Green and Grey Woodpeckers are closely related and appear similar at first glance, but careful observation of their head and neck markings as well as their calls allows for distinction. Despite their differing habitat preferences, their ranges often overlap, making a good pair of binoculars essential for accurate identification.
Spotting Scope Tuning – More Foresight
Extending the range of use of telescopes with interchangeable astronomical eyepieces has long proven its worth, even with premium spotting scopes such as the Zeiss Diascope.
As a specialist in optical accessories, Baader Planetarium has traditionally manufactured suitable adapters for many years, which enable conventional spotting scopes to be fitted with astronomical eyepieces by converting the eyepiece connection bayonet of the spotting scope into a 1.25-inch receptacle.
Yellow-billed Diver´s long term stay
When rare bird species are discovered, many birdwatchers and ornithologists are thrilled. If the sighting is widely communicated through the established networks, a group of passionate birdwatchers will quickly gather to see the bird and want to add it to their “life list” or “year list”. For this, trips of several hundred kilometers are regularly
Wings over Water: the Secrets of Seabird Navigation
Seabirds undertake extraordinary migrations without guidance, relying on innate compasses, magnetic fields, and even smell to navigate vast oceans with pinpoint accuracy. As threats like bycatch and habitat disruption rise, understanding their remarkable navigational strategies is key to protecting these long-distance travelers.
Song from the West
A rare American Song Sparrow caused a stir among UK birders when it appeared on the Yorkshire coast—marking the first mainland sighting since 1994. After a tense, adrenaline-filled journey, the author joins dozens of others to catch a golden-hour glimpse of this elusive vagrant.
Part II: Julian’s Adventure on the Kerguelen Islands
Julian Lazard, a dedicated nature lover and bird enthusiast, continues his journey on the remote Kerguelen Islands. In this part, he shares the thrilling experiences of his arrival and the unique challenges of living and working in isolation while observing the island’s remarkable wildlife.
Three days, one pair of binoculars, countless challenges – the ZEISS SFL 12×50 in the ultimate field test
The ZEISS SFL 12×50 proved in three intensive days that it is far more than just another pair of binoculars with high magnification. It is a well thought-out, lightweight, brilliant tool for ornithologists, birdwatchers and nature observers with the highest demands.
The Snowy Albatross: Nature’s Feathered Fisherman
Birds play an essential role in maintaining the health of our oceans. One species that has always fascinated me is the Albatross. I fondly recall childhood films like The Rescuers (1977), which featured Orville, the lovable Albatross, bravely flew Bernard and Miss Bianca on their rescue mission. However, beyond their charming cinematic portrayals, Albatrosses are vital allies