BIRDWATCHING

Bins (birders' talk for binoculars)

Choose the right pair of bins - there are bins built for different purposes. Get the right pair that lets you enjoy the birds in all their glory.

• PORRO-PRISM vs. ROOF-PRISM

  There are basically 2 types of bins: porro-prism and roof-prism. Porro-prism bins are simpler in design, cheaper to manufacture but are bulky. They also have external focusing mechanisms and so have higher risk of damage. They could cost from RM300 upwards depending on make and specifications.



Roof-prism models are recommended. They look like 2 cylindrical tubes joined together in the centre. They are compact, have internal focusing parts (less prone to damage and dust problems), mostly waterproof and filled with nitrogen to prevent condensation on the internal surfaces (prevents fungus growth). They typically cost between under RM1,000 to about RM7,000 depending on make and specifications. Some credible makes include Nikon, Minox and Bushnell at the lower price range; and Leica and Swarovski in the higher price range.



• CHOICE OF MAGNIFICATION

  All bins have 2 numbers, e.g., 7x40; 8x30; 10x42. The first number is the magnification and the second denotes the diameter (a bigger diameter lense lets more light in enabling viewing even under poor lighting conditions). Higher magnification allows you to see further and smaller birds with greater details. But it gives you shallower depth of field (describes how much of the field is in focus at any one time) and narrower field of view (the wider the field of view, the easier it is to scan the terrain, spot up a bird or hold a moving bird in your field of vision). Greater magnification also brings with it the problem of "image jitter" that some may not be able to tolerate. But, bottomline, it is a matter of personal preference.



• CLOSE FOCUS DISTANCE

  This is the ability of the bins to focus on the nearest object from where you stand. Bins with a 5-meter close focus distance will not be able to focus on anything less than 5-meters away. Go for one with a close focus distance of not more than 3 meters to enjoy those birds that are perched up close.



• EYE RELIEF

  Eye relief is the distance between the exit lens and your eye, this is important if you wear eye glasses. A long eye relief means that you can hold the binoculars further from the eye while wearing glasses and still get the full benefit of the binoculars. Good eye relief is 16mm upwards. A good pair of bins have adjustable eye cups to accommodate users with and without eye glasses.



• EXIT PUPIL NUMBER (EPN)

  This relates to how much light is allowed in through the lens of a pair of bins. You can determine the EPN by dividing the objective lens number by the magnification, i.e., a 10x42 bins will have an EPN of 4.2. You should aim for bins that have an EPN of no less than 4.0 as any lower will give you poor performance in low-light conditions.



• EASE IN FOCUSING

  Make sure the focusing wheel is easy to manipulate to help you switch your focus from close to far objects quickly - some birds never sit still.



• DIOPTERS

  These on a serious pair of bins can be custom-adjusted for each of your eyes, most people's eyes have differing strengths.



• BINS TO AVOID

  Don't buy tinted, colour-coated or what are claimed as "night vision" bins as they distort true colours.

  
  
  

How to use your bins

• NEVER look into the sun through your binoculars. This can cause permanent damage to your eyes.


• Have the straps at a comfortable length, so that the bins are handy enough for you to pull it to your eyes when a bird suddenly appears!


• The eye cups of some models are adjustable. Have them down if you wear glasses, keep them up if you don't.


• After each outing, clean your bins with a blower, a brush and a lens cloth if necessary.


• Do not use cleansing solutions as they can strip the protective coat on lenses that have it.


• Keep them in a cool, dry place. A dehumidifier is recommended to prevent fungus growth or store in a dry box with silica gel.


• Do not drop your bins as this will cause the focusing alignment to be out. Always have them strapped around your body.

Check out the bins carried by the MNS Shop.

Field guides

A good field guide (or two) is a must in birdwatching to help you identify and learn about the birds you sight. Here's five commonly used books among birders in Malaysia.

A Guide to the Birds of Thailand (BOT) by Boonsong Lekagul and Philip D. Round Price: RM135
Published in 1991, is still a favourite with some birders owing to its user-friendly features and good illustrations. Two major drawbacks: it focuses on Thailand, as stated in its title, so, many species found in Peninsular Malaysia are not covered; and it has not been updated since publication.

A Field Guide to the Birds of West Malaysia & Singapore by Allen Jeyarajasingam & Alan Pearson Price: RM140 (Out of print)
Published in 1999, is no longer in print. It remains the only field guide to cover Peninsular Malaysia exclusively. Work on an eagerly awaited second edition is ongoing.

New Holland Field Guide to the Birds of South-east Asia by Craig Robson Price: RM82 New
It was published as a condensed version of A Field Guide to the Birds of South-east Asia. The text, although more concise, faces the illustrations, making it easier to use. Its description of the species cover identification features, voice, habitat, behaviour and range.

A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia (BSEA2000) by Craig Robson Price: RM140 (Out of print)
A Field Guide to the Birds of South-east Asia (BSEA2008) by Craig Robson Price: RM175 New
A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia (BSEA2000) by Craig Robson was published in the year 2000. It has now been updated and replaced by A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia (2008) (BSEA2008).
Comparing BSEA2008 with BSEA2000: The new edition has 16 additional colour plates, 172 new illustrations with improvements on over 170 existing ones. The recording of new species for the region and taxonomic splits (sub-species being accorded full species status) has added 76 species to the list. A total of 1,327 species is now covered.
Be forewarned there are also many potentially confusing changes that have been made to common and scientific names.
As in BSEA2000, the new edition covers identification features, voice, habitat, behaviour, range, status and breeding information of all species and distinctive sub-species in South-east Asia.
Download the field guide index for BSEA2000 here.

Notebook & pen

The more you take notes on the field, the better trained the brain is to see the details and remember them! On the long run, note-taking will help you identify the birds. A pocket-sized notebook makes good company in the field.

A few other items, like:-

• Water: Keep well hydrated.
• Snacks: Biscuits, power bars, nuts and dried fruits etc.
• Small umbrella or poncho - just in case.
• Mosquito repellent.
• Leech socks for forested areas.
• Sun-block lotion.
• Your own medication, if any.

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