[mou] Binocular (and field guide) recommendation for youths?

[Paul Smithson]

Hi Shawn,

I meant to send this out a few days ago to you. We utilized an offer from Eagle optics for non-profit organizations that allowed us to get better quality binocs at a lower price.  It is a two for the price of one matching program that they have.  The limitations are: 1) you must purchase at least three pairs of binoculars under $200 each (for a total of six pairs), and 2) the brands that are offered are Eagle Optics, Audubon, Stokes, and Vortex.  A simple email to Eagle optics asking about the non-profit matching donation program should the ball rolling in the right direction.

It worked out well as were able to purchase $180 binoculars for $90 dollars a piece.  That said, we went with Audubon Equinox 8x42 ($180) and Audubon Vector 8x42 ($130) aiming at using them with 4th graders up to adult. The Equinox are worth the extra $25!

Just a note that all of this info is as of June 2007, some rules and prices may have changed.

cheers,
Paul W Smithson
Interpretive Naturalist/Avian Coordinator
Warner Nature Center
www.warnernaturecenter.org
651.433.2427  ext. 14
----- Original Message ----- 
  From: shawn conrad 
  To: mnbird at lists.mnbird.net ; mou-net at moumn.org 
  Sent: Sunday, January 13, 2008 10:16 AM
  Subject: [mou] Binocular (and field guide) recommendation for youths?


  The staff at the Forest History Center in Grand Rapids asked me to post the following question.  They are developing a program to introduce youths to birdwatching.  Does anyone have any recommendations on binoculars appropriate for this?  They should be durable, somewhat light, easy to use, present a decent image, and be easy to train on a bird!  They are planning on obtaining about 15 pairs and hope to spend under $70/pair if possible.  What type of optics to the MOU Youth Mentorship Program kits contain?  Is it possible for the Forest History Center to obtain one of these kits?  
   
  Also, what would be an appropriate field guide for kids?  I suppose there would be a range of ages, so let's say sixth grade.  (Recommendations for younger kids are welcome as well.)
   
  Thanks!

  Shawn Conrad
  http://users.2z.net/itasca_chippewa_birding/ 




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