Binoculars/Scopes 101 - What to look for in optics for birding

by

Mark Sopko

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Thursday, November 13, 2025

Location: Sandy Bottom Ranger Station Meeting Room

Social: 6:30 PM

Meeting 7:00 PM

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Ever wondered what is inside your binoculars or scope? November's meeting will delve into the optics we use for birding. Bring your binoculars. We will focus on magnification, objective lens diameter and how the specs align with our intended use. Key features also include prisms, lens coatings, field of view and comfort-related factors like eye relief.   It will be a lab like presentation, allowing members to see the difference between poro and roof prisms as well as testing our ability to align our binoculars and see how our optics are affected by different light conditions. This tutorial is intended to help you understand what you are looking through when we bird as well as assist in future optical purchases.

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Christmas Party

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Thursday, December 11, 2025

Location: Sandy Bottom Ranger Station Meeting Room

Dinner: 6:30 PM

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Our annual Holiday Potluck Dinner is just around the corner.  Please put it on your calendar and if you can attend, be thinking about what dish you would like to bring that will serve 8-10 people.  This can be an appetizer, meat, potato, vegetable or dessert. We will pass around a signup sheet at the November meeting for those planning to attend and what you would like to bring.  If you cannot attend the November meeting but plan to attend the dinner, please call Jeannie Atkins at 757-287-3985 or email her at jeannie.and.harold@icloud.com by December 1 so we can plan the menu and have an accurate count for seating.  This year in addition to the usual potluck dinner, we will be having a silent auction headed up by Jane Frigo, Jeannie Atkins and Brenda Tanner.  If you plan to donate any items for the auction, please bring it to the November meeting so we can process it and have everything organized ahead of time.  We will not be able to accept donations at the December dinner.  Donated items do not have to be bird related and anyone can contribute.  Just make sure the item is in good condition and operational.  Crafts and works of art are also welcomed.   We‘ve both collected some items at the October meeting but need additional items to make the auction a success. We look forward to seeing everyone and to a great holiday celebration.

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