Spotting scope needed? (1 Viewer)

[Po'ouli]

I will be in New Zealand for a couple of weeks in November and plan on hitting some of the top birding sites on both islands. It seems that much of the birding is shorebirds/seabirds and wetland areas. Will I regret it if I leave my spotting scope at home?

Thanks for any advice.

Bruce

 

[Paul Pearson]

Hi

I think its Wrybill that do a tour called 'The Ten Foot Tour' - this refers to how close just about all the wildlife approaches you! That says it all really. See http://www.wrybill-tours.com for loads of advice, really useful site.

I was in new zealand last November and chose my Canon 30D and 100-400 lens over the scope - best choice I ever made. On pelagics the seabirds come to you and most of the landbirds appear rather tame.

The only time I needed a scope was at Miranda for shorebirds, but there were so many other birders about I eventually was offered a look through someone else's 'scope at anything distant.

Hope that helps your thinking

best regards

Paul

 

[birdboybowley]

I spent 2 months in NZ and frequently used my scope - whether for distant NZ Falcons, seawatching from shore, waders at Miranda....the Fairy Terns...put it in your rucksack! Never leave home without it!