Birdwatching Dot Com is about wild birds and the sport of birding. It's for everyone who's interested in bird watching and enjoying nature.

LEAST COSTLY GOOD BINOCULAR

THE EAGLE OPTICS SHRIKE IS BACK!

The wonderful Eagle Optics Shrike 8x42 is available again, for a limited time.

A great starter binocular. Find out how much fun it is to see birds through binoculars.

Schools and organizations use this binocular for group birding experiences.

It's easy to use. It won't break the bank. And it is covered by an unconditional warranty that covers accidental damage -- even you drop them!

Regular price $129.95
Birdwatching Dot Com special $99.95

ORDER HERE

NEW VORTEX DIAMONDBACK HD

VORTEX DIAMONDBACK HD 8X42

We love this 2019 upgrade to our best-seller, the Vortex Diamondback. Now with HD in the name.

It comes with a lifetime no-fault warranty that actually covers accidental damage!

The 42mm and 50mm models come with the comfortable, convenient Glass Pak harness case.

Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42
Or see all the new Diamondback HDs

  BIRDING STARTER KIT

Here are the essentials for a successful start in bird watching. We offer several Birdwatching Starter Kits at a range of prices.

A great favorite is the Better Birdwatching Starter Kit, with a Shrike binocular, a field guide to help you identify the birds you see, and our own DVD, How to Start Watching Birds.

OTHER OPTICS REVIEWS

Affordable 8x42 Binoculars
Report on birding binoculars — $200 to $300
Read how the judges rated each affordable binocular. And how to audition a binocular for yourself.
See whole article

Pocket Binocular Reviews
Feb. 2017 Birdwatching Dot Com exclusive
Here are links to our reviews of compact binoculars of a variety of prices, and an overview of what a birder hopes to find in a good pocket binocular.
See our review.

Swarovski CL Pocket
Swarovski's new pocket binocular is good enough to use as a birder's full-time binocular. See Michael and Diane's hands-on review.

  WILDFLOWER SEEDS FROM IOWA

Bring birds to your back yard with beautiful, easy-care native plants. Native flowers in your garden support the lives of wild birds.

Browse our select collection of Midwestern wildflower seeds grown here at Birdwatching Dot Com.

THIS MORNING OUTSIDE with Diane

In snowy parts of eastern US, many bluebirds go south for the winter. But a few linger through the coldest months, living mostly on wild fruits in the woods. That's why I like to preserve and plant native trees that make winter food for birds.

It was a cold morning, but this female bluebird looked me in the face and warmed me up and melted me down.

Click for bigger version of the image.

To see episodes of This Morning Outside with Diane, click the picture matrix.

REVIEW — MID-SIZE BINS

8X32 Binoculars, August, 2019

We review binoculars that you'll always want to take along... because they're bright and clear but smallish and light in weight.

Read this report on which are the best buys among 13 mid-sized binoculars, ranging from top of the field tothe super-economical.

This review appears in the September, 2019, Bird Watcher's Digest.

READ THE REVIEW

HANDS-ON REVIEW

POCKET BINOCULARS 2018

We review 14 pocket binoculars. Prices range from top end to dirt cheap.

Individual reviews of 10 noteworthy binoculars.

This review originally appeared in the January 2018 Bird Watcher's Digest.

READ THE REVIEW

  GREAT GIFTS FOR BIRDERS

Gifts for birdwatchers. Many specials and closeouts on great binoculars.

Our pick of the best high-quality bargain spotting scope. Feeders and birdbaths for a backyard bird oasis.

REVIEW by MICHAEL & DIANE

Top Binocular Review Update
Updated 2018
Since our 2015 Titans review of the top Leica, Swarovski, and Zeiss binoculars, all three manufacturers have brought out new models.

Michael and Diane Porter do a hands-on, side-by-side comparison and report on the 2016 Swarovski EL with FieldPro Package, the 2016 black Zeiss SF, and the completely new-in-2017 Leica Noctivid.
See the whole article.