Binoculars are not just for "birders" anymore. We think every backyard birdwatcher should own a pair. Even though we do go on a few birding adventures throughout the year, the majority of our time spent watching birds is right outside our living room window. We can't imagine not having binoculars to enjoy our favorite birds up close!

We use ours to i.d. "little brown jobs" like finches and sparrows on our feeders, especially this time of year when some species molt into their drab, winter plumage. We watch flocks of waxwings and robins high in our holly trees. In the summer months, we peek at cardinals, catbirds and towhees feeding young in the honeysuckle tangle along the fence. We spy on our owl box to see if it is an Eastern Screech Owl or a darn squirrel poking his head out high up on the tree. Binoculars are very handy when watching hummingbird feeders, since they are so small and quick. Every now and then, we have a hawk, fox, deer or even a turkey in the yard. It's nice to be able to view them from a distance without spooking them.

Binoculars are also great when traveling, hiking, hunting, going to concerts, watching butterflies and much more. We usually keep a spare pair in our car, because we use them so much!

Binoculars can be intimidating to the beginner, but optics technology has improved drastically over the past 15 years. Prices have dropped while quality and ease of use has improved. You don't need a heavy, high-powered binocular. For most of us an 8x (power) is the perfect fit, or possibly a 10x. Don't be fooled into thinking bigger is better with binoculars. Not true. The higher the power, the smaller the field of view and the harder it is to hold the image still. As for price, you can get very high quality optics, waterproof, fully coated, with long eye relief and a close focus (all that technical info which we are happy to explain when you visit) for not a whole lot more than you're spending on birdseed! You can even use your Cole's Rewards points towards a pair. Bring in the coupon below and we'll give you 10% off!

So try out a pair of binoculars on your next visit and see what you've been missing. It will be crystal clear!