Birding telescopes

[heebeegeetee]

Would like to buy Mrs Heebeegeetee a telescope for watching the birdies. Don't want to spend a fortune, needs to be not too big so that it will fit to a stand clamped to a windowsill.

Not averse to secondhand, would quite like to visit a good retailer to try some models out. We live in Sutton Coldfield, West Mids.

We've been to Focus Optics near Coventry but they had a limited range.

Anyone into this sort of thing? Any advice as to what to look for? Can anyone recommend a good (trustworthy) on-line site we could order from if the retailers prices are too steep?

Appreciate any help folks, Thanks.

[Parrot of Doom]

Martin Mere?

http://mm.eyelook.co.uk/maphome/map.html

I reckon they'd know exactly what you need.

[Tony427]

" Honest officer, I was just testing this telescope for my Mrs, looking for owls in the dark, and I never even knew the Nurses Hostel was at the back of my garden "...........

[mybrainhurts]

I'd hazard a guess vixpy1 has a good 'un......

[ruddermode]

This site may be of help in doing your research -

www.birdforum.net/forumdisplay.php?f=286

[Eric Mc]

Why a telescope?

I always think binoculars are much better for "terrestrial" and general use.

[daved]

If you can get to Slimbridge (10 minutes from M5 jct 13), there's an on-site shop with a window out onto one of the lakes. You can test combinations of scopes/eye-pieces on the various swans and ducks around at this time of year. The guy was helpful and not pushy so we ended up buying an Opticron from him. Not top of the range but for our level of interest and budget(£500)it's ideal. They have a limited selection but you'll probably get the feel for a scope as well as an idea if it's for you. I think they do second hand as well. I can dig out the phone number if you're interested?