If you're not familiar with podcasts on your computer or iPod, well you're just missing out. Podcasts are short (and sometimes not so short) programs available free of charge that you can download and listen to. Kinda like TV used to be.

Bill Thompson hosts this amazing "radio show" about birding called "This Birding Life" from Bird Watchers Digest. Tom has guest speakers on the program who just shouldn't be missed. In fact, I just finished listening to "Snippets From a Life Gone to the Birds" with Al Batt, and I swear I'm gonna try to get him to come to Tehachapi. I laughed out loud.

There are lots of other podcasts out there on any number of topics, and if you're interested or have questions, just let me know. I subscribe (free) to about 30 of them and listen while I work.

You can download "This Birding Life" program files in MP3 format, or subscribe through free iTunes software, which you'll have to download and install on your computer.

So let me know how you enjoy "This Birding Life."

Feeling dizzy? Headache? Does looking through binoculars make you nauseous? It could be the onset of a cold, or … you forgot to set your diopter! Luckily the cure for this common problem is easy. (Check the demonstration video below).

The diopter feature built into a binocular allows compensation for the weaker eye of the individual using them. Though we may not want to admit it, most of us have a strong eye and a weak eye. Settint the diopter is an important step to personalizing your binocular. The diopter on most binoculars is located on the right barrel, forward from the eyecup. Look for the "+" and "–" signs.

Begin by setting your diopter to zero and then cover your right eye while looking through the binocular. You can do that by covering your right eye or the right end (objective lens) of the binocular.

Pick out a fixed subject about 30-100 yards away and focus the binocular using the center focus wheel.

Next, cover your left eye, making sure your right eye is clear, and adjust the right side using the diopter adjustment located below the eyecup. Make sure you are looking at the same object as before. Be sure to keep the binocular focus wheel in the same position if possible for best results. Note the diopter setting.

Once the diopter is set, just use the center focus wheel when focusing and you'll enjoy crystal clear viewing.

As time progresses your eyes may change minimally. Nikon recommends resetting the diopter every year or so to keep up with potential changes in your eyes.

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