I've never really been a fan of photo field guides. In the past, I've always gravitated towards the more nuanced interpretation of a skilled illustrator to highlight key features, to help me identify birds/animals/plants in the field. While that still largely holds true, photo-guides have come on in leaps and bounds since I first encountered them, and for many wildlife … [Read more...] about Europe’s Birds, An Identification Guide (Book Review)
Wildlife Product Reviews
The review section features independent reviews of the latest wildlife books, optics, outdoor clothing, gadgets and accessories to help enhance your wildlife watching experience.
Sofirn SC31 Pro LED Torch Review
Pros: High-performance compact rechargeable LED torch. Variable light output and versatile functions. Convenient integrated USB C charging of 18650 Lithium Ion battery (included).Cons: Can get hot in Turbo mode. "Anduril" user interface can be a bit of a handful to access more advanced features.The Sofirn SC31 Pro is a great little all-'round light, with an impressive … [Read more...] about Sofirn SC31 Pro LED Torch Review
Doogee S96 Pro: an ideal rugged smartphone for outdoor enthusiasts
Pros: great spec, performance and battery life for the money in a phone that's built to survive more extreme conditions than you can. The Doogee S96 Pro will take all the punishment you throw at it and emerge unscathed, offering surprising peace of mind.Cons: screen resolution lower than most contemporary phones (works fine, but still...), may be a bit bulky if you have … [Read more...] about Doogee S96 Pro: an ideal rugged smartphone for outdoor enthusiasts
Regatta Rivington Mens Wellington Review
Pros: Great all-round wellington boot that's comfortable and functional. Adjustable girth via quick-release buckle is convenient and effective. Roomy enough for decent welly socks. Heavy duty, grippy soles great when you venture off-road.Cons: Neoprene lining a bit on the thin side, which feels less "premium" than other boots in this price range, and allows cold to seep … [Read more...] about Regatta Rivington Mens Wellington Review
Sofirn IF25A LED Torch Review
Pros: Super bright and compact. Massive versatility in light output and functions. Extremely lightweight and portable for a light this powerful. Great battery life. USB C in body charging for the included 21700 Lithium Ion battery.Cons: Heats up quickly at highest output level (built in thermoregulation safety feature kicks in). "Anduril" user interface a bit complicated if … [Read more...] about Sofirn IF25A LED Torch Review
Book Review: Field Guide to the Dragonflies of Britain and Europe
The Odonata, dragonflies and damselflies, is one of our most fascinating groups of insects. As adults, they're comparatively large and highly active, which makes them one of the most noticeable and easiest insect groups to watch.From spring, through summer into autumn, dragonflies and damselflies are on my radar whenever I'm out for a tramp around my local patch or … [Read more...] about Book Review: Field Guide to the Dragonflies of Britain and Europe
Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10×42 Binocular Review
Pros: The best binocular I have ever used: period. Exquisite ergonomics, incredible image clarity across the field of view... and what a field of view. The NL Pure takes immersive viewing to a whole new level.Cons: Slight detectable seam in the rubber armour where it meets on the inside of the barrels. No locking mechanism on the dioptre adjustment. … [Read more...] about Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10×42 Binocular Review
Vanguard VEO ED 10×42 Binocular Review
Pros: Excellent entry level ED binocular that ticks a lot of the right boxes for birders and wildlife enthusiasts. Lightweight, with reasonable field of view for a 10x binocular, the VEO ED delivers sharp high-contrast images. Great blend of high-end features at a very reasonable price point.Cons: Focus is a little too aggressive for my taste, and meant I regularly overshot … [Read more...] about Vanguard VEO ED 10×42 Binocular Review
Sofirn SP40 Headlamp Review
Pros: Convenient, lightweight and robust headlight with four very useful brightness levels. 1,200 Lumen "Turbo" mode ludicrously bright. Convenient recharging via micro-USB. 3000mAh 18650 battery included. Magnetic base makes for a convenient and versatile work-light when detached from the head-strap. Wide beam pattern ideal for headlamp and use and general area ilumination. … [Read more...] about Sofirn SP40 Headlamp Review
Fenix PD35 v2.0 LED Torch/Flashlight Review
Pros: Fantastically bright, versatile and compact every-day-carry torch/flashlight that's built to last. Eco mode of 3 lumen great for low-level task lighting and can provide an insane 430 hours (almost 18 days) of continuous light on a single battery. Battery charge level indicator is a handy addition. Rechargeable 18650 batteries work well. Also accepts CR123a Lithium … [Read more...] about Fenix PD35 v2.0 LED Torch/Flashlight Review
RSPB ID Spotlight Series: Birds
Nothing beats a good field-guide when you're trying to identify a bird you don't recognise (or a field-guide app perhaps these days). But sometimes a traditional field-guide can feel unwieldy and a little cumbersome, especially for beginners who just need a quick reference to a particular group of birds.Enter the brand new RSPB ID Spotlight series of fold-out identification … [Read more...] about RSPB ID Spotlight Series: Birds
Kite SP65 17-50x Spotting Scope Review
Pros: Detailed, bright image for a smaller scope, which stays sharp right to the edge of the field of view. Dual focus knobs make for quick and accurate focusing at any magnification. Robust aluminium body is lightweight yet feels as if it's made to last. Compact contemporary design. Unusual 17-50x wide-angle zoom range works very well in most situations.Cons: Slight image … [Read more...] about Kite SP65 17-50x Spotting Scope Review
New wildlife ID tech announced by Swarovski Optik
Swarovski Optik, one of the upper-echelon brands for birding and wildlife optics, is branching out into the tech world with the release of in intriguing new piece of high-tech kit. The new dG (Digital Guide) pairs cutting-edge optics with digital camera technology, integrated WiFi and automated digital identification apps for birds and animals.The family-owned Austrian … [Read more...] about New wildlife ID tech announced by Swarovski Optik
Book Review: Ireland Through Birds
If a lifetime of watching wildlife has taught me anything it's that searching for specific species can be a pretty hit-or-miss affair.That uncertainty is one of the great joys of the natural world: the sense of anticipation, never quite knowing what you might see, makes every sojourn into the outdoors a new adventure. City or countryside, coastal wetland or upland moor, … [Read more...] about Book Review: Ireland Through Birds
Hawke Frontier HDX 8×32 Binocular Review
Pros: Outstanding build quality, excellent optics and superb ergonomics in a very affordable package. Image is crisp, bright and clear in the centre of the field, with plenty of detail and good contrast.Cons: Softening around the field edges is noticeable when panning with a moving subject or scanning a large area and can be a little distracting. While the HD handles … [Read more...] about Hawke Frontier HDX 8×32 Binocular Review
XP Pen Deco 03 Graphics Tablet Review
A graphics tablet may seem like an odd thing to be reviewing on a wildlife and nature site, but in today's increasingly connected online world the content we create plays an incredibly important role in helping us reach and engage with more people. Whether you're a wildlife photographer, artist or just a keen enthusiast who wants to share your love of wildlife with the world, … [Read more...] about XP Pen Deco 03 Graphics Tablet Review
Hawke Frontier EDX 8×42 Binocular Review
Pros: Superb image quality and premium build quality deliver excellent all-around performance. Contemporary design looks great, is ergonomic, lightweight and a delight to carry and use for extended periods in the field. Top notch accessories complete the package.Cons: Minor observations rather than real "cons" -- lack of thumb indents feels a little strange if you're used … [Read more...] about Hawke Frontier EDX 8×42 Binocular Review
New Lumix G90 mirrorless camera announced by Panasonic
Regular readers of Ireland's Wildlife will recall that I've been using Panasonic's flagship micro-four-thirds format stills camera, the Lumix G9, for about a year now, and I've been very impressed by the results.It's an extremely capable camera, with lenses to match, and is ideally suited to the kind of photography I do: mostly wildlife, but also mostly on the move, while … [Read more...] about New Lumix G90 mirrorless camera announced by Panasonic
