It’s hard to believe it is already August, but here we are. Fall migration started to pick up in mid-July as shorebirds, our earliest southward migrants, began to arrive. Later this month—likely late or mid-August—we can expect to see some warblers and other migrating passerines come through, so keep your eyes peeled and study up on those fall plumages.

One of the perks of fall migration is just how extended it feels. Spring can come and go in a flash, but fall migration lingers. You might be wondering how you can make the most of it as a beginning birder, and one of the questions that’s likely crossed your mind as you think about fall’s incoming shorebirds and waterfowl is, “Do I need a spotting scope?”

I can’t answer this question for you—only you can decide if it’s worth the investment. But in this week’s blog entry, I will address some things you should consider if you’ve been internally debating this question. I’ll also have some tips for how to make the most of your birding without a scope.

Photo by Caitlyn Schuchhardt