Binoculars For the Fledgling Birder By Roy Smallwood

When you become interested in the birds and wish to join with others who have made birding the number one and fastest growing activity in North American today you are confronted with many choices in binoculars. In fact, there are so many choices of binoculars today that it is almost frustrating. Yet, it doesn't have to be.

There are a few basics that one must know. First, the advances in the technology of optics have proved remarkable. Today's binoculars are much more lightweight, gather so much more light, and provide for more clear, precise images than ever before. One advance is the type of prism used: the roof prism. The main job of the prism is to right the image for the viewer. Yet, the use of the roof prism has allowed for internal focusing and the ability to water and fog proof the binocular. Secondly, the use of nitrogen and, most recently, argon gases to purge the internal system of moisture allows the use of binoculars under challenging conditions of humidity, fog, and even rain. Third, thin layer coatings have provided increased light transmission and corrections for aberrations in lenses that do not add significantly to weight.

When we begin to look at various models of binoculars we find a set of numbers on them, such as 8x42. The first number has to do with magnification and the second with the size of the objective lens. For most of us, whether a novice or a veteran, the magnification that works best is 8x. Really what this means is, when viewing the bird through your binoculars, the image created is as if you are only one eighth of the distance to the bird. So, if you were looking at a bird 100 feet away, it appears as if you are only about 12 feet away. The size of the objective lens, the lens closest to the object viewed, is of great importance because it is one factor in the amount of light gathering power of the binocular, but also influences the field of view. The larger the objective lens the more light gathering capability. However, the larger size contributes to increased weight. A 50 mm objective gathers more light than a 35 mm lens but is significantly heavier. Most people find the 42 mm lens to be a great compromise, gathering quite a bit of light while allowing for a weight that allows the binocular to be held for a long and satisfying look at the bird in question.

Beginning birders often have a period of time when they are learning to find the bird in their binoculars. One should consider finding a binocular with a large field of view in this case. Field of view is stated in feet at 1000 yards and also in degree measure. More easily understood is the former. If the specifications state 336 ft/1000 yards, this means 336 feet across the viewing area is visible in the lens 1000 yards from where one stands.

Having said all that, one of the best choices for the beginning birder would be the Stokes 8x42 Talon or the Vortex 8x42 Diamondback. These two have very similar specifications. Both have an amazing field of view, 420 feet. Both are offered at a very reasonable price.

Now, go get a binocular you will enjoy for a long time and go birding!

Roy Smallwood is the owner of Kingbirdfeeders.com. Roy began this enterprise after a 26 year career as a teacher of science. His love and enjoyment of the outdoors and birding in particular is the impetus for the company. He is an active member of the Central Texas Audubon Society. He encourages everyone to participate and enjoy birding whether in the backyard or in the field. Visit http://www.kingbirdfeeders.com for, binoculars and happy birding!

Types of Cypress Trees By Patricia Wainwright

The cypress tree family is widespread, containing over 130 species. Through DNA analysis, it has recently been determined that both the juniper and giant sequoia trees are related to the cypress family. However, when someone mentions the cypress tree, they are generally speaking of one of three main species - the Bald Cypress, the Leyland Cypress, or the Arizona Cypress. These are the most popular and widely used cypress trees in America, and each has unique characteristics. You can be sure one of these species will fit your landscaping needs.

The Bald Cypress is the symbolic tree of the southern swamp; however, it is quite adaptable and has been grown successfully much further north. It is a large tree, can grow as tall as 70' and spread as wide as 25' at the bottom. It tolerates all soil types, is adaptable to wet or dry conditions and can withstand flooding. The Bald Cypress is a deciduous conifer so it will not only produce cones, but will shed its needle shaped leaves in the winter. It has a uniform conical shape.

The Leyland Cypress is a fast growing evergreen and is very popular in landscaping. It is a large tree, can grow as tall as 60-70', with a smaller spread of about 15-20' at the base. It also grows in all soils, prefers full sun, and requires an average amount of rainfall. Unlike the Bald Cypress, this tree retains its blue-green needles throughout the winter. In maturity, the Leyland forms a columnar or slightly pyramidal shape and its dense branches make it a prime choice for forming windbreaks or privacy hedges. Although the Leyland Cypress prefers full sun, it does not adapt well to hot climates and becomes susceptible to a fungus known as Cypress Canker. Both the Bald Cypress and the Arizona Cypress perform better in the extreme southern states.

The Arizona Cypress is the southern belle of the cypress species and does not grow well in the middle or northern states. It is smaller and wider than the other species, growing to about 45' with a spread of 25-30'. The Arizona prefers full sun, grows in all soil types, and has normal moisture requirements, but has good drought tolerance. Due to its dense branches, gray-green needles, and uniform shape, it is widely grown for Christmas trees. It is also widely used in landscaping as a focal point or anchor.

These three varieties of cypress trees cover all the bases. Wet or dry soil, hot or temperate conditions - there is a cypress tree to meet your needs. Choose the melancholy Bald Cypress, the slender Leyland Cypress, or the elegant Arizona Cypress. Each and any one will add impact to your landscape.

Before you go running out to buy a Leyland Cypress Tree, find out if it is a risk to use Leyland Cypress Trees for hedging, and get more facts about organic gardening at GreenThumbArticles.com!

The Volcanoes of the Hawaiian Islands By Allison Ryan

The Hawaiian Islands rose from the sea due to a series of volcanic eruptions. The upsurges that brought them into being must have been violent, for these islands stand in water more than three miles deep. Conical mountains on some of the bodies of land thrust up two and a half miles above sea level. All of the islands vary considerably in size. The larger pieces of land were not only formed by lava and ash, but also enlarged by coral growths.

Hawaii, the island that is furthest east, is also the largest. There are several volcanoes scattered over its surface of four thousand square miles, the greatest of which is Mauna Loa, or "Long Mountain." Mauna Loa is 13,680 feet tall. The crater at its summit is affectionately nicknamed Mokuaweoweo.

Much like a dedicated citizens petition that has been a citizen petition in the citizen petition process for only a short amount of time, Mauna Loa is still active. The rest periods between its eruptions are inconsistent, lasting from anywhere between several months or ten years. Its flows occupy more than two thousand square miles, over half of the area of the island.

Mauna Loa's flows extend from its snow-encrusted summit to the ocean bottom, over thirty one thousand feet below its craggy flasks. Many of Mauna Loa's eruptions do not go beyond its crater, but others manage to cause huge splits and cracks in the mountainside and spew forth fiery, molten rock.

Such a breach occurred well up on the northeast ridge back in 1881, and the lava that gushed forth flowed down to the edge of the city of Hilo, more than 30 miles distant. Again in 1942, following a series of heavy earthquakes, burning, flaming lava squirted from a great crack in the mountain's shoulder in a series of fountains.

The lava ran to within 12 miles of Hilo. It is unknown if the Hilo civilians chose to start a petition using their knowledge on how to make a petition in order to obtain a petition that asked for more protection against the giant volcano.

In 1950 a mighty fissure 13 miles long opened up, and during 23 days more than a billion tons of lava issued from it. In some places it sped toward the sea in scorching rivers flowing six miles an hour, while one rivulet, years ago, is said to have traveled at a rate of 40 miles an hour.

Twenty three miles to the east of Mauna Loa is the volcano Kilauea. Its summit collapsed inwards, forming a shallow trough at the top. This trough is called the Halemaumau, "The House of Everlasting Fire." Within it is one of the most fearful wonders in all of our national parks.

This is a fearsome lake of gurgling, blistering lava, 1750 degrees hot on its surface, which occasionally wells up and overflows onto the crater floor. At other times it is sucked back within the earth and sinks almost out of sight, like a slug of snot in a child's nose. Then the walls crumble into an avalanche down the walls of the yawning cavern, sometimes letting great quantities of water cascade into the depths.

When this happens, the volcano undergoes violent steam explosions, hurling forth tons of rock and dust. Such a blast heaped death and destruction upon a native army in 1790. Bare footprints in volcanic ash give testimony to this tragedy long ago. Modern social things, like petition letter examples, some petition examples, or example petitions cannot save anyone from such devastation.

There are other things to see and enjoy within the two sections of the park besides volcanoes and the results of volcanic action. Plants native to each of these islands are not found anywhere else in the world. In the Haleakala Crater grows the strange, rare silversword. It throws up a "pincushion" of long, daggerlike leaves that look as though they were formed of silver. From its center a flower stalk thrusts up 6 or more feet, and on it opens up a vast bloom made up of countless purple flowers.

Allison Ryan is a freelance marketing writer from San Diego, CA. She specializes in the citizen petition process, how to make a petition, and petition examples to help individuals start their own. To browse free petitions, stop by http://www.thepetitionsite.com/.