Looking for some tips for using binoculars

[faerywings]

I know that I need to put them to my eyes and I know how to look through the correct end. And that seems about it.
Gary (DH) got me a set for my birthday so I could look for the birds I hear on the Merlin App. I carry them on my hikes but am finding it really difficult for me to actually see birds. I can focus the binoculars and will see lots of leaves and branches. But then I hear a bird and try to look for it and my ears/eyes/brain can't seem to connect.
Do any of you know what I mean? I'm not sure if I am explaining it all that clearly.
Is it more of a patience thing? God knows I can't stand still and wait so I end up looking all over the place trying to find what I hear. I also learned the hard way to not do that too long or I get dizzy

 

[vickyday]

I know that I need to put them to my eyes and I know how to look through the correct end. And that seems about it.
Gary (DH) got me a set for my birthday so I could look for the birds I hear on the Merlin App. I carry them on my hikes but am finding it really difficult for me to actually see birds. I can focus the binoculars and will see lots of leaves and branches. But then I hear a bird and try to look for it and my ears/eyes/brain can't seem to connect.
Do any of you know what I mean? I'm not sure if I am explaining it all that clearly.
Is it more of a patience thing? God knows I can't stand still and wait so I end up looking all over the place trying to find what I hear. I also learned the hard way to not do that too long or I get dizzy

I know what you mean! I have the same problem with my camera. I zoom in on one bird.....it moves.....I have to zoom completely out, find the bird again, and zoom back in. If I try to find it while still zoomed in.....doesn't happen! I don't have any luck finding the birds "hidden" in the trees, however!

 

[joyfulheartdesigns]

SAME HERE on both binoculars and the camera!!!! The struggle is real there...

 

[tanteva]

I cannot use binoculars with my glasses. And my eye sight is so bad I can't use binoculars without the glasses. Has the same problem using microscope in school.

 

[Cherylndesigns]

I wish I had some tips. I don't have a lot of luck with them. Chuck got me some really small, compact ones to look at the moon with. I think it's me - he got me a telescope once and I couldn't see anything. I think I'm "binocular/telescope challenged".

 

[scrap-genie]

The best I can offer is to go out with someone who can help you and point out where birds are. Also, sit in your backyard and practice patience. Practice looking at birds you can see without them too. While sitting in the yard try looking at flowers, trees, fence posts, etc. at different distances so you get used to changing the focus. Good luck!

 

[LSlycord]

I'm not very good at it either. And I have birds all around me. I can see them when they come to the feeder, but that's about it. However, I have joined the local bird club...they don't start up again until September...and I'm hopeful that I may learn a few tricks then. But I kind of think it is me....my dad saw everything. We'd be driving along and he'd see deer several hundred yards across the fields.

 

[faerywings]

Welp, thanks for nothin' (except for @scrap-genie )
It's all good, I am glad I am not the only one who struggles with this. I have a feeling my biggest issue is my inability to sit still. I haven't figured out how to do that in 55 years, it's going to take a little longer to keep at it, I suppose