New collaboration
Raptors are obviously at the core of everything Raptor Aid does and as a charity, our aims and objectives are built around protecting and conserving them. This can be done through direct conservation efforts, educational events, and material but most importantly collaborations.
As a small charity, we have long been aware that collaboration is the best way forward in any conservation effort. There are some incredible organisations out there doing incredible things, but the world is a big place, and the reversal of biodiversity loss and climate change can’t be achieved alone. It might sound like we’re reaching a bit far with those two mammoth tasks facing humans but with collaboration from the tiny grassroots organisations, citizen science, large NGOs, the corporate world, and politicians we can make a change.
Here at Raptor Aid, we’re all about teaming up with like-minded individuals and organisations and that is why I am pleased to announce our collaboration with Focalpoint Optics. I couldn’t carry out the fieldwork I do monitoring the species I do without the use of decent optics and technology. Recently, I made a visit to Focalpoint Optics, based just off the M56 in Antrobus (Northwest) and met Titch and Doc to discuss opportunities. I was refreshed to find out they are as passionate about the environment and helping anyone observe it as I was, and it wasn’t a hard-sell type of shop. FP has been selling optics for a long time and so they know a thing or two about what works, the shop is equipped for every budget and the advice and service are fantastic (just read the reviews). I know from two friends who visited and bought binoculars how well they look after their clients.
Titch has taken over the running and management of the store/business from his parents and it was great to sit down with him and discuss the things important to both organisations and how we might work together. We’ve got a few things on paper with the plan to roll out some events this year encouraging people to get out and enjoy nature, particularly birds of prey. I also got to pick their brains about optics, and which might be the best for me and was pleasantly surprised when Titch offered me a top-end pair of binoculars to take on loan to test out. I’ll be honest though I was like a kid in a sweet shop with all the high-end optics to look through but don’t worry if you’re not in the market for Swarovski’s or Zeiss they have a range to suit everyone and the advice to match. I may however have been slightly turned by Titch allowing me to try out a big fancy Kowa scope in the field so he’s not a bad salesman as well - so be warned.
Whilst I often tell people optics aren’t the most important thing in watching birds of prey, even the simplest pair of binoculars or a scope (that functions) can enhance the experience so much. Good optics become a must when you get into monitoring and recording birds of prey, especially the trickier species and their breeding behaviour. That’s where companies like FP come in - they will even advise and help you with optics you already own and haven’t bought from them. I am glad I reached out to Titch and his team at Focal Point Optics and look forward to bringing you some great opportunities to enjoy birds of prey with them soon - watch this space!
You can check out Focalpoint Optics by visiting their site - https://www.focalpointopticsltd.com
