Live Life Team
Ornithology is the branch of zoology that deals with the study of birds. In studying birds, certain tools are used, like binoculars and finnsticks.
A finnstick is a stick that is used to support binoculars. One end of the stick is permanently attached to the binoculars, and the other end rests against the user’s belly. Finnsticks help in steadying the binoculars, especially if they are used for a long time. Aside from steadying the images, which allows for better observation of the birds, the use of finnsticks decreases muscle strain, therefore allowing longer viewing but with less muscle strain. Some birdwatchers think that using a finnstick does not clearly improve the ability of viewers. On the contrary, they are very useful in watching migratory birds like raptors and sea birds because they prevent premature fatigue and improve the viewing comfort of the user.
As its name implies, the finnstick was invented by the Finns (inhabitants or natives of Finland), but now they are used in other countries. They are used by ornithologists as well as amateur birders. A simple finnstick can be created using a piece of wood like an old hockey stick or a leg of a tripod. Aside from finnsticks made of wood, there are also finnsticks made of metal. Finnsticks are available commercially and some manufacturers of binoculars offer finnsticks as accessories. In every finnstick, its upper end should be adjusted to each specific binocular model.
