I’d recommend searching for episodes of “Naturally adventurous” and “Life List: A birding podcast”that discuss thermals. Neither goes into the technical side of things but both are informative. One important takeaway is that thermal birding is its own pace and style of birding that requires an adjustment just like someone birding with the intention of taking photos birds differently than someone with just bins. I’d also recommend the two podcasts in general in addition to better known ABA podcast by Nate Swick.
S4E28: Thermal Imaging Devices as a Natural History Game-Changer
Naturally Adventurous
Feb 11, 2024 • 49 min
Comparing thermal scopes, Hurricane Helene effects, and the beauty in the unknowns on pelagics
Life List: A Birding Podcast
Sep 30, 2024 • 1hr, 5 min
Happy birding,
Trevor Sleight
> On Oct 5, 2025, at 11:41, Derb Carter <carolinabirds...> wrote:
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> I read in trip reports that birders are increasingly using thermal monoculars for nocturnal birds and mammals. Interested if you have experience with these devices for this use and any recommendations.
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> Derb Carter
