[Billthedrill]

Try to work a tripod into your budget, too. Set the binocs up pointing the right direction and focus on the feeders. Mine function just fine through double panes but you don't want to have to hold the dang things steady long enough to observe the birds, especially if you opt for a relatively heavy pair. Big objective lenses mean more light in. Too high a magnification means it jiggles a lot and your field of view is narrow - that may not be a big problem at your range, though. If the binocs are pretty much inside all the time you won't have to worry about waterproofing. Fun hobby!

An interesting alternative is a spotting scope - these are used in shooting to see your hits without having to go downrange. Big zoom, lots of light. Good luck!

[Chickensoup]

A small tripod would work on the table where most of the feeders are. Thank you for the idea.

I am so happy to be looking at doing this again. Once I saw a snowy owl catch and kill a squirrel at the feeders. High point in watching for me. Lots of Wood peckers all three sizes.

Tenant just told me today that there is a woodpecker in one of my buildings either in the wall or roof. Sigh. I guess I need to have the pest control guys move him.