I’ve never been able to use a telescope.

I can only see black.

You have a go.

My husband/wife/son/daughter etc is much better at it than me.

I can manage with my binoculars.

My eyelashes get in the way.

Many are the excuses for giving up.

At Dodd we hope never to send anyone away (for our more enthusiastic staff, to even let anyone go) before they have achieved success and gained a view of one of our five wonderful ospreys in telescopic close up.

A practise tip – Before you come, indulge in a tube of Smarties. Push out the end and look through it. You can focus on the inside of the tube or on the end view depending on the position of your eye. Remind yourself of this when all is dark down the lens. Save the Smarties as a reward. (It works)

At the Viewpoint - Make sure that the scope is at the correct height for you. Ask a staff member check the scope is pointing at something specific and to help adjust focus and zoom.

Don’t let the queue of people behind you put you off. They will get their turn.

Encouraging sayings ‘If at first you don’t succeed, try try, try again.

Patience is a virtue.

Seeing is believing.

There are none so blind as those who will not see

‘I see,’ said the blind man, who couldn’t see at all.

Try not to kick the tripod either by accident or in frustration.

Be warned, we are well versed in recognising the difference in your tone between – ‘oh yes, I see ‘- ----(when you can’t) and ‘ YES!! I CAN SEE’(when you can) Do not try to hoodwink us.

Don’t give up and you will come away not only with a wildlife sight to remember, but a new skill to use and pass on. (And you’ll make us very happy too)