Added to the series by popular request, Backyard Birding will host a session about the latest in optical technologies that provide “up close and personal” views of the region’s feathered friends from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, in the Rainshadow Hall at the Dungeness River Nature Center, 1943 W. Hendrickson Road.

Christie Lassen of Wild Birds Unlimited in Gardiner and Jim Ullrich of Swarovski Optik-Pacific Northwest will present “Understanding Birding Optics.”

They will discuss technical parameters such as lens diameter, magnification power, and other specifications that determine cost-benefit considerations when making purchasing decisions.

The pair will also detail various uses of binoculars and spotting scopes in differing light and weather conditions.

Additionally, they will touch on the topic of “digiscoping”— techniques for adapting a digital camera lens (such a cell phone camera) into a telephoto device for capturing images of birds at a distance.

Admission to each seminar is free; however, series organizers suggest a donation of $5 per person to support ongoing education programs.