tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10073353781482293462024-02-21T06:52:38.141-05:00Birding with my Leica Opticsjoin me for some birding & digiscoping adventures
as I enjoy wildlife everywhere I go!Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-35434987567243797092011-11-17T11:34:00.014-05:002011-11-17T14:38:03.947-05:00Raptors in the Valley<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Every trip to the Rio Grande Valley of Texas produces wonderful memories and many specialty bird species but being a bit of a raptor fanatic I was especially excited by the great variety of raptors I spotted last Saturday AM before boarding a plane and flying home on my brief visit to the Rio Grande Valley Bird Festival.</span></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWZCBhv7QjKnXR7mbWvE_yMSEfuSOSmuERxJp7DNRvnKJotZxpbjfZ1mvP44DIDzLU-hFm4pxOqXaGAHAiHF0JHNGmCEpavm9ex_4YetBrq9SXZJLmMbzW8KfvbLTTi5FRLEKQzLa5kTz/s1600/L1050385.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWZCBhv7QjKnXR7mbWvE_yMSEfuSOSmuERxJp7DNRvnKJotZxpbjfZ1mvP44DIDzLU-hFm4pxOqXaGAHAiHF0JHNGmCEpavm9ex_4YetBrq9SXZJLmMbzW8KfvbLTTi5FRLEKQzLa5kTz/s400/L1050385.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676018749161309122" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Osprey feeding on fish in field near Lagun Atascosa NWR, TX 11-12-11</span></div><div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In all, I saw 15 species of raptors including "honorary raptors" Turkey & Black Vultures. The Osprey above was feeding on a fish carcass when a Turkey Vulture winged in below looking for scraps. The Osprey wasn't about to give up and after a wicked stare down returned to eating its prize.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWi3G54rgyflVgSXKT51fcr4Ij2w_wGeNlAYJsmcxYz5LqyWxHzLTqADRMGbG6Xdsg16OjbAs-e1QmKAz4rZKnUrTuTz0RCDpyWXyr3HANu1zL1fU_Wc0wQB-pyG4khgl1GMg3mbP9Cag/s1600/L1050381.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWi3G54rgyflVgSXKT51fcr4Ij2w_wGeNlAYJsmcxYz5LqyWxHzLTqADRMGbG6Xdsg16OjbAs-e1QmKAz4rZKnUrTuTz0RCDpyWXyr3HANu1zL1fU_Wc0wQB-pyG4khgl1GMg3mbP9Cag/s400/L1050381.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676018531975680386" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Turkey Vulture looking for scraps 11-12-11 near Laguna Atascosa NWR, TX</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The day started both dim and a bit dismal, so digiscoping was rough at first. At distance and without any direct lighting the birds above & below lack much detail and appear a bit soft.</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXc1cBPjm0paTmj44AXk__yRArbvjs_THHoV_rfWdSqQcNLC9LIzNO_DDEMM5XddFxIa28xbOBlaBXXy_wSRZ1AXhenKDCo5OcrjuidqCOpguQRte8qQYypiiScXDiotGzZqbnXBIgcA-E/s1600/L1050122.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXc1cBPjm0paTmj44AXk__yRArbvjs_THHoV_rfWdSqQcNLC9LIzNO_DDEMM5XddFxIa28xbOBlaBXXy_wSRZ1AXhenKDCo5OcrjuidqCOpguQRte8qQYypiiScXDiotGzZqbnXBIgcA-E/s400/L1050122.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676018524675209266" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">female American Kestrel finishes off a mouse carcass near Harlingen, TX 11-12-11</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As here in Florida, the wintering American Kestrels (smallest member of the falcon family in the US) had arrived in the lower valley in force. The female above fed on a mouse carcass on the dismal AM of the 12th. Note the difference a blue sky and a bit of direct lighting can make though on the male below.</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_7PyhrlSLDv7IRbVwET30w2bWztYJH7EffdXvAKedwX7dj9TJpYYvUotLXR91pjh_rA3wpduO8rD9blXzX7i-28O8HFeFlWqiIQ8xkDXL58oex3KFr68IWc5lF9W_-T_KdDtsd8qpCu6/s1600/L1040538.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 295px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_7PyhrlSLDv7IRbVwET30w2bWztYJH7EffdXvAKedwX7dj9TJpYYvUotLXR91pjh_rA3wpduO8rD9blXzX7i-28O8HFeFlWqiIQ8xkDXL58oex3KFr68IWc5lF9W_-T_KdDtsd8qpCu6/s400/L1040538.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676018195106087730" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">male American Kestrel, digiscoped near Weslaco, TX 11-11-11</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This adult male American Kestrel was digiscoped using the exact same equipment (Leica V-Lux 30 camera handheld behind an APO Televid 65 mm spotting scope) on the preceding AM, 11-11-11 and shows what a wonderful addition blue skies and direct lighting can be!</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTI9w7OIu0uFmDUGx8bfeaSNCY67BF2B5acFR22z_hW-heijHqlJAHpedPfKNaEiBvHu-enJguTog52XvEDYWFBW4lCoU3zUgLNcFBk1ckwwWh3lOaQHksD4Qn6Gj7DAgrowGQ-Dh0Xzwd/s1600/L1040580.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTI9w7OIu0uFmDUGx8bfeaSNCY67BF2B5acFR22z_hW-heijHqlJAHpedPfKNaEiBvHu-enJguTog52XvEDYWFBW4lCoU3zUgLNcFBk1ckwwWh3lOaQHksD4Qn6Gj7DAgrowGQ-Dh0Xzwd/s400/L1040580.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676018188365341810" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">adult Red-tailed Hawk digiscoped with Leica APO Televid spotting scope & Leica V-Lux 30</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Some of the Red-tailed Hawks like the adult above, resembled Eastern race birds (</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Buteo jamaicensis borealis</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">) with lighter breast markings.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5hPCRz01ur6CFzaFMn-53EoFsyr9zyhHAmTpnQ_C4z1A6BT4j14uI_J9jmVRDZgsQcgFecW5N3kqfilZDEEePxoe2933gT9LPsx7SlPIoWtmXEuiJv5Wou7tXfBl0bVhni4U3Xova1RT/s1600/L1040534.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5hPCRz01ur6CFzaFMn-53EoFsyr9zyhHAmTpnQ_C4z1A6BT4j14uI_J9jmVRDZgsQcgFecW5N3kqfilZDEEePxoe2933gT9LPsx7SlPIoWtmXEuiJv5Wou7tXfBl0bVhni4U3Xova1RT/s400/L1040534.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676018179756590466" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">immature Red-tailed Hawk digiscoped near Weslaco, TX 11-11-11</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Others like the heavily marked immature above were more typical of Western Red-taileds (</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">B.j. calarus</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">) though. This is one of the things that make birding here so fantastic, in migration and for breeding this area sits at the interface where East meets West so you have large numbers of representative species and races, and generally trip lists average higher than many other areas in the country.</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPL_0IsFLRpKqgG7Bo8mpuxKHyaDjsL7PB-SjaIUHOzTjn8xHP4HunLRBg9dVYwfCDGzs6e9565bRgeAGdIkg73_Hq3nGfgMnjK8MOLYXDAFrQkyf_dmnnvyvAk0oq-NKLO0LIg7vtZVM/s1600/L1050120.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPL_0IsFLRpKqgG7Bo8mpuxKHyaDjsL7PB-SjaIUHOzTjn8xHP4HunLRBg9dVYwfCDGzs6e9565bRgeAGdIkg73_Hq3nGfgMnjK8MOLYXDAFrQkyf_dmnnvyvAk0oq-NKLO0LIg7vtZVM/s400/L1050120.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676018177035387650" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">adult Red-shouldered Hawk digiscoped near Harlingen, TX 11-12-11</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The adult Red-shouldered Hawk above I would have expected to have been a member of the "Texas" subspecies (</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Buteo lineatus texanus</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">) here between Harlingen & Brownsville, but it looks a whole lot like the femalem"Alleni" </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">race</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> (</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">B.l. alleni</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">), I see near my home in Florida with the lighter brownish-gray head and face. I'll have to ask raptor expert and valley resident, Bill Clark, about plumage variation and distribution of texanus v. alleni!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoYsuO4OepWLTNBzom48oEwG4VBt2wAGFYcbFCpDYRrT6Md6W0qH6zEnWSazhX6nz1UYp-r7rZoWNwK3qCt6JHvwDx0qtDzvJFV6c8Sr6BYcGNeol3GwhyphenhyphenhjSbM-A1OiRJf4qwe9KGLzh/s1600/L1050313.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoYsuO4OepWLTNBzom48oEwG4VBt2wAGFYcbFCpDYRrT6Md6W0qH6zEnWSazhX6nz1UYp-r7rZoWNwK3qCt6JHvwDx0qtDzvJFV6c8Sr6BYcGNeol3GwhyphenhyphenhjSbM-A1OiRJf4qwe9KGLzh/s400/L1050313.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676018174091520962" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">adult Harris' Hawk, digiscoped near Laguna Vista, TX 11-12-11</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The sun finally shown near mid morning and vieiwng & subsequent picture quality rose with it. The Harlan's Hawk, adult above was one of many seen out in the south Texas coastal prairie habitat that is so good for so many specialty raptors found in the region.</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiIONBG2V4t7Q05B2GpVa_jIjuggr2KHYEXWYvXo64Qt2BR3vgKechO4jusxEjForuCV12pXjxqjQmCWV7ivXBgouPqm4GgIDYQnwylkDkzqkDe6sLDh3x0NgCXCrIWLxAV0vESLU3ZgB/s1600/L1050344.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiIONBG2V4t7Q05B2GpVa_jIjuggr2KHYEXWYvXo64Qt2BR3vgKechO4jusxEjForuCV12pXjxqjQmCWV7ivXBgouPqm4GgIDYQnwylkDkzqkDe6sLDh3x0NgCXCrIWLxAV0vESLU3ZgB/s400/L1050344.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676017097493044626" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">adult pair of Harris' Hawks digiscoped near Laguna Vista, TX 11-12-11</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The pair of adults above offers a nice example of the reversed sexual size dimorphism shown by this and most other species of raptors. The larger female at right is showing a full crop (the distended bulge on her breast). Both are banded which is almost certainly some of Bill Clark's handiwork. He's doing a lot of research on these birds in this area.</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQwTsGqgqT0JLsohna8ccFryrxIgQ7PMR-lpWB0hWglfSQbr8_9owLbr7BgFEbwogvanmiThl2VHcNj8mzqLE2Zk6RFn2erq1K5aDwsSyk_illNZDw1-rxKgzZudFChH4FGJrkvCV1Crn/s1600/L1050174.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQwTsGqgqT0JLsohna8ccFryrxIgQ7PMR-lpWB0hWglfSQbr8_9owLbr7BgFEbwogvanmiThl2VHcNj8mzqLE2Zk6RFn2erq1K5aDwsSyk_illNZDw1-rxKgzZudFChH4FGJrkvCV1Crn/s400/L1050174.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676017087609044434" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">adult White-tailed Hawk in poor light 11-12-11 digiscoped near Laguna Vista, TX</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Another of the specialty raptors found in this habitat is the White-tailed Hawk, I think I saw 8 individuals this AM. This bird was in poor light earlier in the AM when intermittent sprinkles and dark gray clouds were present. Like many buteos and other raptors it seems that White-tailed Hawk males are slightly lighter in plumage than females. It's subtle but this is likely a female with the darker slaty-gray head and darker chin.</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsoH5nkXL30q2zQFEms4vJdKL9RG-Nc6in9btIniQCs6JozKkPaQFCx8fLaY099VsoI6D9M1VXrLZmCPNENqificqHjwVorMilGm_UPWXyhUDWuYUvbf0nuKQVAcvDEffqPmCeZffcKAt/s1600/L1050190.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsoH5nkXL30q2zQFEms4vJdKL9RG-Nc6in9btIniQCs6JozKkPaQFCx8fLaY099VsoI6D9M1VXrLZmCPNENqificqHjwVorMilGm_UPWXyhUDWuYUvbf0nuKQVAcvDEffqPmCeZffcKAt/s400/L1050190.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676017080797966546" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">adult male White-tailed Hawk, digiscoped at distance 11-12-11 AM</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The bird above is an adult male - note the more "pearl-gray" head (distinctly lighter than the mantle/back color), and clean white throat. His mate was nearby with a very dark "hood".</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsoH5nkXL30q2zQFEms4vJdKL9RG-Nc6in9btIniQCs6JozKkPaQFCx8fLaY099VsoI6D9M1VXrLZmCPNENqificqHjwVorMilGm_UPWXyhUDWuYUvbf0nuKQVAcvDEffqPmCeZffcKAt/s1600/L1050190.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13c6ypLofGfvD8yxnj1lVCrywmS3HvTSPAl4n1L51m-oySxpYb8_bWUs59fqV7TgfslrKVcD8HK5HJ2RX23KjKF6N3T8Bb0qz9pdF_H7gP-tiSEXk-f4zYWG7Wxic3fq87DjjvBCAQGug/s1600/L1050232.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13c6ypLofGfvD8yxnj1lVCrywmS3HvTSPAl4n1L51m-oySxpYb8_bWUs59fqV7TgfslrKVcD8HK5HJ2RX23KjKF6N3T8Bb0qz9pdF_H7gP-tiSEXk-f4zYWG7Wxic3fq87DjjvBCAQGug/s400/L1050232.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676017074619741650" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">immature White-tailed Hawk digiscoped early AM 11-12-11 near Los Fresnoa, TX</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Immature White-taileds are wholly different with almost completely dark bodies except for the white oval on the breast. This youngster was one pole away from the pair above and was still begging for food! Kids today anyway... :)</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIKLX_XWNgJPBf0qFjVpIjbeMddDXIEBkzxSaFdBcnjSqmWHYlekjlCC1Zd-bNAVkeyQftzDpzarzxMLjPSBZreR_qLKbLHqH2rj6uVNP3h4O8PMrkmFhvzXBeetrhOkCL0N1xfSV1S-U/s1600/L1040402.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIKLX_XWNgJPBf0qFjVpIjbeMddDXIEBkzxSaFdBcnjSqmWHYlekjlCC1Zd-bNAVkeyQftzDpzarzxMLjPSBZreR_qLKbLHqH2rj6uVNP3h4O8PMrkmFhvzXBeetrhOkCL0N1xfSV1S-U/s400/L1040402.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676017067165610546" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">White-tailed Kite, adult digiscoped near Harlingen, TX 11-11-11</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I saw many White-tailed Kites on the 12th as well but didn't try to photograph these birds as I'd gotten great images of these in the days before closer to town. The images above and below were from the gloriously sunny morning of the 11th. These were formally called "Black-shouldered Kite" which is certainly appropriate.</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuPJB4Ta9rPFOXZEnUP_COupbtzM06IAJe_j-jChfXWsxT7DKX7pJBDAdZoev1Pq7gCuTHec656yg2scvzQflh-gTLZebpBKHUSlwrqD8Ezzxdsh2bYildhwFAPR0TMjPHunI1_wF-D_c/s1600/L1040513.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuPJB4Ta9rPFOXZEnUP_COupbtzM06IAJe_j-jChfXWsxT7DKX7pJBDAdZoev1Pq7gCuTHec656yg2scvzQflh-gTLZebpBKHUSlwrqD8Ezzxdsh2bYildhwFAPR0TMjPHunI1_wF-D_c/s400/L1040513.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676016036659286594" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">White-tailed Kite, adult digiscoped near Harlingen, TX 11-11-11</div></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The white tail is easily visible when the birds fly, but generally they are covered by the folded wings when perched. On the image above the wings are drooped enough to expose the pure white tail. I love how the red eyes are set in dark, smoky black feathering to reduce the glare from the highly reflective white body - just like football players use under their eyes.</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7z1FK2RFUEVGfoCLjRoGPFkLf1UHVrMsoYbrsw9AhWYMbcskrdU3WaUxRpRrAxrxmTzE9V7xJNiM1M8Oyw_2qJ_dsFJgqxKRG9F9yLn6DcsNdANndWWZFJdcf0iYMhk11V-2vIQJBoaxN/s1600/133+CRCA+ad+021805+FL.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7z1FK2RFUEVGfoCLjRoGPFkLf1UHVrMsoYbrsw9AhWYMbcskrdU3WaUxRpRrAxrxmTzE9V7xJNiM1M8Oyw_2qJ_dsFJgqxKRG9F9yLn6DcsNdANndWWZFJdcf0iYMhk11V-2vIQJBoaxN/s400/133+CRCA+ad+021805+FL.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676016034286554274" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">adult Crested Caracara digiscoped through Leica Televid spotting scope</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Crested Caracara are also commonly found in the coastal prairie habitat and I saw at least 6-7 individuals Saturday AM. Adults (as above) show darker black wings, bellies, backs & caps and brighter "soft parts" on the legs and base of the bill. Note the also the dark horizontal barring at the lower portion of the white back and breast.</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzsOZDJqT43QJRR-lQ0hUS9-sjOMpBVWAInrV-OQ8tAHtDmEP_bTYhNFg1ulSF9WCgQmGNMdSY45UYKFWAuQpIZmjkmtzlOxvVPruusxtIjKIsgV10UFM4VrSo3vGelrMH4QuAQ-ndmiI/s1600/211_1178.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzsOZDJqT43QJRR-lQ0hUS9-sjOMpBVWAInrV-OQ8tAHtDmEP_bTYhNFg1ulSF9WCgQmGNMdSY45UYKFWAuQpIZmjkmtzlOxvVPruusxtIjKIsgV10UFM4VrSo3vGelrMH4QuAQ-ndmiI/s400/211_1178.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676016022333075474" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">immature & adult Crested Caracara in flight Rio Grande Valley -2008</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">mmature birds show browner back, wings, and belly; duller "soft parts", and show brown vertical streaks on the lower breast. Plus, immatures show a dusky undertail, the adult is neat white with a distinct black terminal band. The image above was from an earlier visit to the valley in 2008 but shows an adult (upper left) and immature (lower right) Crested Caracara in flight together. Perhaps you can note the differences in coloration. Note also the distinctive 4 points of white on both birds just inside the end of each extremity - just inside each wing tip, the face, throat, breast and upper back, and then the base of the tail. Caracara's are a unique bird that are technically classified as a falcon even though they lack most typical family characteristics.</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6m1rL0hBkN0NfVivnBC4iBqManUgP5ynDZzesWLmvkeaOWuR4rfAWD0ufaR7-xTlLiMkWjL2EXL4-IGIg3WBg_zjukG_RhzwjBAD-vczfH_oZVhugUu1kUQn88y_6AO6ZrSpoR5y-1ZM/s1600/L1050407.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6m1rL0hBkN0NfVivnBC4iBqManUgP5ynDZzesWLmvkeaOWuR4rfAWD0ufaR7-xTlLiMkWjL2EXL4-IGIg3WBg_zjukG_RhzwjBAD-vczfH_oZVhugUu1kUQn88y_6AO6ZrSpoR5y-1ZM/s400/L1050407.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676016011735242994" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">adult male Aplomado Falcon digiscoped at great distance >250 yards 11-12-11</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The crowned jewel of this area though has to be the lovely & elegant Aplomado Falcon after searching long & hard I was finally able to stumble across a distant pair teed up on a nesting platform in the last minutes before heading for the airport and my flight home. The male is in view & the female was just out of sight to the left here. The distance made this barely even worthy of description as a records shot - that is one to document I at least saw the bird. I was still pleased as punch to see this bird at all and have seen them much better in the past. I ran into 3 others looking for this bird puzzling over a distant adult Peregrine Falcon when I spotted this bird. It was there first time seeing this amazing critter, which is being reintroduced to this area at present. They are still a rare treat and their markings are stunning. This male was unbanded so it was not a bird released in this area, but as to whether it's progeny of introduced birds or a wandering individual who found his way here from Mexico one can only guess. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJBb6_Ged3E4n6bV_G1k0XXIt7lIXc755rSQ7_dEznnUYozPh5HXdsz-RANJu9w4oBpMk_hyphenhyphenyD5_5RawZzeyATDyY0oVQCBlJUOlhe_4baREIqMcxPB1IlLBNGH0OByCofqjwFB1OEH9A/s1600/APFA+111404_1+m.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJBb6_Ged3E4n6bV_G1k0XXIt7lIXc755rSQ7_dEznnUYozPh5HXdsz-RANJu9w4oBpMk_hyphenhyphenyD5_5RawZzeyATDyY0oVQCBlJUOlhe_4baREIqMcxPB1IlLBNGH0OByCofqjwFB1OEH9A/s400/APFA+111404_1+m.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676016008255339266" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">adult male Aplomado Falcon, digiscoped @ Laguna Atascosa NWR, TX 2004</span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is an image of the first Aplomado Falcon I saw well near this same area in Laguna Atascosa NWR during the amazing Rio Grande Bird Festival back in 2004. It was fun to relive the excitement I felt at this moment with these three folks with binoculars I'd run into on this dirt road... Birding is so cool!</span></div>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-60657561996040813192011-05-15T09:19:00.012-04:002011-05-16T16:48:06.855-04:00the troubles with Red-shouldereds...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2Kl_47n_7zLRH8okrvu-s2vBXJOK4hBsCQiF9kDaKxMOqrcqBPMLGZMjRVh2E9E8F0R8nFmBSroaG6rjkOvEZwge3m80cepC04VjuzKlC2f-K9C0oyOsb7B-GjW8x6ulB-orKlpYtfB1/s1600/RSHA+race+PS+FL+2011.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2Kl_47n_7zLRH8okrvu-s2vBXJOK4hBsCQiF9kDaKxMOqrcqBPMLGZMjRVh2E9E8F0R8nFmBSroaG6rjkOvEZwge3m80cepC04VjuzKlC2f-K9C0oyOsb7B-GjW8x6ulB-orKlpYtfB1/s400/RSHA+race+PS+FL+2011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607399426818014370" /></a><div><div style="text-align: left;">I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">digiscoped</span> all of the images of the Red-shouldered Hawks in this post, within one mile of my house in the state of Florida, USA between November 2010 and May 2011. Looking at these you can conclude that, "the guy must live in pretty good Red-shouldered Hawk habitat." Probably true, but particularly when you look at the three images in the collage above, you also likely noted how very different these birds can look! To some degree this great range of plumage variation can be merely dismissed by understanding the distribution of the varying races or subspecies of Red-shouldered Hawk that can occur in Florida.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At far left above we see the "Florida" Red-shouldered Hawk (<i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Buteo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">lineatus</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">extimus</span></i>).<i> </i>It is the palest race and is seen at the left on the image above. It is resident in the lower 1/3rd of the Florida peninsula from near Lake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Okechobee</span> south. The darkest eastern subspecies, the "nominate" (<i>B. l. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">lineatus</span></i>) is at far right above. They breed from Maine and very southern Ontario south to northern South Carolina and Oklahoma respectively. These birds migrate south in the winter though and at least some of the birds reach the Northern edge of the "Florida" Red-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">shouldered's</span> range. As you can see I saw at least one of these birds in my neighborhood between Fort Myers & Sarasota this winter.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKYWKIWkw-kfu9vb9GKbNmoi1YhyphenhyphenAB8qKtFWi61As2NXwQoZpDp0skgOhazNn4BFcbyTKyb5TcK7pLo4EMksK-HxTm0f0ewvvCu97_L5dzOoPazltLbGj0unnM_tK9bep_gMtr9la2Ekn/s1600/B+l+extimus+m+1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKYWKIWkw-kfu9vb9GKbNmoi1YhyphenhyphenAB8qKtFWi61As2NXwQoZpDp0skgOhazNn4BFcbyTKyb5TcK7pLo4EMksK-HxTm0f0ewvvCu97_L5dzOoPazltLbGj0unnM_tK9bep_gMtr9la2Ekn/s400/B+l+extimus+m+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607399421397983874" /></a>The light extreme of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">extimus</span> race (above) is easily separable from the dark nominate form (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">lineatus</span>) below. Note the darker head and richer orange on the breast markings of the nominate vs. the extreme pale head and seemingly bleached out breast markings of the south Florida bird. I liken these two to a full-on redhead vs. a strawberry <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">blonde</span>, respectively.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPc2a1aCKBshI9yjYWo1htkaQJlezyudyKD_Q___D8IDCLshKQNzH9F8DhV-nRoGd3jlPvpevE-frRibqklovD1gerzxVGZSqXwm_jGBxfaBMaZoHuh1aYuC4U82nyj5i4RU6oEyvucfi/s1600/B+l+linneatus+1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPc2a1aCKBshI9yjYWo1htkaQJlezyudyKD_Q___D8IDCLshKQNzH9F8DhV-nRoGd3jlPvpevE-frRibqklovD1gerzxVGZSqXwm_jGBxfaBMaZoHuh1aYuC4U82nyj5i4RU6oEyvucfi/s400/B+l+linneatus+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607399423320711218" /></a><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, the simplicity of separation isn't quite so straight forward as there is another recognized subspecies (<i>B. l. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">alleni</span></i>) that sits right between these two in both plumage characters and range. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Alleni</span> is believed to resident from the southern half of South Carolina south throughout much of Florida and west across all of Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana and then reaching the extreme northern gulf coast of Texas (being replaced by the resident Texas race <i>B. l. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">texanus</span></i>). Confused?!? - you should be as it's not that easy. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHThHJZ6-RRePr9hpUVNi-3Ext7MIV_FBnLBxHcRy-IrvlkAul-wKh9hJ9NFMlr8lGCi3dss0HjToKSFgDAyi-Z042UfX_CZ1W9JXBRlid9C2Xe_927pMcBpYDd_3od36k-PuZoRLQREe/s1600/RSHA+pr+1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHThHJZ6-RRePr9hpUVNi-3Ext7MIV_FBnLBxHcRy-IrvlkAul-wKh9hJ9NFMlr8lGCi3dss0HjToKSFgDAyi-Z042UfX_CZ1W9JXBRlid9C2Xe_927pMcBpYDd_3od36k-PuZoRLQREe/s400/RSHA+pr+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607399417487929730" /></a><br /></div><div>The popular & primary (scientific) literature describe these three Eastern subspecies pretty much as I have. To over simplify, '...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">lineatus</span> the darkest, ...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">extimus</span> the lightest, ...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">alleni</span> in between...' Unfortunately, it seems all of the tomes, specialty guides, and papers all fail to mention an obvious "fly in the ointment" here. From personal observation and few discussions with other raptor junkies it seems that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">plumages</span> of males and females within each race show consistent and predictable differences in coloration (dimorphism). As seen in the shot above, males (left with smaller feet) are always lighter headed and paler through the breast than females (right, larger). This seems to be consistent on pairs I've seen and I believe this is probably the rule rather than the exception.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAp6cHMzlnOKFQnpjIiyPAt_O0VoM6rFOoId0_PH6-8KM6Q2d9By8TY5Pf01-1jUR9pLrZE1W6o_1qy_QkqcW-ixDdBII1lN81b4SLgBU7s6JWwtZcHp3xcTovx86Rv0JEtcgMh29N_JQz/s1600/RSHA+ad+alleni+2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 308px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAp6cHMzlnOKFQnpjIiyPAt_O0VoM6rFOoId0_PH6-8KM6Q2d9By8TY5Pf01-1jUR9pLrZE1W6o_1qy_QkqcW-ixDdBII1lN81b4SLgBU7s6JWwtZcHp3xcTovx86Rv0JEtcgMh29N_JQz/s400/RSHA+ad+alleni+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607399416307649026" /></a>With all of this variation in race and given the apparently consistent sexual dimorphism shown, it seems near impossible to assign a sub-specific name to all of the birds I see, but it doesn't stop me from guessing. The bird above is clearly a local breeder. It is on the same pole as the bird at top center (and I believe it is the same individual), but the bottom image was taken just last week and the top last winter. Given the size of the legs and toes, I believe this is a smaller male. Given that it is intermediate in plumage (not extremely light as male extimus), I'd guess it is a member of the intermediate <i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">alleni</span> </i>race. Of course, this can't be proven yet. Stay tuned if you're inquisitive though, as I will be offering more on this subject soon!</div>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-51349345295525991782010-05-19T11:34:00.007-04:002010-06-20T12:52:31.054-04:00more with the Leica V-Lux 20<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSiFh2UrGl073b0_Vu9kNMGKIPG5ObX9QPd8YYV0XOV4TOooJg23KRPPCNFDqTCBq2wFis1Md2ucKPmF7OOvvN17d0f0B4qDCRm02yFSro-8UYFhqBpFOicDPb_FZZxuK7-ll_ox056nM/s1600/GCFL+vlux+at+72+mm.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473012601380457746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSiFh2UrGl073b0_Vu9kNMGKIPG5ObX9QPd8YYV0XOV4TOooJg23KRPPCNFDqTCBq2wFis1Md2ucKPmF7OOvvN17d0f0B4qDCRm02yFSro-8UYFhqBpFOicDPb_FZZxuK7-ll_ox056nM/s400/GCFL+vlux+at+72+mm.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">handheld <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">imagetaken</span> with new <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> V-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lux</span> 20 at 75 mm equivalent</span><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Following up on the comments from the last blog post discussing the performance of the NEW <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> V-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lux</span> 20 compact <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">superzoom</span> digital point & shoot camera. Clearly as a stand alone camera it functions swimmingly. but above and below I will show some more performance proofs from the V-Lux 20 as a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoping</span> camera. In the last post I showed a number of images with the camera zoom near minimum, hand held behind the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> 20-50x wide-angle zoom eyepiece and APO <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Televid</span> spotting scope. The question was asked at what point of zoom and to what degree do the images degrade. At minimal zoom (as shown in the image in my past post of the Purple Martin pair), you get a solid defined vignetted edge on each corner with camera zoom at a 35 mm lens equivalent. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">With camera zoom near 75 mm equivalent (above in this Great Crested Flycatcher image) the field begins to collapse. It presumably continues to collapse as more zoom is added, but unfortunately I only had the camera to test for one full day and was trying to get nice wildlife shots rather than doing standardized tests. </span></div><div align="left"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-kk4NSVjwdBuobk7tqXR9HP4dVFO3O-YVIbKtUtu-sGeNlIwyjkkuM_Ldre6GFs5uZgO04HanzUwjSyEhy8IGFdYBvbFrECQR-JkXqd4zgI4xUkiilLoWbtwk7WftS0yMp0aMdlknnpj/s1600/EWPE+vlux20+hanheld+051410_01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 307px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473010190364651874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-kk4NSVjwdBuobk7tqXR9HP4dVFO3O-YVIbKtUtu-sGeNlIwyjkkuM_Ldre6GFs5uZgO04HanzUwjSyEhy8IGFdYBvbFrECQR-JkXqd4zgI4xUkiilLoWbtwk7WftS0yMp0aMdlknnpj/s400/EWPE+vlux20+hanheld+051410_01.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Eastern Wood-Pewee <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span> w/ <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> V-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lux</span> 20 through APO <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Televid</span> scope</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">The Eastern Wood-Pewee above was again taken with the new V-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lux</span> 20 handheld behind the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> APO <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Televid</span> 82 mm spotting scope. The camera was zoomed to a 44 mm lens equivalent and the scope zoom was at lowest power (25x wide angle). This image is completely unaltered and shown as uploaded from the camera. You can see that with this combination of camera & eyepiece zoom there is no visible vignetting at all! While I've always been a huge fan of using adapters to stabilize a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span> image it is nice that this camera is a pocket-sized (compact) <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">superzoom</span> with 12x optical zoom (300 mm equivalent) that can be easily handheld on this scope / eyepiece combination with incredible results. It is just another tool in the arsenal for those who want something that is more versatile as a stand alone and still able to be coupled with the scope to reach magnifications well over 1,000 mm equivalents. </span></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473010195632203218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3JwkgwFNArG7cql0JhkJlHU9KOw_EWFeQIu6gXYPwduCE2Cdn_l2xBxPkG552-1aWYYE32VyHlz5jG-vYY71ngOs4Rh9TIYYhqPzZNbkMAKHxsPK1Q66KTSJvLWsrlUNGFpWTrwHvPUH/s400/EWPE+vlux20+hanheld+051410_02+flick.jpg" /><span style="font-size:78%;">Eastern Wood-Pewee <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Magee</span> Marsh, OH 5/14/10</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Again with 14.5 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">megapixel</span> resolution at my disposal, I was able to easily crop the image to a portrait mode with the bird and snag filling most of the frame with negligible loss of quality. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473012074966543490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfFDpiGiMTZsGlXG-kvi_Nwy74c12lu9xB8sr8GwAJOdnAkNpsbMyihtEiQkaoBAKMhn_AO27TLULc3RTxztICNY_12Q0KjmRgqc2x_3q9rU9qAxLag7eZK-xjdH7ApDb58WVMOQ2oJ0E/s400/CMWA+m+Vlux+20+051410_01+flick.jpg" /><span style="font-size:78%;"> male Cape May Warbler <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span> through <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> APO <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">Televid</span> 82 w/ V-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lux</span> 20</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Yet another example of a high-quality handheld <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span> image is shown above. This adult male Cape May Warbler image was once again taken simply holding the new <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> V-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lux</span> 20 behind the APO <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">Televid</span> eyepiece. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">- Program mode, ISO 200, 1/250<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> sec, f/3.7, +1 step EV, auto image stabilization, 42 mm lens equivalent & 25x on scope zoom eyepiece</span></div><br /><br /></div><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyl-TD9seBvYkNGh4hQTTWOKtIbCmOH2o6gk2Ha8CljjYjr5BxAYY7iXf4Uck4ZI2U_-b5E8r4BAT24I_awgg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">As a final example of the camera's prowess as a digiscoping tool, here is a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span> video (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-error">videscoped</span>) taken by holding the V-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_33" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lux</span> 20 camera behind the scope eyepiece once again. This video shows an adult male Baltimore Oriole feeding. In this instance the wind reduction feature was activated and the video was recorded at the highest level of quality at 1280x720 pixels @ 60 fps (frames per second)! </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Needless to say I'm VERY impressed after being able to "play" with this little gem of a camera for only one full day. Unfortunately, I had to send it back though, so will have to wait before showing more tests & results. Never fear though, there will certainly be some!</span></p>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-31812650298547241622010-05-18T12:36:00.005-04:002010-06-20T12:53:19.544-04:00NEW Leica V-Lux 20 Breaks all the rules!!!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZVT3gBhwOKYHudHN8h2wym9nLN2E8gp6vPcr2zoBaYrhB6A3Fc4xMjFkAqRwBdWDkiKBnd0fXRjs-tNS3ndvcB11FaUrC4LeELXXTFHZofEnTK86dt0KnDvwfGnQHp3HORgkLMR9zqWt/s1600/VLux+20_01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472650512933138258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZVT3gBhwOKYHudHN8h2wym9nLN2E8gp6vPcr2zoBaYrhB6A3Fc4xMjFkAqRwBdWDkiKBnd0fXRjs-tNS3ndvcB11FaUrC4LeELXXTFHZofEnTK86dt0KnDvwfGnQHp3HORgkLMR9zqWt/s400/VLux+20_01.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> <span style="font-size:78%;">brand NEW Leica V-Lux 20 compact superzoom point & shoot camera</span> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">I was working the "Biggest Week in American Birding" in Ohio last week and the local sales rep loaned me his sample of the new Leica V-Lux 20 to test. I fully expected that I would be able to use the 12x zoom (300 mm equivalent) effectively to capture images of closer birds seen along the boardwalk at Magee Marsh in Oak Harbor, OH. This was a certainty and the camera performed "spot on" in this regard. At 14.5 megapixels with high def movie mode and built in GPS, I was looking forward to playing with this and as you can see from the image of below I was not disappointed!</span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472656341768661730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4GXRD-DpIgeYeuiRHpjT0rWX8nn0G_-GeL8vRJh5y5Y-hZONAYcyR9ZOmPo3M9kg8hdCJrDTwok34Nzosipc5ri3c9DOI1jMftDXQ2-Uw3258FZ3pD_T_XE3cqblMhWjIJhQ4DYbstSh/s400/NOPA+m+VLUX20+051410_01+flick.jpg" /><span style="font-size:78%;">male Northern Parula image taken with the new Leica V-Lux 20 camera 5/14/10</span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">The colorful male Northern Parula shown above was taken by simply holding this tiny pocket-sized camera up, zooming and snapping the image! Obviously the bird cooperated by being close and at eye-level, but that is why so many birders visit this gem of a site during spring migration; for "in-your-face" views of these vibrant migrant birds. (taken at max zoom - 300 mm, program mode, ISO 200, 1/250th sec, f/4.9, +1 ev, with optical image stabilization and built in flash activated for fill).</span></p><p></p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472650367528649298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrGL8CxJEabf4tFDZ3aCQA1ikHG4AX_6nFezQDPHuNrC5zg4Aouc6gAiP0joT2aw6i6kEalc1GlUqPzZdQa-wm41Q0d_za5P6vinUC6RAYRnWG8gZt7bK7OmuLbVyJzBw3RvHMzmjalNv/s400/PUMA+pr+051310_01.jpg" /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Purple Martin pair @ Oak Harbor, OH 5/13/10</span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Those who know me, know that I am a digiscoping freak so despite the fact that "superzoom" cameras don't lend themselves to digiscoping, I'm sure you know I had to try this new "compact superzoom" behind our new wide-angle scope eyepiece to see how it worked for myself! The above is the exact image completely unaltered that I took through the scope when I first tried this on the evening of 5/13/10.</span><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Amazingly, the Leica V-Lux 20 broke all the digiscoping rules and actually worked f0r digiscoping on its first test above. I was completely stoked! This was handheld behind the Leica APO Televid spotting scope with the wide-angle zoom eyepiece set a bit over 25x and the camera zoom set at a 35 mm equivalent.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5ej8uCqwyVZMWBUaYg7rYHuTN6HCR8zskUU2qxQjce8CnGigRA_V6innIU-YkT4ZXZ6yCQXfmn3Eo08WGpEzHJiiUIhraND8FxNBtH5pkQJ8e6CgpJh-HebZFgKnp9PRHPKt-cs6meVp/s1600/PUMA+pr+051310_02+flick.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472650371159925602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5ej8uCqwyVZMWBUaYg7rYHuTN6HCR8zskUU2qxQjce8CnGigRA_V6innIU-YkT4ZXZ6yCQXfmn3Eo08WGpEzHJiiUIhraND8FxNBtH5pkQJ8e6CgpJh-HebZFgKnp9PRHPKt-cs6meVp/s400/PUMA+pr+051310_02+flick.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> Purple Martin pair digiscoped with NEW Leica V-Lux 20 camera</span></div><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">With 14.5 megapixel at my disposal, I was easily able to crop up and eliminate the dark circular frame to capture both the male & female birds (above) and then cropping further even the female alone as below!</span></p><div align="center"><br /></span><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472650378738301618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65nBMI6e7qgXrYVwkv_8iErfEQBd_F0GGivo1-mbYZD-jjNQ08QmadvLrx_okIPQb4SvvQdxSH-IbMrNYFSOFwDxIujpfpaG2Z3sNt8UVXzd08qfXw7PdWB91ZRVyVsM6vW8j3RlZ_rjL/s400/PUMA+pr+051310_03+flick.jpg" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">female Purple Martin cropped from digiscoped image above<br /></span><br /></p><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">On the way back to the car (near 7 PM), I found my next photo opportunity and tested my luck again. A male Baltimore Oriole was singing unabashedly in an oak tree at the edge of the parking lot. I quickly set up my scope, pulled the V-Lux out of my shirt pocket and held it behind the scope eyepiece. This time I had the scope zoom at minimum 25x, and there was no vignetting around the frame! The image below is again completely unaltered. This is as it turned out by simply holding the new V-Lux 20 to the wide-angle eyepiece and shooting the image! Note there is just the tiniest hint of black vignetting at the lower right corner but otherwise nothing.</span><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJzXATotH-ywWoZStwMlgoeqTUIgb78DVKJ1DKqlh_mRh70e74IGxfW1SlHzrLCbeYP6mMRlNCYceJk4dkWpDlATNCug8t9d4W7BowUMxZO4YDxmfaxqS8xNCM7ZPa7pCIDS6LC0vNGjS/s1600/BAOR+m+VLux+20+untouched+051310.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472650359127020162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJzXATotH-ywWoZStwMlgoeqTUIgb78DVKJ1DKqlh_mRh70e74IGxfW1SlHzrLCbeYP6mMRlNCYceJk4dkWpDlATNCug8t9d4W7BowUMxZO4YDxmfaxqS8xNCM7ZPa7pCIDS6LC0vNGjS/s400/BAOR+m+VLux+20+untouched+051310.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">adult male Baltimore Oriole digiscoped with Leica V-Lux 20 evening 5/13/10</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u>Image properties</u>: </span></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">ISO 200</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">shutter speed: 1/80th sec</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">f/3.5</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">+0.7 step EV</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">35 mm equivalent</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472650365623541122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7tA436pjlHyvtskIFD50mkFd98yuow1smIWWTXpF1TIXMK5zjV4f4UOytreaALZrMh66LOwp28NKhzDbbZVCzDRiedKPk_hF_3NEW9cdncaRTgDyMyClVwOtzA8vh8t1Td3ZF_Qmx86G/s400/BAOR+m+VLux+20+051310_01+flick.jpg" /> </p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Baltimore Oriole digiscoped image slightly altered.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">In the above image I've taken the liberty to add ~10 seconds of photoshop magic, cropping slightly to eliminate the dark corner and some of the "blown out" sky , and adding a bit of "shadow/highlights", but nothing more for the finished look above. At any rate, it is clear I need to get a V-Lux 20 of my own and begin experimenting some more both behind the spotting scope and as a stand alone unit! On 5/14 & 15 I took some more and better images and videos using the same camera scope combination which I will highlight next!</span></span></p>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-42133803362394941342010-03-14T18:16:00.005-04:002010-06-20T12:54:19.304-04:00Carribbean visitors<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiG6tx-oZvvhP6d42jxTfBByswX3zKgSsEjLS5uI1dT_ObGsYnBZQHggs3zoUmd25KJO-sgb4gDfEiqmXsQcbU_bQMZjaoVgf5i1McEwu9xzjo2f9EsFx79UzJxknqnHXccl-igUwoN-5B/s1600-h/RFBO+ad+dk+031410_02+flick.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448617495869181618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiG6tx-oZvvhP6d42jxTfBByswX3zKgSsEjLS5uI1dT_ObGsYnBZQHggs3zoUmd25KJO-sgb4gDfEiqmXsQcbU_bQMZjaoVgf5i1McEwu9xzjo2f9EsFx79UzJxknqnHXccl-igUwoN-5B/s400/RFBO+ad+dk+031410_02+flick.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> dark morph Red-footed Booby digiscoped with Leica APO Televid scope & D-Lux 4 </span></div><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Made a trek with my son to the Miami area to enjoy the two celebrity birds visiting from the Carribbean! Above is the Red-footed Booby that has been in the area for the past couple of months.</strong> </span></p><div align="center"><br /></div></span><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWRsuOAHeWY2kHT_ojAkFDkadgKqlkWTVlypLSkrUCTFVvHP8Gx8QSXvZPYfDHlqbz63_rrsyYKvvehFj-rrjrFA8AhqBP_f4KaPAVWoRhpCUhyJ3xOKesv-yFAlxaJECu0479WXJGtDG/s1600-h/LAFL+031410_04+flick.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448617485029417666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWRsuOAHeWY2kHT_ojAkFDkadgKqlkWTVlypLSkrUCTFVvHP8Gx8QSXvZPYfDHlqbz63_rrsyYKvvehFj-rrjrFA8AhqBP_f4KaPAVWoRhpCUhyJ3xOKesv-yFAlxaJECu0479WXJGtDG/s400/LAFL+031410_04+flick.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> La Sagra's Flycatcher at Bill Baggs Park in Key Biscayne, FL</span></div><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Just as popular, has been the La Sagra's Flycatcher that has thrilled many observers at Bill Bagg's State Park in Key Biscayne, Florida. We enjoyed fantastic views this AM as the bird fed very actively and called repeatedly. Another birder photographing complained that digiscoping was too ineffective compared to his DSLR setup, but I rattled off nearly 20 frames in less than 1/2 hour and enjoyed 5 to 10x the magnification. I was not unhappy with these images obviously! All were shot with the Leica D-Lux 4 point & shoot camera, through a Leica APO Televid 82 mm spotting scope.</span><br /></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiQRKyxg1wXjHxC_Di4WCYf3nSXJvrKpQdxwtRVkzYLjpdH-O4LstcKQJ8WLUJfoaimmN3gYx8CQIJ8ECPd3NJG_28wv9cMopazZTY58Ccu73tPo0OAaHJhKC60jfD7K5qWJAPh_vjMHL/s1600-h/LAFL+031410_03+flick.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448617481440750898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiQRKyxg1wXjHxC_Di4WCYf3nSXJvrKpQdxwtRVkzYLjpdH-O4LstcKQJ8WLUJfoaimmN3gYx8CQIJ8ECPd3NJG_28wv9cMopazZTY58Ccu73tPo0OAaHJhKC60jfD7K5qWJAPh_vjMHL/s400/LAFL+031410_03+flick.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">rare La Sagra's Flycatcher, digiscoped on Key Biscayne, FL 3/14/10</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Both the La Sagra's Flycatcher and the Red-footed Booby are species commonly found throughout the Carribbean and rarely seen in the US only in Florida. There has been one of each of these species, hanging in the greater Miami area for a couple months now! </span></div>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-62301979964469070912010-02-09T10:33:00.011-05:002010-06-20T12:55:55.051-04:00North shore wildlife!<div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436276252996696690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIAfNNXlB9UoUCASaPaBlp0iITqLkKyZCYHInjsLG3HS4yXQBYsSaPuFXJ9fpMa8b5ntlr8TfJeffe_bsBz7syODX2Q-HCXC8X8twFYVCMdWayzxUlVyu53ntnGmhKaMhPC0cDxwGvKie/s400/New+England+2010.jpg" /> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rockport</span></span> harbor - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span></span> D-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">ux</span></span> 4 camera - 2/7/10</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">When most people think of New England their thoughts turn to quaint shore communities with lighthouses, sheltered harbors, and some of the best chowder and lobster rolls in the nation. These observations are undoubtedly accurate, but my focus (pun intended) has always been more on the natural areas and the unique wildlife it supports! What can I say, I'm wired a bit differently than most and despite the scenic marvel offered by the lovely sheltered <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rockport</span></span> harbor, while other tourists snapped pics of the buildings I was drawn to even the most common wildlife occurring here. For example, I turned to photographing the Herring Gull sitting on the post in front of the red building above....</span></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436274640114822994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgys5CfA_H7a__ttVOfooaRnDDcuJY6sbM9hdni18cNAPQ2usE5or7QW1krCXxDKjjwQxhQuNPK5dxnWuYgmujYjIqEKKHf1uygbbtaBqByuyIHEIvyu3IK2KsbTboPXFA_J2R2ONoq5Rsi/s400/HERG+ad+020710_01.jpg" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">adult Herring Gull <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span></span> through <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span></span> APO <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Televid</span></span> spotting scope w/ D-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lux</span></span> 4</span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">...and even though they are abundant throughout the US and beyond, I still couldn't help but appreciate the behaviors of the Rock Pigeons here behaving "properly" as their name implies!</span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436274649794951810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwxoEbOiHdgvxBmcRjUG2pCDao81X15LbhOhFaO6RrEN2CykMrlde0iVcfDK7AKYqIQ7PIqzRNHFDUJ5L_ifQ6Arq-XpsgT7l3ORdwBXTUeqB09ztoBUIuCGcok8Xh3EG2g5wIuK1Jj-K/s400/ROPI+020710_01.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Rock Pigeon <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span></span> with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span></span> APO <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Televid</span></span> 82 spotting scope & D-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lux</span></span> 4 camera</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Winter isn't the typical time when most plan their New England trips, but I was thrilled to go up and attend the 2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span></span> annual Cape Ann Winter Birding Weekend organized by the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and Mass Audubon. This area offers some fantastic bird & wildlife opportunities in winter to include hordes of sea ducks, loons, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">alcids</span></span>, and marine mammals, among others.</span><br /></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436276267040887426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgTrTKqbnTT5i_2mydTo24v-hBfgJ4UZegEFZE6ypSU7rJyMbq7drNE3XPO5VhaZiIuIuiI6YEUAdoA1eEMz5MDqTQa8dGDxRlfnrq4LIV9uv_5qk2nqL37bDIM8KQGoAKzLyj_9wLc2g/s400/MA+Scenic+020510_01.jpg" /> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">rocky shoreline off Cape Ann, MA - 2/5/10, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span></span> D-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lux</span></span> 4 camera</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">The rocky coastline as seen directly across the road from the scenic venue where the event was held, made for a spectacular location to show binoculars and spotting scopes. As there was much wildlife supported here.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /></div><div align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436276276503129442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhalPgoMxjKCtvEWm-URk7OSVO91bw70zCHirFYH3g6v_RXYUyxWsEqoz_jcgOtj0JVndV5df2EhC-4RPniIPSDV2LJLVbeWfXagTFJRuWvRZFkUjRTBhhPT9I5pGVe02WtNAi9o9c_G78/s400/PUSA+020510_02.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Purple Sandpipers make their living on Northern rocky shores!</span><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">The rocks themselves attracted amazing birds like the Purple Sandpipers above and below. A flock of 30+ fed among the algae and barnacles that clung to the sides of the lowest rocks when the tide dropped. It seemed like a cold way to make a living for a guy visiting from Florida, but these birds are perfectly adapted for the task. The birds did well on the slippery rocks and were able to avoid the crashing surf effectively. I wouldn't have fared nearly as well and was happy to to shoot from a safe distance and increase the magnification on the scope rather than creep out onto their precarious perches. I was not eager to feel the water temperature to say the least! ;p</span></div><br /><div align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 276px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436282169369369186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQoHvqBvFcsagq4fzcf7iyJ-K2Gl0jg_SKiBF6S-7YHePFeK10tMu9wqupzLIZHTUDj3pYnlMYa2Kdkb8NOmSJtNIDOvxdgv3x_EAueuwJrcdsqvNsXDlRJ85dG_kWPvWF6SQFmS1D5vh/s400/PUSA+020510_04+flick.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Purple Sandpiper <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span></span> Cape Ann, MA 2/5/10</span></div></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">More distant rocks also provided a favorite haunt for Great Cormorants, the largest species in this family found in the New World. The birds below seemed very animated and I couldn't help snapping images of them despite the distance and harsh <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">side lighting</span>.</span><br /></div><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436304422960493378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMuWyTosUFC_oMcAiRJCcHrtYCg6d13pRRnuueDpvjYboU2vZyov7kzAv1VjZE6DSjzrJEzjbdEEx_5ZWdq8RLjC_vbkxaY20lNSVO9rpMWZvil6UIoKyrlpa5mVgl31sYv5edKmIDxYz/s400/GRCO+020710_01.jpg" /><span style="font-size:78%;">large Great Cormorants roosted & consorted on ice-covered rocks off shore - MA 2/7/10</span></p><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Common Loons fed near shore & were joined by lesser numbers of Red-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">throated</span></span> Loons, Horned Grebes & Red-necked Grebes.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 291px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436273861011608706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqSABbso8k2sLD7lUl9Wmpj7vf5H9WPvuG-JSRFJyna5z1MLSsLk8BguiUNmgBYXieXZKnvBQ4PcPxXUsAqXPBZj10wy33ztG-1Y0THk5CFudlAxwVgUs839NddwtXc78C36C4dIJ-zqi/s400/COLO+winter+020710_01.jpg" /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">winter Common Loon, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span></span> off Cape Ann, MA 2/7/10</span><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Common Loons (above) have sturdier builds than the more dainty Red-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">throated</span></span> Loon (below). Note the Red-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">throated's</span></span> lighter brownish-gray coloration, slimmer build, and thinner bill which is sometimes described as appearing upturned due to the angle of the lower mandible. These more subtle differences are necessary to note if you want to separate these species in winter. They are easily distinguished by markings in summer though.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436282185586100226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotglbTYjQGGTdQaJhWaM3mqKgYAFAgtUuy-iipSHdvHqedNNoh9QSlB4h6OZUbhB6KJibMVIHAYfa2laaVyjbo5PsXcc8OFuHW9wFxZqah6kIeq7l3aAS6esApRbB7qwguQHk5kHuSCHj/s400/RTLO+020610_01.jpg" /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Red-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">throated</span></span> Loons were occasionally seen near shore.</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></p></span><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Winter ducks were another big highlight here. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Buffleheads</span></span> and Red-breasted Mergansers like the male seen preening below were commonly seen very close to shore. </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436274643256895138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5aAdknYlGTTdpl4gDUdPiYFHKCrQ_r7wZiRDm5YqF9pl7rW9Uet3k1NszxTYE90YPijuIP5nKpDwRFOSHCF-THhNqB5XQ7wNaZc-UxAnB2GcNihySXFBh6G7jXwd6WDv55ZW9EqLN_pj8/s400/RBME+m+020710_01.jpg" /></span></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">male Red-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">breated</span></span> Merganser <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span></span> through <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span></span> APO <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">Televid</span></span> 82 mm scope</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">This is also a fantastic area to find and study many of the species of "Sea ducks" which include Long-tailed Duck (formerly <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">Oldsquaw</span></span>), and the three species of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">Scoters</span></span>: Black, Surf, & White-winged. We saw all of these species right through the window of the venue! Below are some pictures of some others I caught up with during my quick trip here.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436273870161354658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHuf15XH_70Uupx9CNFMdC_E1h77Ux4ZDVweFeoarAD3YZKjzAwLEEpFZ2IoXluviPdvX3irrkggsqoL9TLrwOTpohSdkH-kK4VUg-Ix3c-0Dxf7nL4z4oWwvT0JymCc9hFPznSutgoZH/s400/HADU+020710_01.jpg" /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">The male Harlequin Duck <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span></span> above was feeding along the famed granite jetty just North of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rockport</span></span> Harbor. This was a late evening shot captured through the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span></span> APO <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_33" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-error">Televid</span></span> 82 mm spotting scope with the D-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_34" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_33" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lux</span></span> 4 camera. This was the only male that I saw in my 3 days here. In summer these stunning ducks move into clear fast moving streams near the arctic coasts to nest.<br /></span></div><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436268377740013026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8vLfLM0npMazNhsTSFnFatACvdHXpkEbL_USImRFJEKs6r78y47ngr6VpLdwn0X3E9HeUvvOZzS_ZFdY1yv_EZNjMto9usKFfLb1-loE1hHZhkCosdXob9sZiYjIOZEVeinmZCOj6_ze/s400/COEI+m+020710_05.jpg" /><span style="font-size:78%;">Common Eiders <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_35" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_34" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span></span> near Gloucester, MA 2/7/10</span><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Another wonderful treat was watching the behaviors of the large rafts of Common Eiders, the largest sea duck species found in North America!</span><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 275px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436273859409567394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0faYvMxRNFPivkU8aLxg5IIpJBvYtZer5CAF5iDBTCvukDbqrgFmcIYpEp4a8gIlr-ZwihC8oVoFpfKqkoBP5sVXaKTyOA4ImiG0NLnzCwCzUYr7n73E5iJ6LmMonYdHemn3YSUPy4YY/s400/COEI+f+020710_02.jpg" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Common Eider <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_36" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_35" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span></span> with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_37" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_36" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span></span> APO <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_38" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_37" class="blsp-spelling-error">Televid</span></span> 82 mm spotting scope & D-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_39" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_38" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lux</span></span> 4</span></p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Female and young male Common Eiders are mostly brown. The adult females found along the Atlantic are typically reddish-brown with dark coloring on the breast as well. Young males tend to lack the red tones and show light to white breasts. I would guess the bird above is a first year male molting and its breast is just starting to appear lighter. </span></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436268384354008162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3cRR-qNOKSUF4gcA1jkxuk4O5dYeAN119bAz1T2gNqvtpiP4Gdo-C4LiSe0RszzSmuRdTmRwdYCCZVNA0TPGz03FRMY0x7SdIZ8aUfcn4XZTTKaOhYbSfjSzFzWSxM1MJFsQvvUdV5YD/s400/COEI+m+020710_08.jpg" /> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">adult male Common Eider, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_40" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_39" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span></span> Gloucester, MA 2/7/10</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Adult males were easily seen and identified though. Their distinctive black and white bodies reflected light from great distances. You can note the black cap and yellow-green bill on the bird above.</span></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436268583102472018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkD3CpbOMDKPmciATuo8Zggmd7mCkUMNi9pJw0qLsAk1chF6CejQI0qRfahNvjdIob_ZIgzo8NIujKvQrCN5Fdq63cOkwNDwCZr9vGTx4dTKPxuZGPsQbcjY5NzHM3T4ZjzOsNsQVBZim2/s400/COEI+m+020710_06.jpg" /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_41" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_40" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span></span> with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_42" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_41" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span></span> C-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_43" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_42" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lux</span></span> 4 camera through <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_44" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_43" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lica</span></span> APO <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_45" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_44" class="blsp-spelling-error">Televid</span></span> 82 mm spotting scope</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Closer inspection reveals that the dark crown is actually split with a thin white stripe and that the area behind the white cheek is washed with a subtle avocado green that is more notable when the face is in shadow (as seen below).</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436268393565437058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4xXYK8KHwSlYD6XvjXCB9gIXmIHDaLPPZiDpRqs17fF6rce8JPnzB_lb2rc2wQOhnZJqp4YG2JfdvdcgbBUq7_kwatbtb5qumLZ9_phGseDhv-K1Rd2wN2xrL6vqzSaLZIYKrQ256S7o/s400/COEI+m+020710_03.jpg" /> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">adult male Common Eider <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_46" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_45" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span></span> near <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_47" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_46" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rockport</span></span>, MA 2/7/10</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Males would often rise out of the water flapping letting their light breasts reflect light. I assume this behavior may be territorial as females don't seem to do this often. In some lighting the breast seems to reflect a faint rosy bloom. Studies in some white bird species like the arctic Snowy Owl suggest more reflective males are more successful breeders. Also, tern species like Sandwich, Arctic, Roseate Tern and others show a pinkish "blush" on their breasts when breeding as well. Clearly there is a lot we do not understand about the complex displays of birds, and ultraviolet wavelengths we do not see well are likely involved.</span></div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436268402582974370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-dx7CQ6u3MQou0eiABaY8uODUMcU1ORojYsnxaxhuiwE9m1J5HOpdX5YZ6MDUSKZ_9Xj7kDDo7MFLcqUNIXAnGKbKNnU6Wy7p0BCyt84IGiDAnkyrq0FhIq5r5WGi7wurAAaejUpCKT3/s400/COEI+m+020710_04.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">both adult & young male Common Eiders regularly display as above.</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">For the past 3 winters the Cape Ann area has hosted a local avian celebrity, an adult male King Eider! This bird is a bit smaller than the Common and shares a similar black & white body patterning. However, an adult male King Eider's face and head are a fabulous pale, powder blue and the bill is bright orange with a bulbous base. While I got no images worth sharing, I was fortunate enough to see this bird each day I was there including very close images from the deck of the Seven Seas Whale Watch boat out of Gloucester. This trip was the final birding event of the festival, and seeing this bird up close was a clear highlight for many of those aboard!</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8M47JNJKU3zIUr4D-YsZ5SaoiZT3K_16zNcrzhVvbBN3UotxbI8n20TpwT3Xr0O3M5FzsKJfucTv4HTQTN6FO8hdEp_nDEDh-jDQkal0bA7dEW-pRdQojUd35ENfR0_GFs_q9Iz3CYTi/s1600-h/BLGU+020510_01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 304px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436276264980488354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8M47JNJKU3zIUr4D-YsZ5SaoiZT3K_16zNcrzhVvbBN3UotxbI8n20TpwT3Xr0O3M5FzsKJfucTv4HTQTN6FO8hdEp_nDEDh-jDQkal0bA7dEW-pRdQojUd35ENfR0_GFs_q9Iz3CYTi/s400/BLGU+020510_01.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">winter-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_47" class="blsp-spelling-error">plumaged</span> Black Guillemot, Cape Ann, MA 2/6/10</span><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_48" class="blsp-spelling-error">Alcids</span> is the family of birds to include the puffins and their allies to include less universally recognized <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_49" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">species</span> like the Black Guillemot (seen above), <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_50" class="blsp-spelling-error">Murres</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_51" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dovekie</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_52" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rozorbill</span>, and even the extinct Great Auk. They are weak-flying birds that can dive to great depths. They are often black and white in plumage and superficially resemble penguins. They most likely fill the same ecological niche that Penguins do in the Southern Hemisphere. Each day from shore you could find small groups of Black Guillemots and Razorbills.</span><br /></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWfNRcUGziBIcBthp7nQE0fmF0tScJLfIotGYJyoxOd7T_D1S7SOrv_fkCyNItS-ek6z1nGYFTTQBo-ZsQDZT2eRfbBlBH2AgjiVm5UnmNia0U26WlqaHg0mQmE4lfo4lXqhB1MRosrRx/s1600-h/Harbor+seals+020710_01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436273876122045490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWfNRcUGziBIcBthp7nQE0fmF0tScJLfIotGYJyoxOd7T_D1S7SOrv_fkCyNItS-ek6z1nGYFTTQBo-ZsQDZT2eRfbBlBH2AgjiVm5UnmNia0U26WlqaHg0mQmE4lfo4lXqhB1MRosrRx/s400/Harbor+seals+020710_01.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Harbor seals were also easily seen lounging on rocks & beaches and feeding (you guessed it) in the boat <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_53" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">harbors</span> in the area. The image above was taken aboard the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_54" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Sunday</span> whale watch trip by holding the D-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_55" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lux</span> 4 camera behind my 7x42 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_56" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ultravid</span> binoculars. This photographic technique has been dubbed "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_57" class="blsp-spelling-error">digibinning</span>". Not surprisingly, this is not as precise as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_58" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoping</span> where you have the scope on a tripod and the camera secured to the scope eyepiece, but in a pinch it does offer a great way to extend the reach of your small point & shoot camera by 7 to 10x!<br /></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyRKwFZxl3aC2yXGTdBc5zGYlWEB1MosvWd5T1Tn9NMZDgOLE40X7rxmt67Lct4oAhucxP54hmtjmKizd_9lGG8GnOogUPLS5HueWyIx8UuxSsvKy1NJzI0IyU2wsjzl6SnVB9yeuunjJ/s1600-h/Harbor+seal+020710_02.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436273870439173138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyRKwFZxl3aC2yXGTdBc5zGYlWEB1MosvWd5T1Tn9NMZDgOLE40X7rxmt67Lct4oAhucxP54hmtjmKizd_9lGG8GnOogUPLS5HueWyIx8UuxSsvKy1NJzI0IyU2wsjzl6SnVB9yeuunjJ/s400/Harbor+seal+020710_02.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">The "spy-hopping" seal above was digiscoped from shore using my typical rig (Televid spotting scope & D-Lux 4 attached via mated digital adapter). We watched each other for a while. At one point I saw this anaimal eat some sort of crab. I took a video of the event and will have to view it large scale to see if I can make out any more details. There were also a few Gray Seals around but again I didn't get any images of these larger pinnipeds. They have large "horse-like" faces and heads with blocky features.<br /></span><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436282176348751714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAHbvejPexMI7h1uTr98-9BxN1lox-Zr7oC_jcj0viTCK01ALeZJJ5XbLtJca0EaL1Vviz6_hdXX4eAb9OrOaQiyhr4QDQceHve1XCJvJnXQO7-WfuUrtsZsrfN4EJzfK7EZfXRlW0WXj/s400/SNOW+ad+m+020410_01.jpg" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">VERY distant adult Snowy Owl, digiscoped on Plum Island 2/5/10</span> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">One of my favorite birds to see is the Snowy Owl. This rare denizen of the high arctic and cigar box tops, is the main reason I started watching birds in the first place (but that's another tale for another day). Just before leaving on my flight North I searched for Boston area bird information and noted that these birds were being seen regularly on Plum Island. Armed with this information, I made a beeline here immediately after securing my rental car at Logan international airport. It was near 3 PM when I finally arrived and I swung through to get some more detailed information from the helpful staff at Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats facility located right at the entrance to the island's causeway. I read through the recent sightings log and the woman at the front information counter mentioned she had seen a very distant & very light Snowy from parking area 3 on the refuge earlier that day. The image above is this same bird and as promised it was indeed VERY distant. Bear in mind the image above is magnified 60x, so this bird was likely 1/2 mile away! </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Have you spotted him yet?... It's not easy to see if you don't have a proper "search image" in your brain. Look just above and right of center in the image until you note the curiously reflective ovate blob peering through the short stumps/posts in the circular formation known as a staddle (used to store salt grass when haying). As hard as he is to see and as bad a view/image as this was (even with great optics), I'm happy to note that I apparently still have a knack for spotting these birds. I spotted the white oval above as I was still driving toward parking area 3! I spent 2 full winters searching for and trapping & banding these magnificent birds in upstate NY, but again this is another story. :) </span><br /></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436282182079264002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDMpncYrwuUL1GWenqFjoaK_rGn5CNrhNLAYLwdeC7C8K-wBzCd42KlU1KoZ3ahEWkdQAOKqHpaPenTON9oxJ3ZHLmPv6VoCFC9eAodqyQlVdU6ewXF3oNuhhfWptrIAmL5utLMXU9FGW/s400/SNOW+ad+m+020410_02.jpg" /><span style="font-size:78%;">yet anotherVERY distant adult Snowy Owl at Plum Island!</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Continuing on I located another adult Snowy Owl a mile or more further south near the "Hellcat" observation tower. This one would have been easier to get close to as there was a path along a dyke that went very close to this one, but this portion of the refuge was restricted so I had to settle for 2 very distant views of these magnificent birds. A much better alternative to no views at all. Do you see this one?... just left of center now, below the right edge of the large tilted ice sheet!<br /></span></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436282171558726098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFM_v_fkqCw0DFf9dBPWUYO9pLjCwAR-FaG2e9G27Vv-YVCdxAGR9Px-TTKk_BiBFC_d7et8NHPSEb9NkB9c3UAxL_kdhJqgIxQYVDgxj9ptRg5J_z5AcrkrGGRe1C_2pWdnBbtkEs5z5/s400/PI+sunset+020410_01.jpg" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">the sun sets on Plum Island - Leica D-Lux 4 camera</span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Despite temperatures cooler than the ones I enjoy here in Florida, I had a fantastic time at this marvelous young event only in its second year. It was treat to see these hearty northern species and to meet many new people with similar interests, I'll be back to enjoy this again, surely. Some of you may want to mark your calendars for the third annual event in 2011 as well! </span></div></div></div>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-65736870051851536822010-01-10T09:07:00.012-05:002010-06-20T12:57:09.128-04:00Binocular Basics - 2: numbers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QipmU1F_AbcwkQvnF2WlXRvQCuAd9ShALBcwZ62HY3YOIM4V_0cc4HbhcNwmK7BaGgdW5jsMS_PuUAmqbhTQdnlszlc26p6zQBBK3Szox6YiQS5-WhU-JwTbTo7P5e_4C_29NGgC1cb4/s1600-h/8x32+BR+water.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425116324151838034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QipmU1F_AbcwkQvnF2WlXRvQCuAd9ShALBcwZ62HY3YOIM4V_0cc4HbhcNwmK7BaGgdW5jsMS_PuUAmqbhTQdnlszlc26p6zQBBK3Szox6YiQS5-WhU-JwTbTo7P5e_4C_29NGgC1cb4/s400/8x32+BR+water.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">All binocular models have a a brand and model name followed by a series of numbers to describe them. This "nomenclature" can give you some important information about the binocular. However, it requires a bit of knowledge to understand how these characteristics affect performance.</span> </div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgks18BcbFmw1FuKeFWZ5oqaX6JU93euOXHn2iCjq585MCyWmvmp85-SJ-J9Ik-5guGZQjS13KYvJZotXFx1Rc5JeVOyASjGVwNJ-W6Xk1pNHGwoIaS4tDVQSfYZfTK4uW6j9ddcb6f-qK-/s1600-h/7x42+Ultravid+HD.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 346px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425116317419709746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgks18BcbFmw1FuKeFWZ5oqaX6JU93euOXHn2iCjq585MCyWmvmp85-SJ-J9Ik-5guGZQjS13KYvJZotXFx1Rc5JeVOyASjGVwNJ-W6Xk1pNHGwoIaS4tDVQSfYZfTK4uW6j9ddcb6f-qK-/s400/7x42+Ultravid+HD.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">The binocular model above is a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> 7x42 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ultravid</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">HD</span>. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> of course is the manufacturer, and the model name is the "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ultravid</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">HD</span>". The model name is derived from the Latin root "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">vid</span>" meaning "to see", and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">HD</span> indicates that this model contains the highest level of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">flouride-</span>infused glass, offering the best possible color rendition possible. Manufacturer & model numbers are of course random and vary between models, and don't tell you much about performance. The "nomenclature", however, (the series of numbers) are consistent throughout the industry and tell the consumer a lot about the product.</span><br /></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 307px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425117041695079442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEdVs5ty1QjW0rMeApOypTrNrZl8UKi-SpSTuZEdIQcRumdD9Pg0a6KIr8bJHdiDcA8CDI7zZXkxBW3hS5NDbFRlMsx6aCq8foMCO-Z8K5PpbxWbSa7A1MDZ6TFJm5e85Veri11ZcysvY8/s400/bino+nomenclature.jpg" /></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;">The product above is an older model, a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Trinovid</span> 10x42 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">BN</span>. Lets consider just the nomenclature on this product the "10x42" portion - "10x" describes the power of magnification. As you'd suspect, this binocular magnifies the subject 10 times. This means your subject will appear 10 times larger or 10 times closer than it does when viewed with your eyes alone.</span><br /></p><p></p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425130498745120562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6moIMwgJPUk2WwY5p42R_IPJQ2tZ5TSPYW7B1BxSX14upwb59F7PXEFRJfdlpgwbkoanm0j6iI8nt5q9ARWCibrXOB6Vhu5ThNB9k6mOlpyIQpC0yUStIk8qTjh3jBXw5dyoa8HD1xQl/s400/10x+example.jpg" /></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;">The image above is a representation of a subject at 1x and 10x respectively. Unfortunately, at this size the graphic is not very effective because it is difficult to see well. The most popular powers of magnification in binoculars are generally 7x, 8x, and 10x. It is common for people to assume more magnification is better than less. However, it is important to remember that you are not only magnifying your subject, but you are also magnifying all the hand shake and movement from wind, etc.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Most people cannot hold a binocular with more than 10x magnification still enough to benefit from the increased power. As a matter of fact, many are surprised to realize that when comparing binocular models within the same manufacturer's line, that they resolve details better with a lower-powered binocular. When trying to decide which binocular is right for you, it is best to use a resolution chart (the optical equivalent of an eye chart). In lieu of a resolution chart, a dollar bill (or similar) usually offers suitable fine print for this test. Simply, hang one to the wall and compare which binocular power within a given line allows you to discern more detail. For me, I find I can discern more detail with a lower-powered binocular. I just can't hold a higher-powered glass steady enough to benefit from the increased power, and typically use a 7x42 binocular (7 times magnification) - I feel I see more detail on a smaller and brighter subject.</span></p><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 253px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425130503878497026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsBj02JwnPVw1dJEjaODjntFI5JPXidmbQjLGOk4HaDMIgts3Q7nBG9lIL02XxHe226Yp0e-Rp1U9U3U7xEPfqieLIfaUCA3tK9Iq8lQ19uDbKbyLzM3F3w3rZW87OotJc8btOG7WUc4I/s400/Exit+pupil.jpg" /></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;">The second number describes the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters. The binocular above is an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ultravid</span> 8x32. It magnifies 8x and the objective lens is 32 mm wide. In this binocular a 32 mm circle of light enters the binocular (the diameter of the objective), however for every 1x of magnification you must reduce the size of the circle of light entering your eye by the same power. Therefore, the circle of light seen coming out of the eyepiece & entering your eye is 32 mm divided by 8x, or 4 mm (see above). This circle of light is defined as the <strong>"Exit Pupil"</strong>.</span></p><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425130510755119922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCPUlPyoyoy0DINMHVy0rdchJ8TKb6Gv3HXIyXAIkKMIzCZz0bTcVCs0YF4xZGWr2MyAJT3zyLKhqECDzX84-22jsUyEJ-kvrvkTl3te2hCg5d9-Ui12MaOO1p-jo0n0mLRpiBbQmVsNB/s400/exit+pupil+2.jpg" /></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;">How does exit pupil affect binocular performance?.... Well again, all else being equal (assuming we are considering one particular line of a given manufacturer's products), a larger exit pupil means more light enters your eye. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425937011161674226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMaQkCYJzbXllTV6YRwUKWLUrMWWsLprl_FIGuUgn4ZwSw29raOXp4K-uQk_JIS6LFM0IxZ0XXBRqrfOsCoENY7CbiTIGi0vWSZx3jqjSbkbkpVxF5E_K-VDkI3nQKQYHwxWZlgUzJDsDr/s400/exit+pupil+3.jpg" /><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;">In bright light, when your pupil is fully constricted, exit pupil is less important. However, in low lighting conditions your pupil dilates/expands. So an exit pupil of 4 mm may not fill every cone and rod in your pupil, where the 7x42 above with a 6 mm exit pupil will deliver a brighter image with superior resolution under these conditions. Also, as your hands shake, a smaller circle of light will be harder to stay over your pupil, while a larger exit pupil will continue to deliver consistent light to your eye. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">While your brain may well assimilate the image, over a full day's use your eye may feel more strain and discomfort with a smaller exit pupil, compared to the binocular with the larger exit pupil (once again assuming the same binocular quality/line). </span></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Of course, this is but one consideration in binocular selection, and each individual will have to balance power & objective size, versus binocular size/weight & ease of use/ergonomics. This personal balance will obviously vary from user to user, but I think it safe to say that if "lightweight" and "compact" are two of your main criterion for binocular selection, it is true to suggest that within a given line, this cannot be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">achieved</span> without sacrificing some optical performance. However, we will consider this fully in another post!</span></p></div>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-48419692892368456502010-01-07T10:37:00.005-05:002010-06-20T12:58:19.610-04:00Binocular Basics 1<span style="font-size:130%;">This is the first post in a series that will review binocular basics for those interested. As you'd expect I'll start at the very beginning with very basic information. Throughout the series though the information will get more complex. Feel free to comment or question in the comments section below though.</span><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmXzDAP0w9pQ8XTxoPAgCYaWKDv5MD6oWE7XulQs0V4D3Cy8Hm8ZGM2ePqMvVDHs0cZvYAN18rFC8V2qWr_v9Knv7tbRKaSNEajk1jdM5gEdrBrjvSj5B8pT_Y6YpjkBD-PvuIIZdgBT8/s1600-h/porro+example.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 241px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424025931165959090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmXzDAP0w9pQ8XTxoPAgCYaWKDv5MD6oWE7XulQs0V4D3Cy8Hm8ZGM2ePqMvVDHs0cZvYAN18rFC8V2qWr_v9Knv7tbRKaSNEajk1jdM5gEdrBrjvSj5B8pT_Y6YpjkBD-PvuIIZdgBT8/s400/porro+example.jpg" /></a> </div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Generally speaking, binoculars are manufactured in two basic designs in regard to prism assembly and structure. The first is a "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">porro</span></span> prism" design which is easily recognized by shape. In a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">porro</span></span> prism binocular the eyepiece or ocular lens assembly, is offset from the distal objective lens assembly. In most cases the objective lens will sit outside the eyepiece, although some manufacturers offer compact "reverse <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">porro</span></span> prism" designs where very small objective lenses nearly touch and are much closer together than the ocular.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">I've superimposed the typical shape of a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">porro</span></span> prism assembly in red lines above while the green dashed line shows the light path as it travels through the binocular. Note how the light enters the objective lens cell, passes into the upper prism, is reflected 2 times, passes into the lower prism block, bounces two more times and finally exits through the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">eyepiece</span>.</span></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424025933996699842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioLXoGZT8jQ_-PcsGKVgpz10vmtjvFkJXd5uFtSouSnprQPy3Tv8r7DVlOctDkwQyqZjvhnVbmgcbb18N2OVKRtbqOB5zBta00sIPxy7upQikh6spg07mlxTQYOpkU1zRxZ_VHXUKBmsR/s400/roof+prism+example.jpg" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">Roof prism binoculars are quite different in structure and are generally favored for their superior ergonomics. In a roof prism binocular the ocular and objective lenses are lined up in a straight line (not off-set as in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">porro</span></span> prism designs). Once again, I've drawn a rough roof prism assembly in red and the dashed, green line represents the path of light travel through the system. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">As always, the light enters through the (typically larger) objective lens and travels up to the prism assembly. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">assembly</span> (in this case) is compromised of two glass blocks just as in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">porro</span></span> design at top. Unlike the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">porro</span></span> however, a roof prism assembly reflects the light 5x. The area where the two blocks meet is called the "interface mirror", and this surface has to both reflect light at points and allow light to pass in others. It is very difficult to accomplish this without losing light through back reflection and/or refraction though, and the angles are more crucial than in simpler <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">porro</span></span> designs. As such, roof prism binoculars average more expensive than a comparable <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">porro</span></span> prism.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">This higher price adds some very real advantages though to include: superior ergonomics, better waterproofing, and a higher impact resistance (again assuming a comparable level of manufacture and design). Roof prism binoculars generally offer better ergonomics through their slimmer design, as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">porro</span></span> prism binoculars average bulkier due to the offset design.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 153px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424030185196579026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJUkgV7zuL2G1DCVE3oYBn-6l1BqsJjE2OCIfkQ_1hLWV96mjwlkXcKdWKewaDMFC-ea22nU0lmabm69MGr6KQ5FVbfVN6IU76TlgRYA-8RVTu38CDm-tGWOgilOWhwwNxP_Wi-z_1g8I/s400/porro+focus+bridge.jpg" /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Most <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">porro</span></span> designs utilize a moving external bridge (see above) that slides the oculars in and out to achieve focus. Once again, this is a simpler and cheaper manufacturing design, however it suffers from one predictable flaw. As these tubes slide over top of one another you are continually wearing the seals that keep moisture out and inert gases in. Over time these will wear to the point of failure leading to moisture problems and internal fogging. In addition this external bridge is very susceptible to impact damage, leading to alignment problems as well.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 381px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424030192267421762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMUMKkRVAISb74rn7tP9LFq4COjojIoDrQt-Mt4dB9F0BwXE6Gn0qjPE7AGrm65s8OheJ7jQziEkPfdOMvC8HjqXqm4M2W9xue3d1ffEKCUZTmzmf3hzfWF63rtiB7ntMxUCXAYL1gVWh/s400/ultravid+cutaway.jpg" /><span style="font-size:130%;">In most roof prism binoculars the focusing system is internal. In the case of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span></span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ultravid</span></span> above, internal "field collector lenses" move back and forth between the prism assembly and objective lens cell. Since this system is completely internal it is much more impact resistant, and since you are not constantly wearing the seals through abrasion the roof prism design maintains its water proofing & fog proofing.</span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Summary</strong></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">As a final note, I need to qualify implications above. I've used words like generally & typically above and also used qualifying statements like, "assuming comparable quality". In most cases in optics the old <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">adage</span>, "You get what you pay for" is true to its word. In looking at binocular prices quickly online, I note full-sized <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">porro</span> prism binoculars (compacts <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">excluded</span>) range from just over $25 up to about $1,200 US. By comparison roof prism prices ranged from about $50 on up to nearly $3,000 US. Assuming less expensive binoculars are created by cutting costs on raw materials (quality of components), manufacturing costs (quality of construction), & labor costs, I certainly expect that a $1,200 dollar <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">porro</span> prism would out-perform a $100 roof prism in every way. However, if we compared the highest quality premium roof prism versus the highest priced <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">porro</span> prism, I'm certain most users would prefer and gravitate toward the roof prism. I say this from my own personal preferences, my experiences of meeting and birding with thousands of birders annually (and noting what binoculars they are using), and from my knowledge of the many <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">independent</span> reviews that have appeared in industry articles in varying popular publications. All suggest roof prism designs are favored across the board by most users.</span></div>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-66151781033228520322010-01-01T09:28:00.007-05:002010-06-20T13:01:22.617-04:00Canopy Critters from Panama<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUf7LZzM8ceZDLEtO7tV9BpznjYQ4ThG8KZZqH9sJ_xO8jbZtdhXKM-HvZBGApc-3ID7zYKkVOuaomd_c3Ah51L-18s1-2r_hEc3wyoaMxgaA7OOZNFsw7qWvjfCNO7v2OQ9QnL986l_F2/s1600-h/3t+sloth+01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421781260827930978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUf7LZzM8ceZDLEtO7tV9BpznjYQ4ThG8KZZqH9sJ_xO8jbZtdhXKM-HvZBGApc-3ID7zYKkVOuaomd_c3Ah51L-18s1-2r_hEc3wyoaMxgaA7OOZNFsw7qWvjfCNO7v2OQ9QnL986l_F2/s400/3t+sloth+01.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/leica/uploaded_images/ThreetoedSloth-m-panama-072407_04-flick-761301.jpg"></a><span style="font-size:78%;">male Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth resting in a tree near Canopy Tower</span> <div><div align="left"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">In an earlier post I'd mentioned how Canopy Tower was an ideal location for digiscoping, but I didn't explain fully why that is. I will try to explain this more thoroughly and share some of the many pictures I was able to capture from the tower as well! Let me backtrack and review a bit for those that are perhaps just joining us. Digiscoping (at least as I practice it) is coupling a digital point & shoot camera like the Leica C-Lux 2 that I used behind the Leica APO Televid spotting scope for these pictures. Again my primary aim here (pun intended) is to capture wildlife images with the spotting scope that I carry most of the time in my pursuit of birds and wildlife anyway. As such, by simply adding a tiny camera and digital adapter to a hip pouch or shoulder strap, I'm ready to take stunning images at a moment's notice!</span> </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421780196094685058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedd0QY0B-rHkM6nzELR9sQaGrDmm3J2feuIx_QypoJdPfDXmgQkIAGS0hTmCFadNIBrtPZFXUSVztH-I9Jr2mY2iFBuB7nwqpixFX4pgkxni8fSA8kWf03aK9j1x9G0p2FKL1Zbm68sY8/s400/TwotoedSloth+panama+071407_01+book.jpg" /><span style="font-size:78%;">Hoffman's Two-toed Sloth in trees at the Canopy Tower</span></div><div align="left"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The Canopy Tower offers an ideal situation for digiscoping not only because you are in the tree tops in a safe, stable structure with the creatures that utilize the canopy, but because many of these creatures are anywhere from 50 to 150 feet away. With patience most will come close enough for standard SLR and telephoto lenses, but I tend to be impatient and love the fact that this digiscoping set up allows me to achieve the equivalent of a 6,000 mm lens (120x magnification)!</span></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 298px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421781257966963314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGDxRzZhn0fR7DJuykwID5t_ahr4X4zMeloPdFBOtNE1Vcw8jC1CnSNu1IkgGysq6RX3nDmKn4OPfRU_OSpp8wxdGdPXfX7XUviwHN4TlIMhnzf_E7dA5FS2mYPbJovM0jwFCNg62wZPf/s400/GeoofreysTamarin+panama+071407_01+book.jpg" /><a href="http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/leica/uploaded_images/GeoofreysTamarin-panama-071407_01-flick-718792.jpg"></a> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Geoffrey's Tamarin digiscoped from Canopy Tower, July 2007 </span></div><div align="left"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">This allows me to get up close and personal with the wildlife even when it is farther away. The Geoffrey's Tamarin above was actually much closer but I still shot this at a 35 mm equivalent of a 1720 mm lens because I wanted to see it's whiskers! ;) </span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><div align="left"><br />EXIF data:<br />35 mm equivalent on camera = 86 mm<br />scope zoom eyepice at 20 power<br />or 86 mm x 20x = 1720 mm equivalent lens.</div><div align="left"></span></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421780203048607570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09XTgNSMNV39qqNKEUNMKN9hok_KijJv2yiA71IO8-YQr8xjMaDgGDrLATUmGazoctwgjGg5xn8lhT0xI09jMtBic1hVcrTv0nSkfZqlpBPvT3ZzB1YhdyqNt2jgmTesPmVONGFfSdzqV/s400/ThreetoedSloth+m+panama+072407_02+book.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Sloth hangs out at Canopy Tower</span></div><div align="left"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">To put that into perspective, the longest telephoto lens readily available on the commercial market is an 800 mm lens. So even at nominal camera zoom I'm far exceeding the capabilities of most telephoto systems. Plus, an 800 mm lens can reach over 2 foot in length, weigh over 20 pounds, and force you to have to re-mortgage your house. ;p The Sloth above was actually scratching but I've entitled this shot "the Thinker!"</span> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421783044988900594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-ubd-ygcWQQLj3cGvg0fofyAP5Uqu5TS45U6U2DVenK7Fqs2u7_mmvtb2sQtuVz5Pc_aM4eUuo2b1fwHF13JNtlf4zhmC5JsZH7fTfeMEmdaMYKcmqjcTgc64Tmzlk-qiqLulwSgK9lt/s400/howler+01.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Mantled Howler Monkey (male) hangs down to get to Cecropia fruit</span></div><div align="left"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">There's always a good assortment of mammals "hanging out" in the trees surrounding the Canopy Tower. Both of the aforementioned sloth species, preferred the loner approach but the troops of Monkeys always seemed to come through en masse. The small Tamarins were less numerous and came and went quickly during our stay, but the Howlers were regular and numerous throughout our stay. One guest told me that the large wound on the side of the male above was a Bot Fly larvae, but don't know this for certain. Seems plausible. He explained that Vampire Bats can often make the initial wound and allow the Bot Fly to get under the flesh. Makes for a good story but I can't say for certain if this is the case. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Does anyone reading know more about this relationship or hypothesis?... would love some feedback. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421783041169627874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmAPVFLu3_0kRXn3OxR7xJV9Am4cCU95olLGuqwN8SzA65JiE20YPX7EyyS0sx_l5ExBV9-lHGjjYbu3ZsfP_h5aHiCS3_JIj9Dxxl6yisLEc9AG6OOJWCIKXIs7Rt9FiPlY1KsTQmu8v/s400/howler+02.jpg" /><span style="font-size:78%;">male Howler Monkey stares intently at some distant subject </span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><div align="left"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">The ever vociferous and social Howlers were a treat to watch. Even though they are a common species throughout much of the Neotropics, I don't see these in the wild here in Florida so it was a great treat.</span> </div><div align="left"></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421783039044122642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mtUIYK86N3VYe-WuVruNyUMgigxL5J4zVwQ_WXq26AkgLvBCDn2VDbzyOf2vL_US9W_T4b529_nfEaNsumAfWje5SlYtrWZwIgVes2HmSvsDNKECQwUNhPgrMRkj0VBeJ7HAOIxFUb-Z/s400/howler+03.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">female Howlers with tail at the ready feeds on tree top fruit </span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><div align="left"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">The female Howlers were notably slimmer and smaller than the mature males lacking the distinct "mane" shown by the latter. The animal above was taking full advantage of fruiting Cecropia that surrounds the Tower. It is also worthy of note that this is not a tower in the typical sense (a narrow spire sticking up) but more of a very wide 4 story building with large observation deck ringing the top. This allows easy panoramic viewing options in any direction which is also advantageous for viewing the birds and wildlife moving through the tree-tops. It's a very unique and beautiful perspective for observing the "Canopy Express".</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></div></span><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421783032378032210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpIKIBzsaP32FIWH-aSpcxohCFcrNMOH5Sb_FVKGZIscrg9JldwmdJbJJUcjXm4tN7wcVvv5_A6_cLOudyx6Q0xSjze6m_GGkc94ezHjZB2VJQHxixknVevBTA-a9f3y2xCYe08GLbP7P/s400/howler+04.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Mantled Howler Monkey digiscoped July 2007, Canopy Tower </span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><div align="left"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;">These are merely a few of the many species that could be viewed by the tower and to see and digiscope them all will undoubtedly take more trips! I will share more from our 8 day trip, never fear, but for now I'll wrap it up by saying the trip was more fun than a Barrel full of Monkeys (or better yet a wild troop in their natural habitat), and we are already planning on offering this workshop again next year. </span><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">I can't wait!</span></div><br /></div>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-67532928995763086272009-12-18T16:31:00.005-05:002009-12-20T09:35:35.875-05:00Missing Peregrine!<span style="font-size:130%;">Ahhh... Bosque Del Apache... for anyone who has experienced birding here it brings to mind visions of fall and winter magic! This gem of the National Wildlife Refuge system here in the US, offers unbelievably wondrous natural spectacles. Many come to view the spectacle of the crane and waterfowl migration which is indeed amazing, but there is SOOO much more to appreciate as well.</span><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QcADvN2TCGY_8NItj1WRwVUjNZ6oMpeLqA8rVDNqJGYgVShq0YMNRbdiUK2wKA-jA0FuT9rRgqlOzlcW-PMcSQBmNss4Co8-mfBW8e5pf5rDn0spsik957VFxwT7b75Vuv4CCR08VPT9/s1600-h/PRFA+ad+111909_01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416693410450709570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QcADvN2TCGY_8NItj1WRwVUjNZ6oMpeLqA8rVDNqJGYgVShq0YMNRbdiUK2wKA-jA0FuT9rRgqlOzlcW-PMcSQBmNss4Co8-mfBW8e5pf5rDn0spsik957VFxwT7b75Vuv4CCR08VPT9/s400/PRFA+ad+111909_01.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">adult Prairie Falcon, digiscoped Bosque Del Apache, NWR, NM 11/19/09</span><br /></div><div align="left"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The morning of November 19th started like most other fall mornings at Bosque, enjoying the lift-off of Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese just before first light. Shortly thereafter, I was forunate to encounter an adult Prairie Falcon perched at roadside very near the visitor's center. In the early morning light, the bird was washed in a wonderful pink glow. The sun was just on the horizon at this point and it looked to be another fabulous day! The remains of a freshly plucked "Red-shafted" (Northern) Flicker lay beneath this perch. It was obvious this bird hadn't recently eaten a Flicker, as it's crop would have been bulging if it had. Clearly, someone had eaten this bird here though and an adult Prairie Falcon would certainly be a good candidate. Maybe that was last night's dinner!?!...</span><br /></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhle3OnQgpimANhRbT05bvGteLTgbbXjk7u3wlXb5A8jicB1tWJ2WnuzQHw4HhPhiypxlafGTVXJDE7BTY7aFUi5DYta5vlbjBUr8-Mrv2gwbReOinJBPlV4qRfNeZlnW2dmP6GZgyZqqyY/s1600-h/AMKE+m+111709_01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416693141453773106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhle3OnQgpimANhRbT05bvGteLTgbbXjk7u3wlXb5A8jicB1tWJ2WnuzQHw4HhPhiypxlafGTVXJDE7BTY7aFUi5DYta5vlbjBUr8-Mrv2gwbReOinJBPlV4qRfNeZlnW2dmP6GZgyZqqyY/s400/AMKE+m+111709_01.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">American Kestrel, male digiscoped with Leica APO Televid 65 mm scope & D-Lux 4 camera</span><br /></p><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">American Kestrels are another common falcon species, and we saw many on this day. The male above sat on Route 1 just before entering the refuge from the North. I watched him hunting over 3 days with his bum foot. Even though he had no use of it, he seemed to be faring well. Both he and his tolerent mate (shown below) were camera hogs. They'd obviously taken up residence here knowing how many photographers visit and were hoping for extra photos! ;p </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">OK - maybe not, but they were remarkably tolerent by Kestrel standards and allowed me to park my vehicle close enough to get some very nice images!<br /></span></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWehG6JPIqURrJiV6b1ZUVezt1TEE8ymQpH5vhQqaWH4yaJODnGopRBewAxUnOsq1-KX5GGpvUVbtYhda0GM_blYohUcObvemo_yQgk49oh9wmhxwpHxkHZYexw35FSrsx8_qnMi2o5Yo6/s1600-h/AMKE+f+111909_01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416693135232277954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWehG6JPIqURrJiV6b1ZUVezt1TEE8ymQpH5vhQqaWH4yaJODnGopRBewAxUnOsq1-KX5GGpvUVbtYhda0GM_blYohUcObvemo_yQgk49oh9wmhxwpHxkHZYexw35FSrsx8_qnMi2o5Yo6/s400/AMKE+f+111909_01.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">female American Kestrel, digiscped near Bosque del Apache NWR entrance, 11/19/09</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Upon breaking for lunch I spotted my third falcon species of the day again just outside the refuge entrance on route 1. A distant Merlin was perched on a phone pole in harsh backlight. The photo below normally would be deleted but it helps to tell the story. Hmmm... 3 falcon species by mid day and I knew of two others being reported near daily in and around the refuge. </span></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416695584596141378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_VgmusxSd-ASurZ0DgOSE8lMinmVTcmDUyh3Se4oLPzMyVqREcfTdPMExtDC-fx63Cyiubz-ZDqH_Zpl-SNtNMwbEczf7yDHhQRUFSiYkpE8XXB7YiSTiwqT423u6WTERtNXOCXbflks/s400/MERL+111909_01.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">falcon species #3 a distant, backlit Merlin in harsh light!</span></div><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Near sunset, there was time for a short trek around a portion of the loop on the refuge. I was really hoping to run into the gorgeous young Aplomado Falcon that was being reported, and in the late evening light I was fortunate enough to find it. It was amazingly cooperative again and I was able to get a number of nice photos in the warm evening light. Since, I was digiscoping, I had the advantage of incredible magnification so did not have to get too close to the bird!</span></p><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416695588785243618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oQrOyGXL0ftDLwckltjtzIzQaCnOiTJyC0VSSrufpthyq0cAi0cMyNFxx9zzEoSDdFx6beYJ-3YroRC6h-thYsUFn36q1AtpMUX211_HOHG03xJ42LW5XIBtdn3Na5OIozHh4-8ffgo0/s400/APFA+111909_01.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"> immature Aplomado Falcon digiscoped through Leica APO Televid 65 mm 11/19/09</span></p><p align="left"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Whoa, four falcon species on the same day and the same place. With all of the prey species there where clearly a Peregrine Falcon around somewhere. I scanned the horizon in vain as the light faded. I was hoping for 5 species of falcon in one day in the US. This is a very difficult task to pull off. Sadly my Peregrine didn't show so I had to "settle" for merely enjoying 4 species (although I had 5 for the trip). Clearly though I have no room to complain it was a spectacular day with stunning views of fabulous birds.</span></p>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-72289183078546427602009-12-16T13:32:00.009-05:002010-06-20T13:02:43.382-04:00Will the smaller 65mm scope fit my needs?...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 287px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415908456961874146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMDRn7-lPirsxBd_994r0zy7ByG6argafx9gwjkGuzOMiwCKsMRy9ihQbQon7tALamOv2u3DdhN5OlQeW3h0FqTmRru7ccXfogN11GIporzcmu-Kze_hk645DcqIkKm6VlCe4myzigLKV/s400/APO+Televids.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyfDxXFOjpOobrjEKevk6MEp3S0co-5cpBTzzrJbjxFOFHBnEGxMOoNtWzGZiK7wwkMYcEiN0IqLGy57gwDQUED9lCIX6hrruY50vJi9wtar7VQ8fOOq5rHZEAtHy3KbynuHOj_aUG_v8/s1600-h/SACR+111909_02.jpg"></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">One of the big questions spotting scope consumers have to answer is, "which size scope should I buy?" Like most manufacturers, Leica offers two different scope sizes: a larger 82 mm model (bottom) and a more compact 65 mm model (at top). The mm listing is the physical diameter of the objective lens which is opposite the smaller eyepiece. A larger objective lens allows more light to enter the optical system, meaning there is a larger circle of light entering your eye (or camera if digiscoping). </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Consumers have to balance absolute optical performance with portability, and ease of use in the same way they do with binoculars. Obviously, this is a very personal decision and one that each individual has to make for themselves. To answer this fully one has to consider their individual habits to include: 'will I be using the scope at last light or first light or in very dark conditions?' (tropical rain forests for example), and 'will I tend to not carry a heavier scope?' I suspect the latter question is most important actually because if the size and weight will preclude or dissuade you from using the scope then clearly the more compact, lightweight option is for you!</span><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415907519951449570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9dcXdjRHcHhO2oI5gYMaEQvUe3qQ34yoBKpcKs-ftBYTOZRrgSvZe3HaCp1l_A4h-WumCWLn-fIxZUbI68wyehtD_coUTF0OfMGRiwTItp9Cm-_lb9PQh_LMECGqWlr3xn_bxJivmNVp/s400/BT3+65.jpg" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">left to right Kenn Kaufman, Bill Thompson, III, and Pete Dunne at Asa Wright Nature Centre</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;">Along that line, while I certainly feel the APO Televid 82 mm represents the pinnacle of optical performance, I would never discourage anyone from looking toward the smaller APO Televid 65 mm spotting scope either. I think it is superb and it definitely outperforms its predecessor and rivals the performance of our older 77 mm models. Naturally, being an employee of Leica, I'd suspect people will find my commentary suspect, so I'd also like to offer some thoughts from other unbiased individuals. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Bill Thompson III of Bird Watcher's Digest magazine made the following comments regarding the new Televids after trying both on a recent trip to Asa Wright in Trinidad and Blue Water's Inn, Tobago, '...I used the 82 & 65 and loved them both, but where portability and weight were a factor, I preferred the 65 mm. Even in digiscoping where light is crucial, I feel I only missed the light gathering of the 82 mm when I was digiscoping Oilbirds in near complete darkness...' </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Read more of Bill's exploits in Trinidad & Tobago here:</span><br /><a href="http://billofthebirds.blogspot.com/search/label/birding%20in%20Trinidad%20and%20Tobago">http://billofthebirds.blogspot.com/search/label/birding%20in%20Trinidad%20and%20Tobago</a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">and particularly about digiscoping at Asa Wright Nature Centre here:</span><br /><a href="http://billofthebirds.blogspot.com/2009/08/digiscoping-at-asa-wright.html">http://billofthebirds.blogspot.com/2009/08/digiscoping-at-asa-wright.html</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Of course, while commentary like mine and Bill's (and others) is clearly helpful, these are still opinions and as I already pointed out scope selection is a very personal endeavor. As such, I feel that often images can speak louder than words. While I've carried the 65 mm Televid scope around, I hadn't really run it through its paces properly so I decided to use it solely at the recent "Festival of the Cranes" at Bosque Del Apache NWR last month. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The following images were all shot through the Leica APO Televid 65 mm spotting scope using the Leica D-Lux 4 camera and matched digital adapter at the festival. I'll let the images speak for themselves and leave it to you to judge your thoughts on performance!</span><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsC5heviFoo10TL8GoIqqw7hjSLCbCuvDotNjsMn_TGHSf1upAMQIJJVY2B1a3ooMpWaISue7ucYmNOiF5mtnib6DSY29G6jy4ePE1E3uy1ht7gWWIlAoKvBpNVZBuke5THheHwm0hnrEg/s1600-h/SACR+111709_02.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 298px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415911354509245538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsC5heviFoo10TL8GoIqqw7hjSLCbCuvDotNjsMn_TGHSf1upAMQIJJVY2B1a3ooMpWaISue7ucYmNOiF5mtnib6DSY29G6jy4ePE1E3uy1ht7gWWIlAoKvBpNVZBuke5THheHwm0hnrEg/s400/SACR+111709_02.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">No crane fest would be complete without cranes, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">so here are two Sandhill Cranes dropping in from on high.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnH8nEg9N9ggJ8ZUHEfsLyLxawjwoXwUm-vcP7aQ8y37h8cro35GJ7mhsFePyVlIV26-cAUWebUiFhJ8j22sItARBorDNlo8mKQMPnO8u3eFvW1FAxrKtgu_nQBXgJcAHKo8IHLLdkoUBe/s1600-h/TOSO+111809_03.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415911072887326562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnH8nEg9N9ggJ8ZUHEfsLyLxawjwoXwUm-vcP7aQ8y37h8cro35GJ7mhsFePyVlIV26-cAUWebUiFhJ8j22sItARBorDNlo8mKQMPnO8u3eFvW1FAxrKtgu_nQBXgJcAHKo8IHLLdkoUBe/s400/TOSO+111809_03.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">Townsend's Solitaires were common in Juniper habitats </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">in the foothills of the nearby mountains.</span><br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBQ2VVVV05r9GBGTBmamw19NyZHQ2wLSju5DnCOb-AuhZazPawnQPQwAOxXcADYA6TE1B4BJmsUPBo82UT-9j1bmd4bGrAs7Ly5mZ_RRa6BZMf2nSmZXsPLkBd5bPVCdLrv8oidXZjNt2/s1600-h/SACR+111709_01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415911060263277266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBQ2VVVV05r9GBGTBmamw19NyZHQ2wLSju5DnCOb-AuhZazPawnQPQwAOxXcADYA6TE1B4BJmsUPBo82UT-9j1bmd4bGrAs7Ly5mZ_RRa6BZMf2nSmZXsPLkBd5bPVCdLrv8oidXZjNt2/s400/SACR+111709_01.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Greater Sandhill Cranes probe in mud for small invertebrates!</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-tq7W12Az9a8KdDI-HHy7XPoWui5ttjIUBto_sJbJbMOc1CtcX5hHyyIlF1IkAt9HCc47JurDGEx6ahN041aCY18l-DjigSczzGBCzNYpFUpVFlUvUXtKUybwGxpDUziFpUwyTKj33xq/s1600-h/RWBB+111709_04.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415911059224682146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-tq7W12Az9a8KdDI-HHy7XPoWui5ttjIUBto_sJbJbMOc1CtcX5hHyyIlF1IkAt9HCc47JurDGEx6ahN041aCY18l-DjigSczzGBCzNYpFUpVFlUvUXtKUybwGxpDUziFpUwyTKj33xq/s400/RWBB+111709_04.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">fresh plumaged Red-winged Blackbird males show </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">tawny-golden feather edges on their backs. </span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEu0XUr8LeXYcdbZnEpCqwpPXhoa4Ba7PYmoejGyLXXc6prJCyLTdULQL2Ni3yFEcJuGvV0ym_ebruuejwy6AfTCkTtk-TYIcbA8B2UEGtgI1woMZosDMv4l3HHhq5_3l64j55QPrKNdww/s1600-h/RWBB+111709_02.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415909789184860738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEu0XUr8LeXYcdbZnEpCqwpPXhoa4Ba7PYmoejGyLXXc6prJCyLTdULQL2Ni3yFEcJuGvV0ym_ebruuejwy6AfTCkTtk-TYIcbA8B2UEGtgI1woMZosDMv4l3HHhq5_3l64j55QPrKNdww/s400/RWBB+111709_02.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">the bird above shows these feather edgings on its crown as well.</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5MjOsQ15c2FxekkKcZj7wdLHSRX777aSpAfe83USkVDe4bLvGsCliV4c-K63eHIaF8oJpQ4L8x5J_voFSenAPvNf5ouvnxE__x9ZqUZSK96u93mjbuv5jHZ3QpgGOBOxgGispKbwwyQF/s1600-h/PRFA+ad+111909_01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415909787015066674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5MjOsQ15c2FxekkKcZj7wdLHSRX777aSpAfe83USkVDe4bLvGsCliV4c-K63eHIaF8oJpQ4L8x5J_voFSenAPvNf5ouvnxE__x9ZqUZSK96u93mjbuv5jHZ3QpgGOBOxgGispKbwwyQF/s400/PRFA+ad+111909_01.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">an adult Prairie Falcon is washed in pink early morning light as the sun just rises!</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXOVVk9mrghkM5thaPXhBk8hGxIThpClPNBBwZFcuQHvf2te5bkV9JSjQsVq8MO07RC9d4xrtLoOeQetViGOD11Yu8rDD9SoZE6MCIwGC0gwRxz4B2tKLWmDAcMYxRuEHbwNCCzifIcAE/s1600-h/NOHA+ad+f+111709_02.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415909781453334962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXOVVk9mrghkM5thaPXhBk8hGxIThpClPNBBwZFcuQHvf2te5bkV9JSjQsVq8MO07RC9d4xrtLoOeQetViGOD11Yu8rDD9SoZE6MCIwGC0gwRxz4B2tKLWmDAcMYxRuEHbwNCCzifIcAE/s400/NOHA+ad+f+111709_02.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">an adult female Northern Harrier (Hen Harrier in Europe...) cranes its neck</span><br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9sFVNeBba-uHETWxTL881i4QGc0B5BhPgANU1oPHC3qXRjMHXYas9T8Tn18H7QgO6jBXqPU26t7v7S-aH2GaPjCqmFTLdc5pPFRsN_mnD0XfK3vQi9tA0Lh4s0Jbqi2BPLjCoWvfihUv/s1600-h/DEJU+oregon+111909_01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415909193016223698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9sFVNeBba-uHETWxTL881i4QGc0B5BhPgANU1oPHC3qXRjMHXYas9T8Tn18H7QgO6jBXqPU26t7v7S-aH2GaPjCqmFTLdc5pPFRsN_mnD0XfK3vQi9tA0Lh4s0Jbqi2BPLjCoWvfihUv/s400/DEJU+oregon+111909_01.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">an "Oregon" race Dark-eyed Junco feeds on seed heads</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAz8esT5wHNn4xlS95BaB-ozWHjzeWyqrwLCC4xlWscagMeeBCp7XRWNJSrx7qMUFJREplFgB_qu3pbelVOwM3uDk2mrGG_4uOEcK-eVya_6WZZFsFEzjcAzEtmy_Hfs0F-NEbc6IAIHP/s1600-h/APFA+111909_01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415909184297588946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAz8esT5wHNn4xlS95BaB-ozWHjzeWyqrwLCC4xlWscagMeeBCp7XRWNJSrx7qMUFJREplFgB_qu3pbelVOwM3uDk2mrGG_4uOEcK-eVya_6WZZFsFEzjcAzEtmy_Hfs0F-NEbc6IAIHP/s400/APFA+111909_01.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">immature Aplomado Falcon perched up at sunset</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvgDmZ_bmQIvfoFW98F19B9DM-rtmscYSSgletIgkTM4LUahumsxH4aF9JoRqnNatGWISkinDnC2U_4ZES23AZlKlyUowOo9_82tj-YZkaPQ7cQNQZ4KXA0-Bcrk1-oxhAjlhzNhtv18t/s1600-h/BAEA+sunrise+112109_01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 217px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415909180224860034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvgDmZ_bmQIvfoFW98F19B9DM-rtmscYSSgletIgkTM4LUahumsxH4aF9JoRqnNatGWISkinDnC2U_4ZES23AZlKlyUowOo9_82tj-YZkaPQ7cQNQZ4KXA0-Bcrk1-oxhAjlhzNhtv18t/s400/BAEA+sunrise+112109_01.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Bald Eagle pair sillhouetted at sunrise</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlI45AYYo-dc1mI_wQtvlTYuAH8i_RgcGLgtC_OJJbxmylDM5H7_-K4-5UwANtupzvJwjKp3pDn_U-Rcpb-ac9Q3Fa5Thx7i7UmUn6bycYIudLG4htGqjTOkrrGa5FiF00rW8F4bkqSNvf/s1600-h/AMKE+m+111709_01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415909177778585202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlI45AYYo-dc1mI_wQtvlTYuAH8i_RgcGLgtC_OJJbxmylDM5H7_-K4-5UwANtupzvJwjKp3pDn_U-Rcpb-ac9Q3Fa5Thx7i7UmUn6bycYIudLG4htGqjTOkrrGa5FiF00rW8F4bkqSNvf/s400/AMKE+m+111709_01.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">male American Kestrel perches on a wire near noon!</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-41466106681374562872009-12-10T13:10:00.012-05:002009-12-11T17:52:15.538-05:00The Magic of Cape MayRecently, through the glamorous life of travel, I returned to Florida from Newark, NJ. The interesting thing was this was following the annual Cape May Bird Observatory (NJ Audubon) fall bird show. So with a left side window I was able to enjoy the scenery as a southbound hawk might see it (even though I was considerably higher)!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3Se6x75n0bUyI7lIKSlVEq7ur0yMPyhJg6P9dX7pJ2Ox2JB61VV4Egd3LdP2_zWLAhPaaXO9INe66eDbUb9DKNqytrXs3bSTN3spxAcpgKujhZ6FwEHJ8km7mPvXxuFIfLq5fChIOH2v/s1600-h/Sandy+Hook+NJ+102609_01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413686394164906162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 220px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3Se6x75n0bUyI7lIKSlVEq7ur0yMPyhJg6P9dX7pJ2Ox2JB61VV4Egd3LdP2_zWLAhPaaXO9INe66eDbUb9DKNqytrXs3bSTN3spxAcpgKujhZ6FwEHJ8km7mPvXxuFIfLq5fChIOH2v/s400/Sandy+Hook+NJ+102609_01.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The first landmark I recognized was the north pointing peninsula, Sandy Hook. A fair hawk watching spot in its own right. North bound spring migrants use this spit of land to get halfway across to Long Island and other points north.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQDZCtqS7AfUoUZwc9_q7GmWTomhJwL6ybtiQjJtoY_aq8dmq09gDC0v9hudhU0kPMfn38099_7TF069D-qC2rEIp4ysF9jhUnCJGc2aTTscKlj1zAHJUxc-0xHfKSEU6Zf4w8vFMqU0D/s1600-h/AC+NJ+102609_01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413686387653216178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 219px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQDZCtqS7AfUoUZwc9_q7GmWTomhJwL6ybtiQjJtoY_aq8dmq09gDC0v9hudhU0kPMfn38099_7TF069D-qC2rEIp4ysF9jhUnCJGc2aTTscKlj1zAHJUxc-0xHfKSEU6Zf4w8vFMqU0D/s400/AC+NJ+102609_01.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />New Jersey has always gotten a bad rap for the human congestion in the northern portion of the state, but heading south from Sandy Hook, most of the coast is a giant system of contiguous salt marshes and waterways! If you blow this image up you can just make out the only real heavy human congestion in this whole area. Note the skyscrapers of Atlantic City near the center of the image on the coast.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-8UmuH4FSiWM0rpTLsfoQg-WW_RC7GOgPLEnypMqhF35yUBAV9wUsQoj28YOTVg1jkTxyEtFWVEC58Byy7sMKPU26yzI5TpTUYwFptbYfpTH8eiYMsgWfXx1IYRyXdqb1V7RtlnMj-LR/s1600-h/Cape+May+peninsula+102609_01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413686386054525938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-8UmuH4FSiWM0rpTLsfoQg-WW_RC7GOgPLEnypMqhF35yUBAV9wUsQoj28YOTVg1jkTxyEtFWVEC58Byy7sMKPU26yzI5TpTUYwFptbYfpTH8eiYMsgWfXx1IYRyXdqb1V7RtlnMj-LR/s400/Cape+May+peninsula+102609_01.jpg" border="0" /></a> Continuing south from here was that magical south facing peninsula itself. Like a giant avian funnel the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean conspire to offer birders unimagineable concentrations of all types of migrant birds at the very southern tip of this land mass.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8HHuVUj6GEXcxy9ba1fOkoMrjsQZXynhoucww1pfN-uOL8MCapMq8-8QNPfr6Z5qDkbbgXUWJIN12XcV0buhTUpyil6xGrPz4AVjGsxDAYXLQ76b3Y6QkjKjn4KMu2seVfGs8v-N2q9H/s1600-h/CMP+lighthouse+102409_01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413685957640905202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8HHuVUj6GEXcxy9ba1fOkoMrjsQZXynhoucww1pfN-uOL8MCapMq8-8QNPfr6Z5qDkbbgXUWJIN12XcV0buhTUpyil6xGrPz4AVjGsxDAYXLQ76b3Y6QkjKjn4KMu2seVfGs8v-N2q9H/s400/CMP+lighthouse+102409_01.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">famed Cape May lighthouse and convent photographed D-Lux 4 camera, Oct 2009</span> </div><div> </div><div>This magical spot is of course, Cape May, New Jersey. A mecca for birders worldwide who descend on this community by the thousands each weekend in September & October. One of the crowned jewels of this fabled town sits literally in the shadow of the Cape May Point lighthouse in the state park here. The Cape May Hawk Watch has been run every year for... well... err.. a long time. I hate to stop and do the math actually because when I do, it reminds me of just how much further from young I get every day. It was actually 22 years ago when I first conducted this hawkwatch. Every day from sunise to sundown beginning in mid August and wrapping up near early December, I'd sit on a smaller platform that sat on this very site and count each and every hawk I saw.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhb7gji6tkN8IX7UES7TeF-elLsICr5fHE2HFEPHyTbN6GrbjvQCDD6fd-iBZcK0HX0A3xq-UZ7UxD-yfd2k8xspNGCilefcX8iFDYWHlpw6rWaPPGQjM_HdYXl4v-4EibUnSmZZkuKks/s1600-h/CMP+platform+102209_01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413685952516781026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhb7gji6tkN8IX7UES7TeF-elLsICr5fHE2HFEPHyTbN6GrbjvQCDD6fd-iBZcK0HX0A3xq-UZ7UxD-yfd2k8xspNGCilefcX8iFDYWHlpw6rWaPPGQjM_HdYXl4v-4EibUnSmZZkuKks/s400/CMP+platform+102209_01.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />But the Cape May Hawk Watch had already been a staple in the birding community long before I was invited to take the prestigious post and earn my official membership to "National Brotherhood of Professional Hawkwatchers". I'd guess the official hawkwatch dated back at least 12 years before this, and the stories of shooters lining the streets to hunt hawks here are infamous dating well back toward the turn of the century. The famed father of American birding hiself, Roger Tory Peterson, hitch hiked to Cape May as a very young man to witness the amazing migration spectacle here and was taken in by a local family. For dinner they served (what else?!?...) Sharp-shinned Hawk. Later in life at a talk I remember Roger recalling this and suggesting that it actually tasted a lot like chicken!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5d1Wn6tzG7j8xQblElafzJ58zACMRMvpCFoP1xSh3Dv02gp-ZEz8_qslSynDyJkSrWrs-9r0wjXeZLxZ2NFTGy8AaTPNo54aKCP3UnJt2La74pnAgnitxxzZvxk3tN4csJngC9UA9sRVu/s1600-h/CMP+platform+102209_02.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413685948272784690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5d1Wn6tzG7j8xQblElafzJ58zACMRMvpCFoP1xSh3Dv02gp-ZEz8_qslSynDyJkSrWrs-9r0wjXeZLxZ2NFTGy8AaTPNo54aKCP3UnJt2La74pnAgnitxxzZvxk3tN4csJngC9UA9sRVu/s400/CMP+platform+102209_02.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />On some days, particularly in late October as the migration tapers off a bit, the platform can be a bit slow...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413678797102344146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYGLSzh1V7UJaeTxAovcW9QwyJbLX7NXgl0tNCexlLEm0mD9L7EFy4VIBF8fbaOBzcOcatNWD2Zs8Q7hQd5GZygXzEx7swBA2jeXGNH2an0K_-X943Wzqw-8hI8ZdFb5VvQ1b26mkDKKD/s400/CMP+platform+102509_04.jpg" border="0" /><br />but when the winds turn to from the NorthWest people and hawks will come out of the woodwork. On these days it is nothing to see thousands of hawks and if you don't want to work to hard at it, never fear there will always be nice close views. Often Shrp-shinned & Cooper's Hawks will swing by at or below eye level hugging the contours of the brush as Accipiters are prone to do. Falcons like Peregrines, Merlins, and Kestrels will buzz low overhead offering fabulous views, while Northern Harriers (or Hen Harriers to our friends on the other side of the Atlantic) will course low over the marshes just in front of the watch. The official hawk counter is responsible for trying to spot and count them all but the rest of us (including the helpful interns looking the wrong way above) are free to just enjoy the views of the closer birds if we choose.<br /><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIuDR-Lhd4t1M-4hfpnbHnzVVBZexSuevHajWWgcvIK7x3n-4OOxDSTLq52khDJR6C4rDqbGa6Q5oZuloqM1YxEWLpCpYPptXoUGOqO8GC_UIbCMSsD-UwDfUHMjjTRVNS7oeFwgtHV4y/s1600-h/CMP+platform+102509_02.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413685943866640114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 223px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIuDR-Lhd4t1M-4hfpnbHnzVVBZexSuevHajWWgcvIK7x3n-4OOxDSTLq52khDJR6C4rDqbGa6Q5oZuloqM1YxEWLpCpYPptXoUGOqO8GC_UIbCMSsD-UwDfUHMjjTRVNS7oeFwgtHV4y/s400/CMP+platform+102509_02.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>On Friday night during the festival a cold front passed and the winds turned Northwest at 10-20 mph! Knowing every birder in the point would make their way to the hawkwatch I set up my extra binoculars and spotting scopes on the hawkwatch and was sharing these with any who cared to borrow a pair to view the fantastic natural phenomenon that was unfolding right above our heads. There were hawks migrating everywhere and the views were phenomenal!<br /><div><div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413678800859943138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkT_GEUu7Xyu3Km9h_BEzEQ-0x4W43evkoGns4HT9WAoHEK9ApMqPe-aNv9Muttabh_kh3nPuW_WujjRLkRp_hCrZS9sE3sqgqEgHbg4orEl2HOn9eg5SlPe0bOqtyWw3UNAbI-ghcRyM4/s400/CMP+platform+102509_05.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div>As the crowds broke in the evening I put my extra binoculars away but stayed on long after everyone else had left. I continued scanning even though the birds had mostly settled in and the flight was done for the day. I was hoping perhaps for a Short-eared Owl or some other late surprise and candidly feeling a bit nostalgic as I stood alone on the platform with my thoughts. As the final rays of light faded, an American Bittern flapped purposefully across the marsh out front and dissappeared behind a thick section of reeds. I spotted a Peregrine Falcon as it labored across the cloud-strewn sky, coming from offshore carrying some unidentified prey that had made the ultimate sacrifice on this treacherous journey south.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413678808099489378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 207px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7pyHWZdDPyC8ExKYqnJB1k2OHgwCq3eLEkuUiMTVKvh-Rikoa077XfyoZnyZS-ED5AYxIMXUdLb-MqN6pQS19cp9StqcGhgeaNYACmhvTL199POKJQINYG8h8q_vizU1BHdAeT-VjEaD/s400/CMP+sunset+102209_01.jpg" border="0" />After surrendering the Peregrine to the darkening sky, I hoisted my scope & tripod and slowly retired for the evening. Still enjoying the rush from the spectacle I'd enjoyed!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-13819310668189473142009-10-28T14:56:00.006-04:002010-06-20T13:04:51.202-04:00quick comparison<span style="font-size:130%;">In the comments section of my last post I was asked why I prefer digiscoping. The crux of my explanation was that I'm a birder first and photographer second, but I also alluded to the differences between the two set ups particularly as it relates to magnification.<br /></span><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBbTesuBIlje4F7IKD4MTyAsXMdAxbjCTeCwGzTAnrvAP2Dxqg5ZUMKBIXlurj4EzJmp-ooaNqFu3iF-hvC2Ak2aFohRTuWDxhWLiJq3_C7NYpiGhEMJYJ_8aUROeChiKG9GzoO2nbN3O/s1600-h/RHWO+ad+101709_02+flick.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397727035680475554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBbTesuBIlje4F7IKD4MTyAsXMdAxbjCTeCwGzTAnrvAP2Dxqg5ZUMKBIXlurj4EzJmp-ooaNqFu3iF-hvC2Ak2aFohRTuWDxhWLiJq3_C7NYpiGhEMJYJ_8aUROeChiKG9GzoO2nbN3O/s400/RHWO+ad+101709_02+flick.jpg" /></a> </div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">The image of the Red-headed Woodpecker above was digiscoped through the Leica APO Televid 82 mm spotting scope with the D-Lux 4 camera at the equivalent of near 1800 mm lens. (ISO 100, 1/160th sec, f/2.8, +0.3 stop)<br /><br /></span></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397729107935828146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNm5S1Mg-QkByo17_PhHNySMp0TJHKS___KC48OZNppfm4dYkUCSCofrqbRkowPh_kbWUNxllBoYe6UF2fOlRMT-hskVrEcJ08wW94pXCwFSrFXnFxZmlzEoAwYQIJfJxpc3_-Z38np9s/s400/RHWO+ad+101709_02+400mm+equiv.jpg" /></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">This is the same image with a bit of photoshop magic applied. I've assumed 400 mm is the most common length lens for bird photography, with a 1.5x crop factor on the DSLR body. What this means in lay terms is that the sensor in many common DSLR bodies is smaller than a 35 mm film frame so the subsequent captured image is magnified a bit to reach the size of a 35 mm film frame. The net effect is that a camera lens that is rated as a 400 mm on a film body, will offer 1.5x the magnification, or the subsequent subject size will be comparable to that of a 600 mm lens shot on 35 mm film.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">At any rate, 600 mm is 1/3 rd the size of my 1800 mm so in the image above I've reduced the size of the original image to 1/3rd the size of the original. Then utilizing cut & paste techniques filled in to create a uniform sky and extended the pole to offer a the illusion of an accurate comparison of subject size difference between my image and that of someone shooting with a 400 mm lens right next to me. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">I took my image of the bird from across the road on top of a phone pole. The DSLR photographer could naturally move closer, but the perspective would change dramatically and the subsequent image would be staring straight up the bird's back or side to accomodate a closer distance.<br /></span></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397734488247840946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaF_w8luqywgjFNQK9I7N0zf7_iH2ZEA76i8VgQxLunEtnPs8lL0iaD809wuVjqmSWiftpntztDXxfYGfP8paBVDdwqvMzDlcldsJ4aMstB7-OSB_K703lnQY3dufxzrzh9Py9TcA6IFfP/s400/WIPL.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Wilson's Plover digiscoped w/ Leica APO Televid 77 & C-Lux 2 camera</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">The image above was taken 2 years ago on the "beach photo safari" at the Florida Bird & FotoFest in St. Augustine, FL. The walk is designed for long lens photogs to get images of gulls, terns, and shorebirds in late evening light. They are driven out to a distant point of a barrier island where these birds concentrate. When they arrive, they target a specific bird or group of birds, then drop to their bellies and slowly crawl across the sand toward their subjects. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">I went along to bird and see what was out there as this point would normally require a VERY long trudge through sand taking a couple hours. As the happy photogs were slowly inching toward their subjects I happily snapped a few shots from the truck over their heads not even bothering to crouch let alone belly crawl. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Then I continued birding recording over 30 species of birds including other gems like Snowy Plover, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Northern Gannet, Red Knot, and 6 species of terns. I was the only one in the group carrying binoculars let alone a scope. About an hour later one happy photog returned to the truck wet and cold, and proudly showed me his best image. He didn't know what it was but was thrilled with the result he'd gotten and asked me what it was. I explained it was a Wilson's Plover and pulled my point & shoot out of my pocket and showed him near the exact image as seen above. So in this instance at least it seemed that digiscoping produced near the same exact result with much less effort with a lot of time left over to appreciate the many bird species out there.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Granted, if a Peregrine had winged up the beach, I would not have gotten an image likely by digiscoping, but I'd still have enjoyed the view of the mighty bird streaking past. If one of the beach bound photographers had even noticed the bird going by and knelt or stood up they might have gotten the image, but would still not have the appreciation for the powerful flight with wingtips arcing smoothly up and then rolling downward like a wave while peering through their small viewfinders.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">As I said at the outset, it's just a matter of preference and perspective and under varying conditions each style of photography will outperform the other. If you are more likely to tuck the binoculars away and do without a scope, and are willing to creep or sneak in on birds to get within 20-30', then the DSLR with telephoto is likely the way for you. For me though, I prefer to simply setup the scope, mount the camera and take the shot to not miss too much of the wildlife activities around me.</span></p>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-43281838105458779142009-10-26T11:12:00.006-04:002009-10-28T12:48:01.233-04:00Alabama & odd sightings<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396928608395700258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhga1IbXhXHX7YYGPi-_rozTgnPdbA1LI2Fav9px58uoliFjuy0BWLhFyIFEv1R4OlXG23p_qv-7qqXG11FqHWbF4wQUfMVohCICv35g1M6uxtfA38dbdORt_5w1NPYT5jRUAHlw8OpIwzb/s400/RHWO+ad+101709_02+flick.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">adult Red-headed Woodpecker <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">digiscoped</span> @ <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Fairhope</span>, AL 10/2009</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">I recently returned from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Fairhope</span>, Alabama where I attended the Alabama Coastal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Birdfest</span>. The event was great fun even though a backlog of work kept me from enjoying many of the field aspects here. None-the-less, even with extremely limited field time I managed to find things to enjoy! Red-headed Woodpeckers are always a treat to observe and these birds seemed particularly abundant in and around the town of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Fairhope</span>. The bird <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">digiscoped</span> above was found on Saturday evening just a block south of the college where we displayed!</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396927648086524402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nzts00ueFPctyYoVmWk63rmYY8avry10EV30xn795LIMAXGvlnv83BVbZk9k4sDFTUPaT5QhtSKYozPR3qn7WNVY2z7Kz0S45AhR0os_xmRN2sqNtU5kdwdsF6-V9QtBVb2ncgn8JHNx/s400/BHNU+101809_02+flick.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Brown-headed Nuthatch <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">digiscoped</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Fairhope</span>, AL 10/2009</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Brown-headed Nuthatches also seemed quite commonplace and it seemed I heard their "rubber ducky-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">esque</span>" calls any time I was near conifers in and around <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Fairhope</span>. Of course seeing them on the trunk of a pine is not unusual but seeing one on a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">power line</span> is!</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396927631065631442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5S_L3-1zcjP8KTbt8Ajyu2aoo4IhHpX-UoMABvRCFEUanJC61SXv2cqUiMiJOhomRCvgVJsVPri_Ehspb3hcvz5V9ojxpVP7Rr_p8sKA8j6XkZd5wmtmjYWk1JwuMfP5vLJOZxnMLGu0e/s400/BHNU+101809_06+flick.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Brown-headed Nuthatch <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">digiscoped</span> through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Leica</span> APO <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Televid</span> 82 with D-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Lux</span> 4 camera</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">The nuthatch <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">digiscoped</span> on a low <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">power line</span> above (at least in my experience) was the first odd sighting I enjoyed and was able to get an image of. I was muttering under my breath, "Stay.. stay.. stay.." as I quickly set my scope up and slid the camera on to capture proof of the event.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396928830931199202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5_E7-LzPjV9UfKm4TzxUbAvsfthiCzLeFHR-CTezArdrBqiH-CGDAjTAycsFmuHyHu9ORwOct8RpxKrmrpw4FbE6WjODJ4eTJPENHaD6INK7JnHPRgzeBoZGqNEk26AuX5HUFbKZtzUR/s400/sunset+101709_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">dramatic skies at sunset <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Fairhope</span>, Alabama 10/10/09</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Being my first visit to the area, I used the last bit of fading light on Saturday to explore. I pointed my vehicle west knowing eventually I would find Mobile Bay and maybe a bird or two. Not surprisingly I saw Red-headed Woodpeckers and Brown-headed Nuthatches along the waterfront in the hillside pines here, but I was too late to see or hear much. I turned my attention to the dramatic sunset instead. </span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBKZR_siTk5DYt4__EzG0qgDROtVy0Na9ZO7rEU-9JADS26PNHgQISnYI76PZuazieENr5I9SWwb5-yTFaKzGR4J1mRPP19g1k4e-nO6GLn-Be6VvRP0pSwNIu8PgPg4l5ROIpndkQoCLX/s1600-h/AL+Sunset+1009+flick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397669469180256018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBKZR_siTk5DYt4__EzG0qgDROtVy0Na9ZO7rEU-9JADS26PNHgQISnYI76PZuazieENr5I9SWwb5-yTFaKzGR4J1mRPP19g1k4e-nO6GLn-Be6VvRP0pSwNIu8PgPg4l5ROIpndkQoCLX/s400/AL+Sunset+1009+flick.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">digiscoped</span> sunset, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Fairhope</span>, Alabama 10/10/09</span></div><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">As the sun sank below the horizon I was hoping for a green flash or similar when I had yet another unusual sighting. </span></span></p><p> </p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397669466278122850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNlgWNzhkKaiQOqVEX9jpZRpcuqOgkoVj2B_i_oCFveQ8PIBn0AFGwy0ZFglaXDnaWbxgWM1Y8trQIyg0w6ywoHLAS406Y8WYyZFJD43tVm_3eur6VDr-x521UMazazejPA2PAPLCoj8e/s400/sunset+CAGO+1009+flick.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;">Canada Goose wrapped in reflected sunlight</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">The brilliant <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">reddish</span>-orange <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">sunlight reflected</span> off the water and framed Canada Geese sitting at the shore in a cool brilliant halo or aura. Unfortunately, I was not able to capture this as vividly as it appeared to my eye, perhaps due to the scope coatings designed to control stray or reflected light?!?... I don't know, but it was still neat to see and I couldn't ever remember seeing this effect so vividly.</span><br /><br /></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1PYb_9zFJJqsMaWmRY9262cL46QWAmG3hv6jUvvUWlrnfqqxu2L6ypEmyiCP12D2A-1TdNVAk4_6WJwt2bQKSzf_RmaENuC5e-ejIKmsLlrb0FduWzXkUw64rqi2GsHb_qPFQQg8daH7/s1600-h/EAPH+101809_03+flick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396928595085607938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1PYb_9zFJJqsMaWmRY9262cL46QWAmG3hv6jUvvUWlrnfqqxu2L6ypEmyiCP12D2A-1TdNVAk4_6WJwt2bQKSzf_RmaENuC5e-ejIKmsLlrb0FduWzXkUw64rqi2GsHb_qPFQQg8daH7/s400/EAPH+101809_03+flick.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">Eastern Phoebe <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">digiscoped</span> with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Leica</span> APO <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Televid</span> 82, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Fairhope</span>, AL 10/11/09</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">On Sunday evening, I was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">making</span> my way toward the Mobile airport enjoying the numerous migrants that had come in on the NW winds. Yellow-rumped Warblers and Indigo Buntings were calling everywhere. I watched a tired Eastern Meadowlark and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo drop into the small waterfront park near lunch. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">I decided I had time for one last stop on my way to the airport near 3 PM so pulled into the 5 Rivers Nature Center on the causeway back to Mobile. Eastern Phoebes and Bluebirds were en force here. I found my first Golden-crowned <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Kinglet</span> of the fall and saw 2 different Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers here.</span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeORTWXTsUyiSfQRJTr_KR-REdT4Kg0zrvd7OypQnADrEHbaXNeAmxORfRLVW7Xm9ox8bs34SFPerqCx5mjrahG6uVtbk6PhczLRRhu7c9-D7r0pEHHEwpsh_0j_i1OlfTc3GD3o7ISgs/s1600-h/EAPH+101809_01+flick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396928594741259250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeORTWXTsUyiSfQRJTr_KR-REdT4Kg0zrvd7OypQnADrEHbaXNeAmxORfRLVW7Xm9ox8bs34SFPerqCx5mjrahG6uVtbk6PhczLRRhu7c9-D7r0pEHHEwpsh_0j_i1OlfTc3GD3o7ISgs/s400/EAPH+101809_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> Eastern Phoebe, 5 Rivers Nature Center, AL 10/11/09</span></div><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">I'd been enjoying great photo ops all day and had been lucky/quick enough to capture 2 odd sightings in a row. I should have known my luck would soon change. After <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">digiscoping</span> yet another Eastern Phoebe and a male Pine Warbler, I laid my scope across the back seat and my trusty point & shoot on the passenger side floor. I continued down the main park road passing the canoe & kayak launch, viewing Northern Mockingbirds and Brown Thrashers teed up at roadside, eventually reaching the proverbial "end of the road".</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">It was near 4 PM and the road ahead went from <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">pavement</span> to gravel/shell and the sign here instructed that this was accessible by employees only. As I prepared to turn around I looked out the driver's side window. A bird perched on a low fence near 40 feet away, lifted off and flew directly away up a small slope. The lighting was perfect and I noted a pale gray back and contrastingly dark tail that was splayed out and slightly notched. The bird hung and wind hovered for a bit before dropping to the ground. The shape, and color pattern struck a familiar chord and I knew that bird wouldn't be likely here so I quickly glassed it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">I noted the relatively uniform light gray head and upper back, before it lifted off and flew directly back to perch on the short fence. My initial suspicions were confirmed as I saw the unmistakable peachy underparts of a Say's Phoebe! It was so close, I was certain it would spook if I stepped out. Instead, I turned and detached my scope from the tripod in the back seat and was beginning to attach it to the car window mount when my luck ran out. The bird lifted off and paralleled the river here. With a strong wind to its back, the bird quickly drifted further and further away... 100... 200 yards then it swept across a side channel and dropped out of sight behind a large white house. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">It appeared the bird had landed but my view was blocked by the taller stream side vegetation here. I spent the next few minutes looking for lingering birders but only dog walkers and folks coming in for an evening meeting of sorts.... not a binocular in sight. I tried calling the few birder's numbers I had, leaving message after message but it was time to go. I reluctantly loaded up and headed back under the tunnel to catch my flight. A good bird seen but unfortunately not confirmed. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Worse yet I had been unable to share this rarity with any locals and with light fading and no one contacted it was unlikely anyone would even get a chance to find it until the following morning. It was neat seeing a bird like this far out of its normal range, but I'd seen Say's on both of last two trips to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Monterey</span> & Colorado respectively. I know from past experience what an exciting experience seeing this bird would have been to most in the local community. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">C'est</span> la vie! You win some, you lose some. The score this time was Birds 1, Birder zero. Still win or lose, I always enjoy playing the game and had a wonderful day on the shores of Mobile Bay!</span></p>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-26879613333430723362009-10-23T22:31:00.004-04:002009-10-26T11:11:43.186-04:00Colorado digiscoping<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBaVHR7WrWouxrHXM2byUT5VaPl4ljbeZyJW-H_WZIrjBq4bxMCWPbWs-RuEw8cfjcWOlWSr7JbnxBka11vBFpWo5-PiFn1ZCndgFYGzGLzetUBfBTaq5rw50IXn88XHpcEwhWjF7MVMa/s1600-h/lego+m+1009_02+flick.jpg"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395999148477869618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 342px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNjH-kiVOPiyV2l_M11rX2jlFYInmKbSmv8_O97nD86FcFUjJeiRqFwg_RazaYuE4uqAZ9Axwi3vVjWGJkSSRUxJv_E56_gXPv8ghTMzUqmEAKWJN8v7uAVNcYb1jlqQWB6U265eDvyqb/s400/Willy+at+digiscope+class+1009_01.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;">Bill Schmoker @ Littleton, CO digiscoping seminar</span></div><br /><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Had a great time at the recent Colorado digiscoping seminar held in Littleton, CO. The hosts and guests were great, we had wonderful dealer support... Unfortunately, the weather was less than great. On the night prior to the event, the first winter storm rolled in and temps in the teens turned rain to snow! Too cold for this FL boy. Fortunately, the Littleton, CO crowd is a tough lot and many showed to learn a bit about digiscoping.</span><br /></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNF0jJnrqqrrMKV_3NHcGjqJu_Y03oDYSF8PyBYI1JwKHY0ZdBc1YEy6E1WYOGu9WyUd3kRj3a5GRyeMn2NA3sJl7fM_CfeHLA6DC_lIVL2rc9Ir20NXAjnqukx1Wg8xXioVPz8SqweBa/s1600-h/AMKE+f+1009_01+flick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395999149641259026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNF0jJnrqqrrMKV_3NHcGjqJu_Y03oDYSF8PyBYI1JwKHY0ZdBc1YEy6E1WYOGu9WyUd3kRj3a5GRyeMn2NA3sJl7fM_CfeHLA6DC_lIVL2rc9Ir20NXAjnqukx1Wg8xXioVPz8SqweBa/s400/AMKE+f+1009_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> female American Kestrel, digiscoped during seminar w/ Leica APO Televid scope</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;">After a classroom session, we made our way out toward duck blinds where participants practiced on the many Wigeon and other waterfowl that were obscured in the fog-covered water. The overcast gray hung with us all day making the images further dull unfortunately, but I think most got the idea of how the basics work and should be able to get better images when the sun returned.</span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395999150740845442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNy2VNwrZv1lWS9_PRIgvL8gO-UAVT_6S8-VgATd5DUc4dbNvzaMsQKuCb9Kbl2rjj0PtkLZa14XNYxprf30yahKFTa37IgZVta3mReQyEmloO2KYBi197Ed9eYEoLP6582ltO8z_DLyC5/s400/cold+BCNH+1009+flick.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">immature Black-crowned Night-Heron digiscoped October 2009</span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">The female American Kestrel at top was sitting on a wire just behind the nature center upon returning from the duck blind. A cold, young Black-crowned Night-Heron sat along a stream edge in the image above. This was taken during the second (cooler) afternoon walk after the wind had picked up making digiscoping even less enjoyable. The organizers did a great job with every aspect of the event, but I guess the weather was out of their control! :)</span><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395999456801461986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 285px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AQ_75Y6l88B8xWmspylbhUc9mWhGeUse0kSt2y0GiHJzanSkrvW6V1so5CT2nVAFeGM8yAIr2ukXENrQa1mKEH1_PTmkFdwlAi6nZkbBCWItdExkrVZ5KzdLLyRO31wx9VJ2ukyCYiZq/s400/BBMA+1009_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Black-billed Magpie digiscoped @ road-edge, Littleton, CO 10/2009</span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The following morning was still cold and gray but I managed to enjoy some of the local bird species just outside the hotel. Black-billed Magpies were very abundant and it was nice to be able to study plumage variation in Lesser Goldfinch as above. All that I saw in CO, appeared consistently different than those along the California coast from weeks earlier. I may have to look into some of the known subspecific variations.</span></span></p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395999454975981858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimM0XMH2rF51UkSkTvXMjFUwnvua6CS0BHo_pHEiLfeHBYL42q5kbTGVYfTsRQhgOBWms8gAi4WYqkIIs0MZxFACTLE3UBTeebLX3EqOTeo_pyKpe4Uv-z7W5QE3hxJAtd1fv7Nzm-4dRe/s400/lego+m+1009_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Lesser Goldfinch digiscoped with Leica APO Televid & D-Lux 4 camera</span></div>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-69683886560393516612009-09-17T10:18:00.004-04:002009-09-17T12:06:20.755-04:00Day (and night) of the Goliaths!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7i5mL7kYSsBr8_rlkWMJ9ZT3uk9AZF49AbsNipyyumMD7KeC3SRHJLCTK-hOvsYtUbj0tkQBS-GeF6NDZ9PpukTph0kfL43qdl5e1mvOMatNZqA_cNG16EBBeELSOnnrZPiBInoTi8kJ/s1600-h/goliath+beetle+m+0709_01+flick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382450786455958146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7i5mL7kYSsBr8_rlkWMJ9ZT3uk9AZF49AbsNipyyumMD7KeC3SRHJLCTK-hOvsYtUbj0tkQBS-GeF6NDZ9PpukTph0kfL43qdl5e1mvOMatNZqA_cNG16EBBeELSOnnrZPiBInoTi8kJ/s400/goliath+beetle+m+0709_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> male Goliath Beetle, Trinidad, 7/23/09</span></div>
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<br /><p><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">On one of our days in Trinidad the highlights fell not on birds, and the emphasis wasn't on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">digiscoping</span> either... GASP! No on this day there was a unique treat in store, this was the day of the Goliaths!... (and an early birthday celebration).</span></p></span>
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<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuf-ufe5GwvbuSTQIW8Yzb7LJF74Mn1fRYsBI9bumV3L-yyZqQD0ljJtwJU-o4JdpMn4lf3t_WzghMKvo5kR2HGM8Phk2DbZc4lP5UAjgnuY1jlheS9bYG8LVY8YT_HidTgFKoHGAgHF81/s1600-h/goliath+beetle+f+0709_02+flick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382450780282721234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuf-ufe5GwvbuSTQIW8Yzb7LJF74Mn1fRYsBI9bumV3L-yyZqQD0ljJtwJU-o4JdpMn4lf3t_WzghMKvo5kR2HGM8Phk2DbZc4lP5UAjgnuY1jlheS9bYG8LVY8YT_HidTgFKoHGAgHF81/s400/goliath+beetle+f+0709_02+flick.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">female Goliath Beetle nearly filling my palm, Trinidad, 7/23/09</span></div>
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<br /><p><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The morning started with some birding that was really great, but I won't dwell on that for now. Instead I'll talk about a personal treat, running into Goliath Beetles. The male at top (while cool looking) was unfortunately dead, but still photogenic I might add. The girl below though was an alive one I found on a chain link fence that I had to share with my friends.</span></span>
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<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHYGpqZwOq6cktyJV7nWF36XTlVRrnIZYt3AFxOdYk7yqjwjQjaq6WD3HRB7zmtuMA1TPbpi8kYfs0rL04zaO0KAoshPjdfjNxBjLHqJMP-jL0TKZTEVs-UoStqhHLw8yZJzNYioff-IM/s1600-h/goliath+beetle+f+0709_03+flick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382450772215622722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHYGpqZwOq6cktyJV7nWF36XTlVRrnIZYt3AFxOdYk7yqjwjQjaq6WD3HRB7zmtuMA1TPbpi8kYfs0rL04zaO0KAoshPjdfjNxBjLHqJMP-jL0TKZTEVs-UoStqhHLw8yZJzNYioff-IM/s400/goliath+beetle+f+0709_03+flick.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> positively prehistoric!</span></div>
<br /><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><span style="font-size:130%;">Below, Kim Kaufman finds the answer to one of nature's mysteries, "I wonder what would happen if I tried to get a picture of a Goliath Beetle on my shirt?!?..." also proving this was very much an alive Goliath Beetle. Sorry Kim, you didn't deserve it, but glad she waited to get off my hand! Perhaps it was something you said?!?.... ;p</span>
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<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382453784646745826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 368px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssoH45TqMpYE5Rg4V95aYr284cVAHhKL8AVantSGVUyy_pSIua-BhZCbUbnQrDy26wjjyWIv5j_ydZ_5THZdntTaEjLw8Nao8nFIV0qmxCgvoH6VzCKVNNwYNWrOK1q5V6Sm_vPFNWEdP/s400/KK+goliath+0709+blog.jpg" border="0" />Kim Kaufman displays her badge of honor left from the cool Goliath Beetle!
<br /></span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">From the title you realize this adventure stretches into the night! One HUGE advantage of a summer visit to Trinidad over the typical fall & winter trips is the wondrous natural spectacle that occurs nightly on the beaches of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Matura</span>! Following our typical fabulous lunch and some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">mid afternoon</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">veranda</span> time back at the Asa Wright Nature Centre, we packed our evening picnic gear (complete with early birthday cake) and headed to the beaches. We enjoyed a hot picnic dinner prepared by the centre staff complete (naturally) with famed rum punch as the sun went down and soon the fun began.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span>
<br /> </div><div align="center"><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJv4LPYfKPIfNrQ1MxgKXt6VQHxQHXrdjgWT_jZYKNL6sb9CZ7No5Y1-qjRAJGM4Pbt7Ua2J6HtE2U1MsdjkjqDQ7WTPg4KvCGQbixDT0zY6B-I6C7gsOdF-Ut77UfvYPoOQmtl8CD6GXl/s1600-h/JZ+leatherback+0709_01+blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382450321730813538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 306px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJv4LPYfKPIfNrQ1MxgKXt6VQHxQHXrdjgWT_jZYKNL6sb9CZ7No5Y1-qjRAJGM4Pbt7Ua2J6HtE2U1MsdjkjqDQ7WTPg4KvCGQbixDT0zY6B-I6C7gsOdF-Ut77UfvYPoOQmtl8CD6GXl/s400/JZ+leatherback+0709_01+blog.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Juie</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Zickefoose</span> studies a young <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Leatherback</span> Sea Turtle</span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">We were treated to a spectacle that is rarely observed by most of us and indeed none in this group of esteemed world travelers had ever enjoyed this spectacle of nature before. Above Julie studies one of these <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">diminutive</span> creatures barely larger than the Goliath Beetle, as only an artist could!</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382450327524055842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 279px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Q8-em4_OmAcyik0VwJfk6ZYeK0xQUApR8lIJqdOjdvulXSvTV_rwYeWRaE4_QSL87jyjskn4Oabysjyk0AJPoswxpTqcr2p1iXSPSMWpHNlOxom2ZGtnXYxI8oGizc4T-VPsngGzPcxk/s400/JZ+%26+BT3+leatherback+0709_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;">the "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Thopso</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">foose</span>" couple in awe of these amazing creatures!</span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="center"><div align="left">
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Of course it wasn't long before the curiosity just leads to pure joy that any naturalist would be sure to feel at a time like this. I think the faces say more than my words possibly could. Above Bill Thompson, III & Julie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Zickefoose</span> are clearly thankful to be able to assist in the research taking place. Below Kenn & Kim Kaufman are equally blown away!</span>
<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382449793988588962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 375px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1C6ato6HsHmvD41yZwRgN1Ehu6-x0BAjM8yJPn-4CXvfZfy4yaf8bKHrZ18PntMQPTJT_3eG43bhxwV68rUAfHWp5L_AfW0nqLcJD9sT1ZjoNJ5Zz8yDjinYtoZEkDJsG8VKxbLzV3J2M/s400/KK+leatherbacks+0709_02+blog.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">Kenn & Kaufman study a rare close-up look of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Leatherback</span> Turtle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">hatchlings</span>.</span><span style="font-size:78%;"></div></div></span>
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<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Despite the impression given by the photos, most of the time the beach is kept completely dark except for one or two dim red lights used by researchers. There are often many researchers and visiting guests on the beaches so young turtle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">hatchlings</span> like these are sometimes collected and hand-delivered to the ocean so they are not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">accidentally</span> trodden on. Guests donations and permit fees help to fund the project here and since its inception, the community has rallied behind the world class spectacle here. With the community support turtle nest poaching (once common) is now a thing of the past! Another example of how tourism has actually aided in preservation/conservation.</span>
<br /></div><div align="center"><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTykNcAvHaHBNX5V4kPthN5s4VFpzth6KePflvvAYjsp3UYiGPynlMre9cmt3h7w6PVr-WN81Ve3uenKlpgJwB5JMqRBPt8S2uCVa_Ob1jr_PSTjxpkDeogKWxvoD-8Q_Jg2qbA-X7_Ol/s1600-h/JZ+leatherback+0709_02+blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382449801048785506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTykNcAvHaHBNX5V4kPthN5s4VFpzth6KePflvvAYjsp3UYiGPynlMre9cmt3h7w6PVr-WN81Ve3uenKlpgJwB5JMqRBPt8S2uCVa_Ob1jr_PSTjxpkDeogKWxvoD-8Q_Jg2qbA-X7_Ol/s400/JZ+leatherback+0709_02+blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> Julie takes advantage of a rare opportunity in nature!</span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span>
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<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Now these tiny swimmers hardly seem worthy of the title "Goliath" however, if they are one of the very few to beat the odds and live long enough to return to this beach to breed they will indeed be giants. The largest of the Sea Turtles, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Leatherbacks</span> typically reach over 1,000 pounds! On this night we were fortunate enough to not only see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">hatchings</span> but we had multiple adults on the beach as well. At first we had two together, one did a "false crawl" where it came out of the water and did a short loop then returned not finding the precise spot it wanted. The second began digging but the sand in this spot was too soft and the sides kept collapsing. As I said, most of this is observed by whatever <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">ambient</span> light the moon & stars cast, and to some degree the dim red lights used by researchers. It was amazing to watch as an enormous dark shadowy form would de deposited by the black waters retreating from a wave crest. I was forunate enough to be staring toward the sea as one of these shadowed behemoths magically "appeared".
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<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382449804796040450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-LsvWwSA8zy7NQ8sB9Uog8JUT43NrYKowyH60r2eVdH7wxi7zcJD_MI5e7OhP66WrF1cAgzM8EwgGFK_LwudzPX_koBugsqHelktcjWBQzZaKidTGflbf9cSMXewwU49SfLU0R2ewdWu/s400/the+crew.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">the crew enjoys the show!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">At long last though this female found firm sand and was able to dig a hole she approved of to lay her eggs. It is only at this point that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">researchers</span> will allow flashlights and photography in the short window as she lays her eggs. Apparently, in this semi-torpid state they are oblivious to the disturbance. It was a long day but an adventure and experience that none in our party will ever forget! Thank you again to Asa Wright Nature Centre, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Caligo</span> Ventures, and the team of dedicated researchers at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Matura</span> for allowing us to experience such an amazing and rare spectacle of nature so few have the opportunity to enjoy!</span></p>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-24173792590118047802009-09-03T10:22:00.006-04:002010-06-20T13:03:36.194-04:00Digiscoping 4 - when is "FAR", too far?!?...<div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Often while working the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> booth at some consumer show, someone will look through one of my sample binoculars and ask, "How far can you see with these?" To which I invariably respond, 'How far you can see is really dictated by atmospheric conditions. A binocular or spotting scope doesn't make you see any farther than you can with your naked eye, it only makes the subjects appear larger and/or closer depending on the power of magnification.' Of course, quality of glass, coatings, and construction of any product can make a BIG difference in the ability to resolve fine details at comparable powers of magnification, but even the best glass can't make you see any farther.</span><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">With a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoping</span> rig, it is much the same. These systems allow greater magnification than any other commercially available photographic equipment (often out to the equivalent of 6,000 mm or near 120x of magnification!) None-the-less, making full use of this magnification will always be greatly affected by atmospheric conditions that change from spot to spot and from one moment to the next. When you listen to weather reports you will often hear, "...visibility is limited to X miles..." (or km perhaps) as the atmosphere allows.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377250010723558178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bGWDKyRKeIxqvDebKzA0UodnlBmYOQjgkvDSvRnJGNhT_VtkidXjZgsRxkUF_tIeP-6h1ScrEBtWJi55KTt7-gU8h2oGpSy2KJz620QOQEqKHsVqq4AwqnTRm1tRlUNwsM87mfHSbhuT/s400/big+bull+elk+080509_02+flick.jpg" /><span style="font-size:78%;">large bull Elk <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span> @ ~500 yards, Rocky Mt. National Park, CO 8/5/09</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">The image of the large lounging Elk above was taken with the new <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> APO <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Televid</span> 82 mm scope, D-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lux</span> 4 camera, and matched digital adapter 4. Using a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Geovid</span> range-finding binocular I was able to determine this individual was ~500 yards away - a bit over 1/4 mile or just under 1/2 km for sake of reference. As you can see the system allowed me to capture this big boy well enough. He's in focus, well lit, colors are accurate, but at that distance near mid-day, under a hot sun (especially for high elevation tundra) this is the most detail I could muster even with the best equipment!</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ldysiSxa3NGjaEA_jzAlpTyYk_rArmVnqss_L416NqW894d7awUdwwIJli9rTp1iS13-y1yC-MS-nNhgLEuNNhk5Up14OMBFBNI5gdB_SUg-g2nm5hLq-xoK-XVdlVrKMoe_INTGQUt8/s1600-h/elk+080509_01+flick.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377250018287471906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ldysiSxa3NGjaEA_jzAlpTyYk_rArmVnqss_L416NqW894d7awUdwwIJli9rTp1iS13-y1yC-MS-nNhgLEuNNhk5Up14OMBFBNI5gdB_SUg-g2nm5hLq-xoK-XVdlVrKMoe_INTGQUt8/s400/elk+080509_01+flick.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> Elk <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span> Rocky Mountain National Park, CO 8/5/09</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">The elk pictured above was taken at the same time from the same spot with the same equipment. The only difference here was the subject was considerably closer, between 250 & 300 yards or near half the distance as the group shown at top. You can see here, with all else being equal how much more detail is preserved on the closer subject. Individual details like the hairs on the velvet-covered antlers, and sinewy lines on the body are that much more apparent. </span><br /></p><div align="left"><br /></div><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">The lesson learned?!?... simple, while <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoping</span> allows you to "reach out and capture" a very distant subject, I'm certain all who <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscope</span> will agree that your images will always be comparatively better if you are closer and using less zoom. How good or bad these images are is often dictated by a number of factors including: </span></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">1) the quality of your equipment - your system will only perform to the maximum capabilities of the weakest link in your system obviously. e.g. the highest quality camera in the world being shot through a low-quality/low-end lens (or scope in the case of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoping</span>) can not offer premium quality images. Same is true of poor quality camera through great scope!</span></p><div align="left"><br /></div><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">2) atmosphere - particles in the air from wind borne dust/dirt, to relative humidity, etc. will all affect overall imaging.</span></p><div align="left"><br /></div><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Let's consider atmospheric disturbances for a moment, my friend Bill <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Schmoker</span> often refers as this as "bad air". When there is a lot of atmospheric disturbance this seems to manifest itself as "noise" the tiny 'off-colored pixels in images. Noise in digital photography is similar to what we would have could grain or graininess in film photography. These odd-colored pixels detract from the overall resolution of your subject making it appear less- sharply focused.</span></p><div align="left"><br /></div><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">For sake of argument if we consider this disturbance as perhaps a dirty window pane between you and your subject. When we triple the distance to our subject lets consider that we've added an additional two planes of dirty glass. You see where I'm going here. There really is almost no way to correct this short of getting closer to the subject although this could change over minutes. Bill also suggested different angles but this is only going to be marginally effective.</span></p><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377247388241476082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oYQPJVf6kXN69K6QzkaXc6Yhjq_VzOiOUUDbgthRyiVLWhacVOEeFvjhCAQlL-nDeyejXFX82UY8r7m235SE4L_sClIBqI_FKmbbjj2zqBIg3UeKVPxAOeP1b5QpDjeW9frU-1ORVd1t/s400/Little+Tobago+Island+072609_03.jpg" /><span style="font-size:78%;">a view of distant Little Tobago Island taken with a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> D-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lux</span> 4 camera 7/2009</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">I know some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscopers</span> who won't even bother taking a distant shot as their only goal is to get and take just the highest quality images. For me though, I'm interested in recording my memories, documenting different <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">plumages</span> on birds, and even in some extreme cases documenting a rare sighting. As such, I always "shoot first & ask questions later"! ;p Memory cards are cheap and deleting is an easy and painless process. Most of the time when I have low expectations that a distant shot will turn out, I find I'm right, but once in a while you'll be surprised! That's why I always take a shot anyway. The image above was a scenic shot taken near the Blue Waters Inn in Tobago showing distant Little Tobago Island, a well-known breeding colony for otherwise seldom seen seabirds! </span><span style="font-size:130%;">You can just make out the gleam of a light-colored house (a tiny white square in the photo) siting to the left of the pass between the two smaller, nearer islands in this photo.</span></p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNNHZI8RqcASYgao03ra8lUh3Klfiymfdym4OktT0MQrBbbl3Q7B6vWrKN6QndKVBf9q9CaDznLgrmHqRQ_P01FEHZNNuFauVlNHIuSa5h5w1C9cbfIvmKDI90CqC-q1bEyG1DJnU7A11/s1600-h/Little+Tobago+Island+072609_02.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377247396839767314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNNHZI8RqcASYgao03ra8lUh3Klfiymfdym4OktT0MQrBbbl3Q7B6vWrKN6QndKVBf9q9CaDznLgrmHqRQ_P01FEHZNNuFauVlNHIuSa5h5w1C9cbfIvmKDI90CqC-q1bEyG1DJnU7A11/s400/Little+Tobago+Island+072609_02.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">Tobago island house <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span> from Blue Waters Inn, Tobago.</span></p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">As I viewed this distant, now abandoned, home I thought, "I wonder how that would look <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span>?" It was late in the day, it was warm and I was shooting across water. My expectations were real low, but this was one of these instances where I was surprised at the results. It was not overly noisy, and the details are still QUITE noticeable, see where the roof has been damaged at the right corner?... the blinds are askew in the top right window on the near side, and hey is there someone looking back out at me here?!?... ;o Just kidding here, this house is vacant.</span></span></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377269769494121074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bPN98YAjXmhH1vSfhRyoYf2fPMYU4a4FHTe9A494wpwp3GTx-MyLd59bsaEA-Q52Dnbzg4h3Q21srG-8wUDMz7TZvCnqgiWMdNZh0F1g6lDYXEAXluE-KPg8FUei-rN8_kWm9V6mQIYH/s400/Small+Tortoiseshell+0809_03+flick.jpg" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">"Small Tortoiseshell" butterfly - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span> in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rutland</span> Waters, UK - 8/09</span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The small butterfly I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span> from the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> stand at the recent British Bird Fair in the UK (Small Tortoiseshell) was also through the APO <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Televid</span> 82 mm spotting scope with the new kit - D-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lux</span> 4 camera & matched digital adapter 4. This shot was taken @ minimal focus near 12 feet (4 meters) away. At this closest range one can actually make out individual powdery scales on the hind wing of this critter. This only requires a bit of light. I'd consider this "best case", the image below represents near the worst! </span></p><p align="center"><br /></p></span><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 306px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377250645785766482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhel4hUv1gmm_BcTqBgt3_WrqX84dfMhJGktE5041mhp_CvYnzd2rG1eRF_AQKXMrOxBisQk7-kbOCkvayDE6yvBzJS51WMFHxaJ_clt44B8XaZJofk0hoz9kFagclvIpZBqA9nRNW1z__4/s400/pigeon+Little+Tobago+072609_01.jpg" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Scaly-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">naped</span> Pigeon <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span> on Little Tobago Island 7/09</span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Normally, this image would warrant an immediate move for the "delete" key. However, this image held special purpose. Scaly-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">naped</span> Pigeon is a species that has been expanding it's range through the Caribbean islands and had been recorded only 4 times in Tobago since the first sighting in 2002 (still not recorded from Trinidad a bit further south). The bird was feeding on a distant ridge on the opposite side of a large cove. The bird was TOO distant for a good clear image, the light too poor, and atmospheric disturbance too high. None-the-less, even this horrible image was enough to show overall coloration of the bird, you can see albeit not clearly that the base of the bill is red with a yellow tip, and that there is a reddish ring around the eye. Enough to show this as a Scaly-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">naped</span> Pigeon. As a result of my sending this to local bird experts in Trinidad & Tobago, locals were able to be assured that we had indeed seen this species and numerous locals were able to relocate this small flock which may well represent the first colonists of this rare bird in Trinidad & Tobago. So sometimes even a "bird too far" (sounds like a movie) can have its place!</span></p>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-2641578915003697282009-09-01T09:35:00.006-04:002009-09-01T13:52:04.703-04:00Trinidad & Asa Wright - the 1st full day<div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376493419604346562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 280px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIgwQE5YbE4KU26yNLRMSk1G-kcC-jMcC4TbJKXZgaf64thUSjhRZnkdtcFzZQxfM80yP3oD9rDE_jLFLMH_xaMCiwLb_af93ldriv8yIHmouUtLRh9WzD3EBUnhQt1dPaGGrhyr1JCfR/s400/Trini+scopers+072409_03.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Pete Dunne, Bill Thompson, III, & Kenn Kaufman (from L) @ Asa Wright, Trinidad</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">After soaking up some of the veranda scenery and fueling up with a wonderful breakfast. We geared up and hit the Asa Wright trails! While the advance team intently scoured the trees for bird activity others were supplementing their breakfasts with "juicy, juicy mangos!"</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376493429922293954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TPfxk3z8YSLx6LpzuYsweo16vQcHH8k1DgJ8_n5u9L8ke4QEj1N-27Uu0DKwTfPmUk_6JupdU6SyI5ed-ofOlBwlhvb3agilSci6vpTAT8z9lmihdB6JT-R3z_H6RU4NSNOSYoZg8xTr/s400/Mango+eaters+072409_01.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Kim Kaufman & Julie Zickefoose can't resist nature's bounty!</span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Moving away from the veranda and its feeders, the bird diversity changes rapidly, and we immediately began seeing Bay-headed Tanagers mixing with Blue-gray Tanagers in mixed flocks. These also held Golden-fronted Greenlets which sang like miniature Red-eyed Vireos. I couldn't believe how alike these birds sounded. especially considering how much smaller they were. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376492752998131682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfg8uIBDlbfIsCLsBWI040OEetqqn6w0M_lxYwvmQ6WglbUlkukhjQgbEZAHoxPMCssUGB3-gCNiV3ubMkIX5pMHOVt549zdhnbOkD1Flg6WaIZ8W2votN0XONebWck0rMWJUL4SlX7rfa/s400/Bay-headed+Tanager+072209_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;">Bay-headed Tanager digiscoped @ Asa Wright Nature Centre, July 2009</span></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">As I pointed out earlier, few (if any) eco-lodges have been in the biz longer than Asa Wright and we were totally amazed at the accurate signage. When we saw the sign reading "Golden-headed Manakins", we looked up and saw Golden-headed Manakins. Granted, they have had >40 years to get their signage just right, and since it was breeding season the birds are likely behaving more predictably, but still....</span></span></p><p align="center"> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376492769503594690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnT-fsVCwhScMaDXDOnpIJA88eZcZK91GmrGvbEY2RogO1tAXW1NRH2i_OtydLgbVs0qh2v3UQu4CPvxZquz5umveM6bqI8ofB9-29HT9D952VZ0WShQvUls8_RCCh6rRB7euOGktb6iR/s400/Golden-hooded+Manakin+072409_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;">Golden-hooded <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Manakin</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">digiscoped</span> with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Leica</span> D-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lux</span> 4 camera through APO <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Televid</span> scope</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Many often scoff at the "Green Season" (the season formerly known as "Rainy Season") as a bad time to visit the tropics because of the misunderstanding of the term rain. Yes, it rains from time to time, but in typical monsoon fashion these quick showers move through fast and are followed by a wonderful reduction in air temperature & humidity, and also create a great deal of bird activity. Almost like a second morning chorus! This is my 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> or 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span> visit to the tropics during green season and in all of this time I've never been rained out for an entire day. Yes, the bird diversity is a bit lower, but the birds that aren't present are the ones I see in my own backyard when they move north to breed or return to the tropics in winter.</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">However, the flip side of that coin is rates are cheaper, you have less competition for resources including, rooms, vehicles, guides, etc. and most importantly the true tropical birds are very often displaying & breeding unlike a winter visit. So with the "Green Season Advantage" we had as many as 20 male Golden-headed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Manakins</span> all vying for the affection of a nearby female. The antics were not unlike things I'd witnessed in a bar full of single men with a single female in it actually. A lot of bravado but it was fun to watch! ;p</span><br /></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xTHQ1cufPbMcRe0p-fh4DVOyvKD3p8rqOnv8tK32plN_wGhbXi18ZEuC1SqcUQUecQwjGEQUHhHihZsF0D8mUgEOG598l0u0KmujQZP6h8FvQnlYYKSXOBoVQhGCSXvUFB2Iu2zZ9hZz/s1600-h/White-bearded+Manakin+072009_01+flick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376513244170366802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xTHQ1cufPbMcRe0p-fh4DVOyvKD3p8rqOnv8tK32plN_wGhbXi18ZEuC1SqcUQUecQwjGEQUHhHihZsF0D8mUgEOG598l0u0KmujQZP6h8FvQnlYYKSXOBoVQhGCSXvUFB2Iu2zZ9hZz/s400/White-bearded+Manakin+072009_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">White-bearded <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Manakin</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">digiscoped</span> @ Asa Wright, Trinidad 7/2009</span></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Another hundred feet down the trail and another sign read, "White-bearded <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Manakin</span>" and even before you could read it you could hear the manic snapping of wings of the displaying males on this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">lek</span>! There was beard puffing, and wing snapping, sliding up and down the branches, and mini hopping displays. The non-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">descript</span> green female bird was hard to spot in the rich foliage but you could always tell where she was by the vigor of the performances. The fellas definitely amped it up when she came close!</span><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376492762786301010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxM5ebw1M1sztRCbMhsI_qzwkcdaleHSX3zMwvlkur05tGRNPWwlY0IhfGlYmo3kkwNvClx9ZXLXfR3yska8wzbQILhK-oNX6qkyYcKWVTJf4h1zrXextbRg43uaWgiQxjmVUW9DYMArLO/s400/bearded+bellbird+072009_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">harshly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">backlit</span> Bearded <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Bellbird</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">digiscoped</span> @ Asa Wright 7/2009</span></p><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Even before the next sign appeared we could hear the distinctive "BONK!" of the Asa Wright signature bird, the amazing Bearded <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Bellbird</span>! Not surprisingly this male sat literally straight above the large wooden sign straight above the steep path. When he was spotted we all behaved in very predictable birder fashion, setting our scopes down and peering straight up at this amazing bird with the hanging fleshy appendages dangling down forming the "beard". These were great and they would wobble to and fro with each "BONK!"</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Now you remember how I said it was a steep path right?!?... somewhere between the third and fourth "BONK!" came a sickening, "CLUNK!"... the kind of sound that freezes birders in their tracks, the sound of a heavy and expensive piece of optical equipment hitting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">terra</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">firma</span>. There were gasps all around as everyone looked at the fallen scope that had tomahawked directly into the muddy path. Yep, I can happily say I've tested the new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Leica</span> scope for impact resistance and it passed with flying colors. I'm still using the same model and the only sign of the fall is the presence of some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Trini</span> mud still trapped in the filter threads of the objective lens! :)<br /></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcosYwunGdfHTDIrrzLhqVqWfAldzeGi7jgMBtaZqvTTo_TFnBSFvGiWhhERKIEablbwo4NS74TLt4sssdSOQmCmHZtrveJUd396DnZu4y_uclzOnLyXOa9SI8XijhprjbR8FwMqQZZVE/s1600-h/Common+Potoo+n+chick+072009_02+flick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376492774470959874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcosYwunGdfHTDIrrzLhqVqWfAldzeGi7jgMBtaZqvTTo_TFnBSFvGiWhhERKIEablbwo4NS74TLt4sssdSOQmCmHZtrveJUd396DnZu4y_uclzOnLyXOa9SI8XijhprjbR8FwMqQZZVE/s400/Common+Potoo+n+chick+072009_02+flick.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">Common <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Potoo</span> adult w/ chick, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">digiscoped</span> Asa Wright 7/09</span></div><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">While there was no sign for this attraction we were all pleasantly surprised by the addition of a Common <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Potoo</span> doing its best broken stub impression. It was very humorous when a chick poked its head out of the adults breast feathers though, looking like something right out of the movie, "Alien".... peek-a-boo! </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Potoos</span> are large nocturnal insect eaters that are related to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Nightjars</span> like the widespread Common Nighthawk throughout most of North America (as an example)... but more on this bird later! We ended this all too short but very productive introduction to the Asa Wright trail system and began a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">leisurely</span> stroll back to the lodge for lunch. </span><br /> </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376513249650445138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXLpm3C3cX_yD3ftZb6IKMxVwnY_FSzRcIrtU4RrgbOvYkagF_uTt6vJ-9dVIE6ZkMtoc_Q8GA3u9qa0zZxNMFW_Fya7nqPc1QGAI6gEmP99pMSZfQCD0O2X45-tC-ZvmoXSNAf3u3urB/s400/BCNH+ad+SNEG+072009_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">2 headed Night-egret! ;p</span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">In the evening we headed to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Trincity</span> Water Treatment plant.... my idea, I take full credit for this! As I felt this would be a good spot to find some cooperative subjects like herons and egrets, that would sit still and be good fodder to review the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">digiscoping</span> equipment and techniques. Instead it wound up being yet another test of the equipment. This time I demonstrated how waterproof the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Leica</span> equipment was while testing the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">tolerance</span> of our group. Remember the monsoon showers I spoke about?!?... A little tiny one blew in just as we were at the furthest point from the vehicles. Since it was pretty apparent that we were going to be hit by just a tiny corner of this shower, the crew just braved it. For our efforts we were rewarded by views of familiar birds like the crossed pair above (Black-crowned Night-Heron & Snowy Egret), Purple <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Gallinules</span>, Least Bittern, and less familiar birds like Yellow-hooded Blackbirds, Yellow-billed & Large-billed Terns, Wattled <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Jacanas</span>, Southern Lapwing, and the Yellow-chinned <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Spinetail</span> shown below.</span><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376513256133978802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkR5rfOAVwqJqIJDZ5muk5kWzzBgrCxu6neoAauop_abfX_lGhwUcPAjc7eTVFRU7xDgCRHaEmOAHOf5kQWiUzv1o9PmJgT4aQC_k6M3ScQYmtbcfsjEeh1rwOfEOhStGgVb0qtmvIcM5/s400/Yellow-chinned+Spinetail+072009_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Yellow-chinned <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Spinetail</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">digiscoped</span> through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Leica</span> APO <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Televid</span> scope with D-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Lux</span> 4</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">After passing the obligatory tour participant <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">tolerance</span> test, the crew was rewarded with treats in the form of fields full of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Limpkins</span> & rum punch and some sort of sugar cookies/biscuits as we scanned the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">rice fields</span> for Long-winged Harriers. Sharp-eyed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">BT</span>3 picked out the first one, a dark immature, far enough away that even an eagle would squint to see it. Fortunately, another passed moments later much closer than the first. This time it was a more strikingly-marked light adult male bird. A wonderfully fitting way to wrap up day 1!</span></p>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-70039650121675162642009-08-27T16:44:00.008-04:002010-06-28T10:09:04.972-04:00Rain delay?!?.... No way!!!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wNl_SDHMt7GJ6nw1UwWTVAHNGxxcr9f2NMhTyaHsMlWBtjtIiVkgMRvy2OC1anKU0CXIUCxpTyi57mUtFhY2VMD8BDpV89yb-nbFfCEZ-2Wm9H9aSigz4p2WfaumHEW4Qts9xxCZCM5u/s1600-h/white-necked+jacobin+072209_01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374753456378077010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wNl_SDHMt7GJ6nw1UwWTVAHNGxxcr9f2NMhTyaHsMlWBtjtIiVkgMRvy2OC1anKU0CXIUCxpTyi57mUtFhY2VMD8BDpV89yb-nbFfCEZ-2Wm9H9aSigz4p2WfaumHEW4Qts9xxCZCM5u/s400/white-necked+jacobin+072209_01.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">male White-necked Jacobin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">digiscoped</span> w/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Leica</span> APO <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Televid</span> 82 m scope & D-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lux</span> 4 camera</span></div><br /><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Let's face it, all of us don't always have sense enough to get out of the rain! The male White-necked Jacobin above is actually bathing in the rain, and typically - if lightning isn't flying - I tend to just don the rain coat and let 'er rip in a similar manner. Clothes dry and so will I. In the video below I was out of the rain only because I was already on the veranda enjoying Asa Wright's tea time (or more likely rum punch hour) when this short-lived monsoon blew in.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyy8_EQQj9aC_MG7aEH9ra4oqDYJnFM6MZZR9esm1BOhvu76cSX02vu8gAgvJH7y-8rhHoFIxUH1M4nIqRP' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Thanks to Bill Thompson for playing camera man as I demonstrated my favorite feature of the new Ultravid HD binoculars - the Aqua Dura coatings. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">When the weather rolls in I can simply leave the bins on the outside of the jacket keeping the lenses free of fog. Then when I'm ready to look at a bird (a wet male Jacobin perhaps) all I have to do is give the binoculars a purposeful flick of the wrist to clear the lens for viewing. Not having to wipe the lens or wait for the lenses to unfog as I'd encountered in the past when I tuck the binos inside the jacket, is a HUGE advantage for the user that isn't going to quit when the weather turns! </span></div>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-90416690081623870202009-08-26T12:16:00.009-04:002009-08-27T08:42:55.512-04:00Settling in at Asa Wright<p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374309379893680514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsL5xzgdTJ0KFoqTOgyAFJozHSbRAgBbBHoPc67qFubKMF7GhWOJi3gmArxyPMBF2aWdg4f7tCnw7SBcd-05vcO9E9weSqUFjerf9UzoJQPMJI9dK7AdDhnLiSFccd6lq2IESSTNbrGJuq/s400/Asa+Veranda+0709_01.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Asa Wright Nature Centre's infamous veranda, complete with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Leica</span> scope! :)</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">It was hard for me to believe (considering how well traveled the crew I was hanging with on this trip) that none in our crew but me had ever been to Asa Wright Nature Centre & Lodge before. Some 42 years in operation, we were hard-pressed to think of any <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">eco</span>-lodge with as rich a history, or one that had been in operation as long - especially in the western hemisphere. So it was with great pleasure that I introduced this group of life-long nature enthusiasts to the infamous Asa Wright grounds and especially inviting veranda! </span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </p><p></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374309366031415026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlQSp2jMW8ZdmhxzfR6Bxgbu5O9zdmcYJHPdb1c4vCyBDon-AWgqqVK_RzyKtXPWm8M02U2AykKSbp-WsoBNsEvpzVGOMYtGpkAnKy7YDv76q1NE2pei4uVtEM7Sa4UlOrbt-XpCAxLT6/s400/verandah+view+0709_01.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;">veranda view - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Leica</span> D-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lux</span> 4 camera 7/09</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">The view from the veranda is as lovely as it is "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">birdy</span>" in a quick review of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Trini</span> list it appears I've seen as many as 87 bird species from this site alone. The array of feeders filled with assorted fruits, breads, grains, as well as hummingbird feeders attract many local specialties in for close looks. Not surprisingly this also offers fantastic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">digiscoping</span> opportunities, as the birds will often perch up on the vegetation edges some 30' or so away before dropping to the feeders which sit one level below.</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </p><p align="left"></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Bfd2q8TPbHhSdLQCDZN60Y5k7ACUhcUxvKOqRsrSuW019HNtO9NxH2BM1h_yRXxX4zRgLGC7oS7v3Lgc3S0T2kc4dDUyyMjhWv5GTeZHj6PdpnTgFE_OV2Faf1FGDWK4r0mpCvIjzJBn/s1600-h/Bananaquits+072409_05+flick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374325611497605250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Bfd2q8TPbHhSdLQCDZN60Y5k7ACUhcUxvKOqRsrSuW019HNtO9NxH2BM1h_yRXxX4zRgLGC7oS7v3Lgc3S0T2kc4dDUyyMjhWv5GTeZHj6PdpnTgFE_OV2Faf1FGDWK4r0mpCvIjzJBn/s400/Bananaquits+072409_05+flick.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Bananaquit</span> giving me "raspberries" as I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">digiscope</span> him, Asa wright 7/09</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </div><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Pete & Linda were luckier with flights and able to make it in near mid day on the first day of the trip. I'm afraid for the remaining Ohio contingent they would not arrive until after dark. Not surprisingly, Pete Dunne took to the place like a duck to water. In many ways the Asa Wright veranda is like a ginormous <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">hawkwatch</span> platform, only with shade, a bar, tea time with fantastic treats, and a regularly scheduled rum punch service! So really no different than any other hawk watch I guess, huh?!?... ;p Of course, at first you can't help but notice the constant buzz of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Bananaquits</span>, Hummingbirds, and Tanagers coming and going to the feeders and Linda (ever the photographer) was busily setting up her loaned <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">digiscoping</span> rig.</span> </p><p> </p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVOuEMkkTHj2NzONz5UEO7yrBVhEyrNvJGEyThk5AuSz1X-kKfU0_1L_aaynPu8hh_Psl60PA3I5VuwW7RYGue0Kia59dZgEwXC4vdLOr-pF5xUjJ-H4Ucl7sCVuss64xmJc4UCvxWEjx/s1600-h/white-necked+jacobin+m+072409_03+flick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374325471757799890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVOuEMkkTHj2NzONz5UEO7yrBVhEyrNvJGEyThk5AuSz1X-kKfU0_1L_aaynPu8hh_Psl60PA3I5VuwW7RYGue0Kia59dZgEwXC4vdLOr-pF5xUjJ-H4Ucl7sCVuss64xmJc4UCvxWEjx/s400/white-necked+jacobin+m+072409_03+flick.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">male White-necked Jacobin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">digiscoped</span> @ Asa Wright <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">verandah</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffff00;font-size:78%;" ></span> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Linda has likely forgotten more about wildlife photography than I will ever know, but at least in these early moments I had an upper hand in that she had yet to really embrace the world of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">digiscoping</span>. Of course, after I'd spent about 3 minutes reviewing the limitations and advantages of the new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Leica</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">digiscoping</span> rig, Linda was off and running and likely getting better images than me as well. Happily she's not the boastful type!</span> </div><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjrwBpmYxeLGPBStVtxFnjE6JGpat1Qlbihz9E5woqnjyxa-eMHeVB4D9HIuFNm5Pqx5uZ_nwSND-Hz0T_qXAhj66HL0n24h9LlH_oR-iVgZattoDYS5OFkHiyobSd8QMclu4-drlHVi1/s1600-h/Palm+Tanager+072209_01+flick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374325465438014050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjrwBpmYxeLGPBStVtxFnjE6JGpat1Qlbihz9E5woqnjyxa-eMHeVB4D9HIuFNm5Pqx5uZ_nwSND-Hz0T_qXAhj66HL0n24h9LlH_oR-iVgZattoDYS5OFkHiyobSd8QMclu4-drlHVi1/s400/Palm+Tanager+072209_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">Palm Tanager <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">digiscoped</span> from Asa Wright <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">verandah</span> 7/09</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">As Linda and I snapped images, I kept sneaking peaks at Pete who appeared to now have almost unconsciously slipped into comfortable old hawk watching habits. Now melded into his stool with elbows braced on the railings, I watched as the inveterate master (founder of the old "National Brotherhood of Professional <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Hawkwatchers</span>" of which I'm a proud member) slowly and purposefully glassed the horizon with his 7x42's. No clients, no participants, no deadlines... I could tell this guy was in the zone and had clearly done this practiced maneuver more than a time or two in the past. Before long he announced, "there's a Double-toothed Kite perched out here..."</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting that Pete has a lesser appreciation for other birds or wildlife, it's just that it takes a special breed to sit chained to a platform (hypothetically speaking of course) for up to 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 3+ months for less pay than one might spend in beer alone over the same period. That is the life of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">hawkwatcher</span> - at least in days gone by. Most with any sense at all would endure one season of this and happily move on to other activities. However, noting that both Pete and I gleefully came back to endure this year after year, likely tells a lot about our characters. It's a special kind of insanity to be sure!</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374314064242632850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Zl-eolNaSycLpfG9rkRLLIxsUNbehJkYZkfjVmv8la5A7D11YWRlyYzIzpm_goOmek5gcIk7RbOWagJxstRTIwywbZUGS2PIm5md3DaelMsacJbLcR-5-lZutbDYYFqkCHRaGJ877szU/s400/verandah+view+0709_02.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;">view of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Arima</span> Valley from Asa Wright <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Verandah</span> - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Leica</span> D-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Lux</span> 4 camera</span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><div align="left"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">My other esteemed fiends & colleagues (the Ohio contingent) consisted of Bill Thompson, III & his wife Julie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Zickefoose</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">representin</span>' for the downtown <strong>"W" </strong>Whipple bird club, and Kenn & Kim Kaufman <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">doin</span>' the Oak Harbor crowd proud as well. For these four, their first real taste of veranda living would wait until Monday morning. A phrase that usually equates to board meetings, appointments, and other work-related hogwash, on this Monday morning at least, the Ohio contingent was in for a special treat. Their first view of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Arima</span> Valley as seen above. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </div></span><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Hm42vt4wQk2olTHzE7laHctFlOjGYcs2Fnhz4B7cIjAzXt75arL_OqZR5TP_nJq2Cp1neGEEkpMRxaDC7olfHKdMdLaqGWKx5fes8sd-5N3DcLhdai7KsNbF1IAP7MmPYKzvhdEfvfcf/s1600-h/Forest+Elainia+072409_01+flick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374325458073596802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Hm42vt4wQk2olTHzE7laHctFlOjGYcs2Fnhz4B7cIjAzXt75arL_OqZR5TP_nJq2Cp1neGEEkpMRxaDC7olfHKdMdLaqGWKx5fes8sd-5N3DcLhdai7KsNbF1IAP7MmPYKzvhdEfvfcf/s400/Forest+Elainia+072409_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Forest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Elaenia</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">digiscoped</span> w/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Leica</span> APO <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Televid</span> 82 scope, D-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">lux</span> 4, & digital adapter4</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">I bumped into Bill Thompson & Julie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Zickefoose</span> early the following AM as they made their way down to the veranda for the first time. It was slow going with all of the Great Ant-Shrikes, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Rufous</span>-breasted Hermits, White-shouldered Tanagers, Tufted Coquettes, and the like to distract us, but we did finally cross the threshold of the infamous veranda together. The "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Thompsofooses</span>" (or is that "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Zickesons</span>") are no strangers to platform-birding either mind you. Their backyard deck/tower is a well known Whipple landmark (perhaps institution even) amongst local birders - especially when the annual "Big Sit" occurs. So I could sense their ease here as well, although I'm certain I caught Bill eyeing the thatch-roofed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Tiki</span> bar with a gleam in his eye. Perhaps he was envisionaing a remodel on the Whipple tower, I'm not certain. Meanwhile, </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Julie, the consummate artist, was noting some angles of light, and the play of color and movement that I was oblivious to being somewhat "left-brain challenged". Although, I still appreciate those who can capture this and make it so obvious that even a dolt like me can get it! Clearly though these two were also as taken as any who appreciate this stunning view for the first time.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3v4Zezi2tFLt_U8RqF7It6RFnM4lTT6TZdoV_PyRbpc_sCb5QvEu2mNSrmNgLHrl6UJIxY_gGfItYLEOAklPg8xerVJ4EZxVQMLUdIMCPPXnCpKL9gCPP7h66VGzuEl_R3N_rv3_Eglbk/s1600-h/Black-tailed+Tityra+072409_01+flick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374325454731865058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3v4Zezi2tFLt_U8RqF7It6RFnM4lTT6TZdoV_PyRbpc_sCb5QvEu2mNSrmNgLHrl6UJIxY_gGfItYLEOAklPg8xerVJ4EZxVQMLUdIMCPPXnCpKL9gCPP7h66VGzuEl_R3N_rv3_Eglbk/s400/Black-tailed+Tityra+072409_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> distant Black-tailed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Tityra</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">digiscoped</span> from Asa Wright v<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">eranda</span> </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Kenn & Kim Kaufman were the last from our group to arrive on the veranda after enjoying their own leisurely stroll down from their room - it's worth noting this is only a couple hundred feet but there is plenty of bird activity to keep you occupied along the way. Even though he had never been to Trinidad, Kenn was infinitely familiar with most of the bird species here due to past bird trips to nearby Venezuela on mainland South America when he worked as a professional bird guide. Never-the-less, anyone who knows Kenn understands what a keen student of bird distribution and plumage variation he is. So, as expected, he was enjoying this opportunity to reacquaint himself with these birds in a different setting and was already noting subtle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">subspecific</span> variations in plumage or call. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Kim although admittedly suffering from cumulative weeks of sleep deprivation, was bubbling over with enthusiasm for all of the new sights and birds as she was not familiar with most of these birds. Even if it was a muted enthusiasm by Kim's standards. Nothing a little coffee wouldn't fix, and the Asa Wright staff had this and an assortment of teas at the ready for each of the groggy adventurers that were appearing this AM to soak in the bird activity as we awaited the sound of the bell signifying breakfast was served.</span></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">... and so it began the first morning of a ten day trip and our crew was already in awe of this place. Stay tuned for more from "the office". This typical Monday morning is merely the tip of the iceberg!</span></div>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-83983438697899200452009-08-25T10:49:00.006-04:002009-08-26T07:50:32.652-04:00Working in Paradise<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373914154526220914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHt7d4khIGYZhAY7cRMou9hj0nTaSRWU6jx74Wj2j_fCfbxn5HT5wMUaEHadQySbeBvLI3n8rOCk782xfV-1X_a_43ty8i2up1kijqFwmMRWYJy0RCEjpHwxXZTfXyWTvow_JlJmoGL7E/s400/Trini+scopers+072609_05.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">some of my friends on Little Tobago Island, D-Lux 4 camera</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">I've never been the best blogger in the world as I often hit busy periods where I have more to do in a day than I have time to finish all. Well, the bad news is I've just come off one of these hectic periods and I haven't posted in forever (obviously). The good news is that as aresult of all of that running, I have some fabulous stories to share. Not the least of which includes travelling for 10 days with some friends and esteemed colleagues for a wondrous trip to Trinidad & Tobago. </span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">My esteemed panel of friends, authors, artists, and colleagues included from left: Pete Dunne, Mark Hedden (owner/operator Caligo Ventures), 2/3rds of Kim Kaufman (sorry Kim didn't mean to cut you out), Julie Zickefoose, Bill Thompson, III, Kenn Kaufman, and Linda Dunne. If the names sound familiar that means you've likely read nearly any bird magazine, or even a bird book or two in your day. Since all of these folks are experienced & accomplished birder-naturalists with life-long passions for the outdoors, I was certain the trip would be a marvelous success. However, for my part, I was going to force each of these folks to try a healthy dose of digiscoping with Leica's brand new digiscoping kits (D-Lux 4 camera, digital adapter 4, and the new APO televid spotting scopes - 65 & 82 mm).<br /></span></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373984817860578178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93BUUvm7keixoxvx2sVws6KzcOUAqliRnJ9GiR5j91oaZwhhdsk3i51UWGsuvXSt_h4ytfCf2dHJivgvr9HQwpGI5Ps9Nb7uGgdIAxGQakxZZ59Kje4gVq9pztlQNvks1ipIf_mZEBvjs/s400/Bananaquits+072409_04+flick.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;">adult Bananaquit digiscoped @ Asa Wright Nature Centre, Trinidad</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;">As I said before there are a lot of stories to be told over 10 excellent days of birding and digiscoping with such a star-studded cast and for these tales will follow in the coming weeks. As an introduction though, I want to send my sincerest thanks to all of the folks that made our trip so successful.</span><br /></p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373984837156286786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 276px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9m5SFQCfS-g6mo__tq3ZRgyQyof-hGR1ySb096iLRJijHMhnukHWosqgFah3yHGdGbMqZ9C3dLnUUChGZ5VcFhzpNnWNMSgqpviUl50awWjpTrSoKf8_HAdbwEAPCmU77S2DKCOm5A-E/s400/oilbird+072409_02+flick.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Oilbird digiscoped at Asa Wright reserve, July 2009</span></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;">I would be horribly remiss if I didn't acknowledge all of our friends at Asa Wright Nature Centre & Lodge. The feathered variety performed swimmingly doing their part by offering us the best in digiscoping opportunities & world class natural experiences (like the spectacular Oilbird for example). However, it was the human touch that provided us with all of the creature comforts and amenities we enjoyed. The entire staff from the talented guides were excellent answering all of our questions, and the skilled cook and wait staff did their part to insure I gained at least 10 pounds I think! I'd like to offer Ann Sealey my sincere gratitude for what she did to insure our trip was successful, and thank Mukesh for offering a program on the rich history of Asa Wright as well! We spent 7 days based out of Asa Wright so rest assured I have a lot of tall tales to share..</span></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Thanks to Phil & Margaret Schaeffer, & Mark Hedden of Caligo Ventures as well for making all of the arrangements for a spectacular job arranging an itinerary that was incredibly well balanced between wildlife & photo ops.</span></p><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gPGTDFEQ4Z_I1SPmMm5XGgixEqPyG1Jutr51MY6pNH6txhSs2EjKKjTrSGK9Xr4d8cPsWjxcPhTR5a4A-7BFQnNVFvXnKF6VEX0xlhf9_FNXo3Y5Nng2iF7AHWXZ8GCUnu_NdL47J4R5/s1600-h/Blue+Waters+scenic+072609_03.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373984828651620242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gPGTDFEQ4Z_I1SPmMm5XGgixEqPyG1Jutr51MY6pNH6txhSs2EjKKjTrSGK9Xr4d8cPsWjxcPhTR5a4A-7BFQnNVFvXnKF6VEX0xlhf9_FNXo3Y5Nng2iF7AHWXZ8GCUnu_NdL47J4R5/s400/Blue+Waters+scenic+072609_03.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">view of scenic Blue Waters Inn, Tobago</span> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Following a week of day tripping out of Asa Wright we shuttled to visit the neighboring island of Tobago. Here we were hosted by the Blue Waters Inn, a spot known to birders primarily for their close proximity to Little Tobago Island. But who knew the place was such a scenic marvel with wonderful reefs with Octopus, Hawksbill Turtles, and the like right off their dock?!?... Special thanks to David Hairston for all of his assistance in helping us to arrange this visit, and to the staff that worked so hard during our stay here as well.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">In all it was a spectacular trip and as promised I will have specific details about all of the birding to follow shortly. From birds of tropical forest and open savannah, amazing mangrove forests, to shorebirding, and nesting seabirds and sea turtles... stay tuned!</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373984850093202130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_3LgIlLanmOZzIfukmxLPQft5pl9H6zA5Rr19xVaBBEABmSbhkSh-bZpWPFUnHyZdW27HmVXV5LTvsijJkswf6jqQQwLmMMaDZYqEry9qG177EmNvtOEkzxmvbF9L1-M7HLQpvNlSr0E/s400/Brown+Booby+ad+072609_01.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">adult Brown Booby, digiscoped w/ Leica APO Televid 82 mm scope, D-lux 4 camera 7/09</span> </p>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-47915806809224189302009-07-06T14:31:00.010-04:002010-06-20T13:05:37.419-04:00Digiscoping basics 3 - selecting an adapter<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4vC8GHnN4wsgiU9USTh1-M0RDOr3FSue5-BCh8Zt7TRBDce6tyNa7oPEhSn0XU0rsrzTG50AEgkcciiPqjT8DO7_y85R4ML_BPsAlGFCHaEk56KCOSpp4AU7VOxazoa2sPTg-OQ5Iqyt/s1600-h/digiscoper.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 301px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355428610977960466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4vC8GHnN4wsgiU9USTh1-M0RDOr3FSue5-BCh8Zt7TRBDce6tyNa7oPEhSn0XU0rsrzTG50AEgkcciiPqjT8DO7_y85R4ML_BPsAlGFCHaEk56KCOSpp4AU7VOxazoa2sPTg-OQ5Iqyt/s400/digiscoper.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">crazed <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoper</span> lines up on a distant subject! ;p</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">No spotting scope has ever been developed with use of a digital point & shoot camera in mind. Conversely, no small p&s camera has ever been designed to couple with a spotting scope; these smaller p&s are generally designed for the masses with close range portraiture and scenic shots in mind (perhaps even a bit of macro for fun). However, through trial & error we've discovered that these two items can indeed be used together to achieve amazing images! </span></p><p align="left"><br /></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Since neither piece was designed with the other in mind, it has been left to inventive individuals to craft devices to couple cameras & scopes effectively. In the early days of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoping</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">experimentation</span> this was done with soda bottles, PVC plumbing fittings, balsa wood, & lots of duct tape. Some designs worked quite well, while others.... well...</span></p><p align="left"><br /></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Today, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoping</span> is a bit more user friendly as major optics <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">manufacturers</span> have recognized <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoping</span> potential and popularity and most have added at least one branded adapter for use with their products (often more). You can also find a wide array of aftermarket products designed for universal application on many camera and scope models.</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoh5-IKnQNSErNrF3AhhkuC2TMdTlAPoNdtwlyk4fNEeL828q18QrqCNWkFNz6yA9T8NBNUkhbiCMaj1-ZKVqSRUYlgPeupUld4oMAxZ82wnJyX5-bwkkubtZquqXgEvRFZzVNU9-a6TYC/s1600-h/generic+adapter+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355428606304886082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoh5-IKnQNSErNrF3AhhkuC2TMdTlAPoNdtwlyk4fNEeL828q18QrqCNWkFNz6yA9T8NBNUkhbiCMaj1-ZKVqSRUYlgPeupUld4oMAxZ82wnJyX5-bwkkubtZquqXgEvRFZzVNU9-a6TYC/s400/generic+adapter+2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">generic platform style adapter</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">The piece above is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">representative</span> of a fairly standard example of aftermarket, universal <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoping</span> adapter. It utilizes a vice clamp that tightens onto the spotting scope eyepiece, so it can be used on nearly any scope. The plastic platform <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">accommodates</span> nearly any <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoping</span> cameras via the 1/4"x20 threaded tripod mount (found on the bottom of the camera). The mounting platform is slotted on two sides so cameras with center, left, or right side tripod mounts can be used. It has <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">separate</span> controls to adjust the height of the platform, and another that moves from side to side allowing you to get the camera properly centered behind the scope. The slots also allow you to adjust for the proper distance between the eyepiece and the camera lens as well.</span></div><p align="center"></p><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">These adapters are a great alternative for older scope models, or scopes without a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">manufacturer's</span> branded solution. They are also great for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoping</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">experimentation</span> due to their <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">comparatively</span> inexpensive price points. However, as with any design there are drawbacks as well. Generally speaking, a more universal (versatile) adapter that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">accommodates</span> many scopes and cameras, requires a greater range of adjustment making the piece more complex, and larger in size & weight.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">These "platform-style" universal adapters generally suffer from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">repeatability</span> issues as well, because they have so many moving parts, they often aren't mounted in the same spot on the eyepiece, and because (as with all platform style adapters) the camera is prone to turning on its axis. Their larger comparative size make these more difficult to carry. While I would rate these as the least user friendly option available, sometimes with off-brand or old model scopes they may be the only option.</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VFZzJRPXyfcigst0r2NNEj035ZwHMR2MY7-fmbCxQODHsuAomZz60Pa7oTlRcY9WUd0m-SWU2QBukSb6yOSgdF0S8dM9qfkqr70LzE4hF96NDp22mNBEceD0Owng4P0u6ficDt1-lcaD/s1600-h/generic+adapter.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 388px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355422784510170994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VFZzJRPXyfcigst0r2NNEj035ZwHMR2MY7-fmbCxQODHsuAomZz60Pa7oTlRcY9WUd0m-SWU2QBukSb6yOSgdF0S8dM9qfkqr70LzE4hF96NDp22mNBEceD0Owng4P0u6ficDt1-lcaD/s400/generic+adapter.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">generic "screw-thread" universal adapter</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Most early cameras had filter thread rings (or threaded accessory adapters) on the end of the camera lens. As such, one of the most common early adapter styles (and still one of the most popular) is the threaded tubular mount adapter. The model above is an example of the earliest style, which was designed for all scopes. To <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">accommodate</span> many eyepiece widths the tube was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">over sized</span> to fit over even the widest of eyepieces. Here again, the universal application led to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">difficulties</span> in use. You were required to use three different set screws to fill the gap left between the eyepiece and the inner wall of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">over sized</span> adapter. While a great idea in theory, in practice this was time consuming and it was difficult to get the camera centered as tightening one screw often moved the camera back out of center. For stationary subjects where time was no issue this is not a huge <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">disadvantage</span>, but many wildlife images were missed while still fighting to get the camera centered. </span></div><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Driven by consumer demand, the next generation of tubular adapters were machined to fit specific eyepiece widths. Unlike their universal <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">predecessors</span>, these improved tubular designs (similar to the NEW <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> digital adapter 4 at bottom) fit a specific eyepiece perfectly, slipped on quickly, and the camera was always centered. These adapters have been the choice of many <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoper</span> in the years since due to their simplicity, compact size, and mounting speed.</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Unfortunately</span>, in recent years most digital p&s camera models have <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">discontinued</span> offering accessories, and now there are almost no p&s cameras offer filter threads (maybe 2 or 3 in a field of hundreds). As such, individuals wanting to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscope</span> with these adapters were forced to seek out a single specific camera model or two. They are now very restrictive as a result. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">This design can also offer problems as you stack adapters and threaded bushings to connect the camera to the threaded adapter, because the camera lens can be too far from the eyepiece to work to its full potential (see effects of this in post "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoping</span> basics 2 - lining up the camera").</span></p><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsW8wcj0Ce_LOAQ4-YwBE0cV8CFsZQ4YsFTpzZYljbzTwQAeH009bVvkXuNIMsMOF9RXGjF0hP8_aKOKLXsfEHBQeTL9mrPtrxGY8J899F-SVL1rs9fPnjYsYO3d8ipBPdSgxBTKx4LbH/s1600-h/digiscope+setup.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 231px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355422779008423906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsW8wcj0Ce_LOAQ4-YwBE0cV8CFsZQ4YsFTpzZYljbzTwQAeH009bVvkXuNIMsMOF9RXGjF0hP8_aKOKLXsfEHBQeTL9mrPtrxGY8J899F-SVL1rs9fPnjYsYO3d8ipBPdSgxBTKx4LbH/s400/digiscope+setup.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> digital adapter 2 adapter</span></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">In 2006 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> introduced its unique digital adapter 2. This design took advantage of the mounting speed of the popular tubular design, but featured a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">revolutionary</span> clamp design allowing use of nearly any <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoping</span> p&s camera! Two rubber-padded clamp jaws could be adjusted to hold a smaller digital p&s, camera phone and even some smaller video cams in place without dependence on threads. This opened the field to hundreds of camera models.</span></p><div align="left"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">As with other designs though this increased versatility and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_33" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">compatibility</span> does make the piece a bit larger. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_34" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> digital adapter 2 (DA2) was machined exclusively to the diameter of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_35" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> 20-60x zoom, 20x wide-angle, and 32x wide-angle eyepieces, but not other brands. Some of the "tinkerers" in the market were able <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_36" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">to adapt</span> this to some other eyepieces with smaller diameters, but again this took a bit of creativity to shim the excess space evenly.</span></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9VWx9vEHayQZ2QXaCtda0_WvYIxix4mFdzJEwsXhY07abBuVyWFBdkx7ZvJc4NiDsTLDuEDp7loDSsVCI5NcwTBXfJW785orRDyDc36iuRCra0ey5FS9eWBVIvuPFk5I4gWQZnG631aD/s1600-h/Digital+Adapter+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 374px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355422463135919698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9VWx9vEHayQZ2QXaCtda0_WvYIxix4mFdzJEwsXhY07abBuVyWFBdkx7ZvJc4NiDsTLDuEDp7loDSsVCI5NcwTBXfJW785orRDyDc36iuRCra0ey5FS9eWBVIvuPFk5I4gWQZnG631aD/s400/Digital+Adapter+2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_37" class="blsp-spelling-error">revolutionary</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_38" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> digital adapter 2 with unique clamp design</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">In January 2009, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_39" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> brought the new 82 mm <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_40" class="blsp-spelling-error">Televid</span> spotting scope to the marketplace featuring the first wide-angle zoom eyepiece ever developed. The wide-angle 25-50x zoom eyepiece was both taller and wider than <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_41" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica's</span> previous eyepiece models so the digital adapter 2 would not fit over this.</span><br /></div><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355422466720833426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsQLOJVgnUVccALVSmGyJGTJJFEZ8bcsQ01hc-GJGCeg9yVPj365SuhEJTEJRv8HlY5gDE80zAQ0Mxqt5H_GpmYRv1EWDXwk31XmtG5m8zU5B3HLCpJ_Cb8ZYGZsQgQe0gGGOl18Z2o47/s400/digiscoping+setup+blog.jpg" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_42" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> digital adapter3, APO <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_43" class="blsp-spelling-error">Televid</span> 82 mm spotting scope, & C-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_44" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lux</span> camera</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_45" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> introduced the new digital adapter 3 in January of this year. This piece is similar in design to the DA2, but utilizes a unique twist-lock connector at it's base and increased adjustment to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_46" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">accommodate</span> all of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_47" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> eyepieces from the shorter, thinner former 20x to the largest of the line the new 25-50x wide angle. As such it also will mount to other brand spotting scopes to include many <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_48" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kowa</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_49" class="blsp-spelling-error">Swarovski</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_50" class="blsp-spelling-error">Zeiss</span>, & other models with an eyepiece diameter between 53 - 68mm. </span></span><br /></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipL9DLErXXyOS133cybXsS55E-IqCTmQ_LVfAjcxsoAdym8rOM05jerTMLmYdOmm3biyjZH_pAvpJy34BCbgoTzmqJQd2TywNvUYNIXYo4rXexrqmG-XsijiK2L14z9KRWsPDNcrbNZf4k/s1600-h/Digital+Adapter+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355417186670084082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipL9DLErXXyOS133cybXsS55E-IqCTmQ_LVfAjcxsoAdym8rOM05jerTMLmYdOmm3biyjZH_pAvpJy34BCbgoTzmqJQd2TywNvUYNIXYo4rXexrqmG-XsijiK2L14z9KRWsPDNcrbNZf4k/s400/Digital+Adapter+3.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_51" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> digital adapter 3</span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">The digital adapter 3's unique twist-lock, tightens evenly from all sides insuring the camera is instantly centered on many eyepieces, and it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_52" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">incorporates</span> a mechanical cable release arm (see second image up). Since this versatile adapter can be adjusted to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_53" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">accommodate</span> so many eyepieces and cameras, it also appears somewhat complex and is larger (and more expensive) than its predecessor. </span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 281px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355417189091240802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uDC-GzocRJTf8zBJJBug6lCJEnTtb0d0RMTIM8VPVeoOa36T_n_UXx1iZbON7ifdvceBOuKjcvZWEbPgN73GHWSWIu0rF95Y6Xugo9CuMLtQyMYYeXRsB16w5Pss_o6xtsxKJ4NQguXZ/s400/Digital+adapter+4.jpg" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_54" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> digital adapter 4 prototype</span></p><p align="center"></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">However, never fear, for those who prefer simplicity there are options as well. In late summer 2009, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_55" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> will introduce a VERY simplistic option when they <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_56" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">introduce the</span> new digital adapter 4. The new DA4 will be machined precisely to the diameter of the 25-50x wide angle eyepiece and will mount directly to only one camera model - the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_57" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> D-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_58" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lux</span> 4. By making this piece an exclusive mount for only one camera on a single eyepiece model, you have no need for additional adjustments resulting in a very compact and simplistic adapter.</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">So if you are wanting to mount a variety of cameras on varying eyepieces or if you simply want to slide the camera on and push the button, the new <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_59" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leica</span> line-up will offer solutions for all.</span></p>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-31508469971775152472009-07-02T12:01:00.008-04:002009-07-02T14:24:45.086-04:00Fun with the ABA in Corpus!<span style="font-size:130%;">In late April 2009, the American Birding Association (ABA - link at right) held their annual convention in Corpus Christi, Texas. Corpus Christi proudly promotes itself as America's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Birdiest</span> City and they proudly defend the title against all takers annually in an annual challenge. In reality, few places could begin to compare with the bird diversity found here as Corpus sits on a crossroads where Eastern migrants mix with Western breeding birds, it offers all of the expected variety of Gulf Coast waterbirds, and many of the South Texas specialty birds can also be found at the northern most points here as well.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353894215608626866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITW14vpsk1cwVshjFIYGgmwgBVhqZuYi7mEeXPhr8GC2QdZqP904Av1-z6fyerZv7UltDS0mOmFtHo4qw-ww1r06-YVDnoFzRADIFUOuUi7m-OeC1VzzjSa6rN3QePyijJAl5gYbTUhTt/s400/AMOY+f+n+chick+042909_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">American <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Oystercatcher</span> adult w/ chick <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">digiscoped</span> in Corpus Christi, TX 4/09</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Along the gulf, water birds were reliably seen to include huge numbers of wading birds, egrets, herons, & spoonbills, plus many shorebirds to include a personal highlight: an American <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Oystercatcher</span> with a chick <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">digiscoped</span> from the deck of a pontoon boat! On this same day we had White-winged <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Scoters</span> lounging below singing Painted Buntings and other odd mixes. Magnificent <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Frigatebirds</span> streaming overhead was a highlight and life bird for many present (e.g. a bird never seen by that individual before).</span></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353894670407718050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZMd1_9ocM-EyfY8oqSk2NHE9gh9FcqJJDoMn_y52M20j4ooovygi8YtuJiRMlSNBEYl4txu0oVprpK5VKSRZvUJfJvYh9Es1Mex6k2Gp7syRYx2b2IcI4Yz6YEIAK0Z9WkiP3VXQ1SS_/s400/RBGR+m+050309_03+flick.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">adult male Rose-breasted Grosbeak <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">digiscoped</span> Corpus Christi, TX</span></div><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Being the peak of migration, many eastern wood warblers, flycatchers, buntings, and others were seen daily sometimes in small numbers and on some trips and days en <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">masse</span>. The lovely adult male Rose-breasted Grosbeak at top and other images here were all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">digiscoped</span> using the new APO <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Leica</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Televid</span> 82 mm spotting scope, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Leica</span> D-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Lux</span> 4 camera, and the prototype of the impending digital adapter 4. </span><br /></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9hfg6Vs49wg5E5t6K0VtVHC6-eIWNZjQUlSj-wz4JhLzQpcuwO2vX-e6JaYgCIj19NLWo0E2oAQHhCEgC9NCXgOTsjU_1EUMgMuW2vv7t3-Zt_HX4HrQjSEuMNYWu9pWvwMTy6LwFVSu/s1600-h/VEFL+m+050109_01+flick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353894932465998002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9hfg6Vs49wg5E5t6K0VtVHC6-eIWNZjQUlSj-wz4JhLzQpcuwO2vX-e6JaYgCIj19NLWo0E2oAQHhCEgC9NCXgOTsjU_1EUMgMuW2vv7t3-Zt_HX4HrQjSEuMNYWu9pWvwMTy6LwFVSu/s400/VEFL+m+050109_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">male Vermilion Flycatcher, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">digiscpoped</span> in Corpus Christi, TX 4/09</span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Even on an overcast day a male Vermilion Flycatcher is a stunning highlight appreciated by many of the visiting birders who descended upon Corpus for this marvelous event. This is specialty bird of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">southwestern</span> United States that positively glows!</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353894220691572946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOWJby_85uNCYftB6-fDTpm8glFr9WAu5HZZBVVtvJcmnCzvBZWkrvUzgCQoHj04h6QYsB3GKKr6P7G7t41b-nTmIoFvMN1Snl3e9zJIIs-xB2UYPE-xcG1lLcENzKFh7vGMuYouke46N/s400/BCFL+050109_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Brown-crested <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Flycather</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">digiscoped</span> Corpus Christi, TX 4/2009</span></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Having birded this area many times now I would not see any NEW birds, so my personal highlights often differ from others. Sure a stunning male Vermilion Flycatcher is always worth a view, but I more appreciated the opportunity to compare three very similar Flycatcher species: the Brown-crested (above) was actually side by side for a while with a Great Crested Flycatcher for fabulous comparisons. We'd enjoyed excellent views of an Ash-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">throated</span> Flycatcher earlier in the same morning at in desert scrub habitat that also offered singing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Cassin's</span> and Black-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">throated</span> Sparrows, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Pyrrhuloxias</span>, and Greater Roadrunners!</span></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353894445686433298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb83FR8DGAIPToSSISBhWdyDcHk7X4uBwCSGafxyTAQRpoWa5J-AHJ2gei8j2Gve4scvceg2GVMwjIgzMkwBweOUb41u2344bfjAn1IKrXgWNg-AyWN2-zvz6jhK-Wbzm4QfVMY4wnyKPr/s400/CRCA+im+050109_03+flick.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">immature Crested <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Caracara</span> settling after a meal</span></div><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Along with more widespread raptor (hawks, eagles, falcons, etc.) species we also had wonderful views of more localized specialty species to include many Crested <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Caracaras</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Swainson's</span> & Harris' Hawks, plus views of some soaring White-tailed Hawks and White-tailed Kites!</span></p><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353894667706126530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwyPTyMRFUtQ5BmFz9LNlmHXblgka0BuSVZyRFbXqGjK0Dw9Cuqy43I1MmbCOVk3ra5acMdG_6Mk9BwKiduj39nE2rDiLwmAWODbkQkdpnzF0cMtSiymBNYgB9ECqtgO_WS67TfsAECkhg/s400/LEGR+050309_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Least Grebe <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">digiscoped</span> in Corpus Christi, 4/09</span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">South Texas specialty species were well represented and we recorded Least Grebes, Great <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Kiskadees</span>, Green Jays, Audubon's Orioles, and Black-crested Titmouse here among others.</span></p><div> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbKM0_-CAd8Mdnamu1gtvEZPR2_g6XlrP9szQt9idyqri97dM99chVbFZAJ4FTGQvaJQBOQanpPClHRzEK1YUTjv53ha_gQfZ7mXUR_j1kZaVwbBWYVAmDdqDKwF8pnou7OnmnJOXGhPg/s1600-h/CLSW+ad+050109_01+flick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353894440701341570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbKM0_-CAd8Mdnamu1gtvEZPR2_g6XlrP9szQt9idyqri97dM99chVbFZAJ4FTGQvaJQBOQanpPClHRzEK1YUTjv53ha_gQfZ7mXUR_j1kZaVwbBWYVAmDdqDKwF8pnou7OnmnJOXGhPg/s400/CLSW+ad+050109_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">Cliff Swallow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">digiscoped</span> @ Corpus Christi 4/09</span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Again while many folks may have enjoyed individual views of the very <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">accommodating</span> Audubon's Oriole or Bell's Vireo we were treated to just before lunch. My highlight fell to the activity occurring just over our heads as we ate under the picnic <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">pavilion</span>. Both Cliff and similar Cave Swallows were building nests here, providing wondrous <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">opportunities</span> to compare not only markings and shape differences but also varying <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">vocalizations</span>. This was another personal highlight for me as I find this an opportunity I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">don't</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">often</span> have. I'm sure the local Texans are bored with this by now though!</span><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gcXk2Gz11E2-ZTfl8ao-cBQEDTwMKg8zF3QkzVJ0WId5B_fjCWJR6t2NKlT-P6MKJ6rxkUTy5bBSU0rcvVeLSSKLEDyi-kg7HXaRV4ZRm0qFYC824EmIDhoRFVlcb-6faG23z5RpIE5r/s1600-h/CASW+ad+050109_02+flick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353894229776771938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gcXk2Gz11E2-ZTfl8ao-cBQEDTwMKg8zF3QkzVJ0WId5B_fjCWJR6t2NKlT-P6MKJ6rxkUTy5bBSU0rcvVeLSSKLEDyi-kg7HXaRV4ZRm0qFYC824EmIDhoRFVlcb-6faG23z5RpIE5r/s400/CASW+ad+050109_02+flick.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a><span style="font-size:78%;">adult Cave Swallow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">digiscoped</span> Corpus Christi, TX, ABA convention 4/09</span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Note the Cliff <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Swallow's</span> dark chestnut throat and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">buffy</span> forehead patch. The similar Cave Swallow has a lighter orange throat with a slightly darker chestnut forehead!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">A big surprise for many was the lingering Whooping Cranes. These birds are regular here in the winter months but in most years would leave before this date, so no one had these on their expected lists! The image above is not my proudest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">digiscoped</span> image, but it was taken at great distance from a moving boat at maximum zoom in horrible overcast light. It's what we call a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">documentation</span> shot allowing us to document the sighting of this rare endangered species.</span><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353894938911657906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOu1gJBb_hRCsdAsue5Flgnkpu3Uaq44hPdI0gvwFYismnjnBY6A-0NLrsqJWdCR3qcQatxTig1s1WEjuLY-a_fOWIOW2P6TE9x1lAF9XSRexq_eRiHl489rNEc0-w5pbQbLQ5qc6S7jaG/s400/WHCR+ad+042909_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"> adult Whooping Crane, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">digiscoped</span> from boat @ ABA Convention April 2009</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">America's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">birdiest</span> city didn't <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">disappoint</span> and on a single morning's field trip our group tallied over 160 species of birds (cumulative total for the entire group)! Not exceptional perhaps for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">birdiest</span> city, but all of the experienced guides on this trip couldn't remember an organized field trip of this size in the US that we'd ever been on with a higher total! It is certainly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">birdy</span>, there can be no doubt....</span></p>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-49876916126169137022009-06-29T13:25:00.011-04:002010-06-20T13:06:26.579-04:00Digiscoping basics 2 - Lining up the camera<div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352813570119693458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXm7RCh0jf5l6Lh4qfRbghPICOOgDHz19Enc8R81MT0oDhuNBFEgNOAOk0WGKcpxzrg3vhWnEVGbqijKUM9FLVtjqkkP31qX-deaSv84HMZ_s70Sk7bKxuT5xXNk4waY-PTanSfaMmUTY_/s400/AGTE+m+vignette.jpg" /> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">"American Green-winged Teal" <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoped</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Arcata</span>, CA 4/2009</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">When coupling a small digital point & shoot (p&s) camera behind a scope with a zoom eyepiece you will always see some sort of vignetted dark circle around the subject. As I've stated previously this is not a big issue and it typically <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">disappears</span> when you increase your camera zoom. Fixed wide-angle eyepieces will often not show this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">vignetting</span>, but like most scope users I prefer the versatility of the zoom. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">I actually like to use this circle to tell if my camera is centered properly over the eyepiece. When centered, the blackened sections of the image will appear uniform on either side of the screen and look the same at top & bottom. </span></div><div align="center"></div><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352813410261135794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1UJuXEcU8PPJYU3_HUghmY8KkOgwvtsCUh9lP5Rw5Fb_VqloEbVRg3s6Mn3G9jLLULS51adhwjkGUR5dMqsIAgaBDuw3s8fxpSH_B8nnMotnK-K268IbNJW3j4ClK2TMWZmO6WNmTUhc/s400/off+center.jpg" /> </p><p align="center"></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">If not centered properly, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">vignette</span> will <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">disappear</span> from one edge but not the opposite (as above) or perhaps from all but one corner of the image as you increase scope zoom. This is a clear indicator that your camera is off center. In the example shown above, the camera is a bit too far to the right and needs to be adjusted <strong>slightly</strong> to the left for best results. Remember, that the circle we are working with is less than 4 mm wide so adjustments will be slight. These seemingly small differences will become even more problematic as you increase the scope zoom because the small circle of light leaving the eyepiece (exit pupil) may be reduced from 1/2 to 1/3 its original size when you increase the scope zoom.</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">With our 2 dimensional adjustments made on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">the flat</span> plane from side to side, up & down, and on the diagonals, we now need to turn our attention to getting the proper distance between the camera lens and the scope eyepiece. </span></p><p align="center"><br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 388px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352811011539554578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnz7NRyNHe0fcjWoCGe42sGB6sNX10gFBK2uBaQWJ7PsIYoI_65j0adG3pdLRhXO-kTWhJg_VBt2ToTZX3PrYgqWM2hBvrkwi9PAZAQEYbIrT7FQinwEuMUAYsJFvOoQYkTaf9mSt0-jDt/s400/generic+adapter.jpg" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">old style, generic universal <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoping</span> adapter</span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">This last adjustment seems to be the one most commonly ignored or missed in many <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoping</span> set ups resulting in ruined photos and great frustration. In many older, well established <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoping</span> websites, you may find this is largely ignored, not mentioned, or may seem <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">unnecessary</span> or not understood by many long time <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscopers</span> due to inherent biases of certain types of formerly popular adapters.</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">The sample universal adapter above is fairly typical of most early adapters that utilized filter-thread (accessory) rings on the front of the p&s cameras as a means of attachment between the camera and adapter. Unfortunately, there are almost no current p&s models that still offer accessory threads because these units are replaced so frequently that accessories really don't seem to sell. It seems each year there maybe 2 in a field of hundreds of new digital p&s cameras that both lend themselves to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoping</span> and offer filter thread rings at the front of the lens. These adapters are extremely limited as a result.</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Another issue with these adapters is that due to the metal rings and adapter rings present between the two lenses these <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">adapters</span> almost invariably meant you could never get the two lenses too close together. As a result, many sites <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">erringly</span> suggest you always need to get the lenses as close as possible together for best results. </span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352829111632140770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJyBrQJnFHNzzdHiIiJ6b91vUVeI67-CZi137UE5p6uqtM-fkNFC3L6n0Y3U406OsVqZ3Ug1_VNZaUkfVtl6CtvuBEU_S4TbALsVonM64y-KVpCI1Ky4nH4MuSGR0dilwt8v5p8eVEknV/s400/too+close.jpg" /></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">blackened, semicircular arcs appear when lenses are too close together</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">If you get your eye too close to a binocular lens you will get "black out" sections in your view that appear as shadowed arcs near one side of the image as seen in the image above. You don't have to take my word for it, try it for yourself. twist or roll down the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">eyecups</span> on your binoculars and remove your glasses if you wear them and get the binocular eyepieces as close as possible to your eyes. You should note an effect similar to what is shown above.</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Well not surprisingly, the effect is the same when coupling two lenses <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">afocally</span> (that is mounting a camera with a lens behind an eyepiece in this case). If the two lenses are too close together, you need to draw these apart until you see a more uniform colored background. This is particularly noticeable on light backgrounds like the sky.</span></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iS_j-vWdX0zkNcULlqDOVYfQLVY-7gqvk7EyR6cGAcGB5JCnPpQpAEgRZhA3RwxMfG9swZhJoPjoZTDAtj3tvQgnWFxIBH1_t9TdccbP_C7EDucE5hOq8Yr6G78_x98qn2rDFg2AvKFZ/s1600-h/too+far+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352829121466704002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iS_j-vWdX0zkNcULlqDOVYfQLVY-7gqvk7EyR6cGAcGB5JCnPpQpAEgRZhA3RwxMfG9swZhJoPjoZTDAtj3tvQgnWFxIBH1_t9TdccbP_C7EDucE5hOq8Yr6G78_x98qn2rDFg2AvKFZ/s400/too+far+2.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">when lenses are too far apart you'll note darkened corners </span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">In the image above I've purposely pulled the lenses too far apart. If you experiment with your eye and a binocular or scope you can actually predict what happens in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoping</span> as the systems really aren't too terribly different. When you move your eye away from the lens, your field of view collapses leaving just a small circle of light visible. You can see this happening in the image above as well. As the lenses are drawn apart the field begins to collapse and you begin to see shadowing at each corner of your image. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Note the difference in the terms "shadowing/shadowed edge" versus "vignetting/vignetted edge", I differentiate between these two as they indicate a different problem. As I define these terms "shadowed edges" have a bit of opacity to them - that is you can see through them a bit. A "vignetted edge" is sharply defined and completely black with no opacity. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />A sharply defined blackened edge or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">vignette</span> indicates you are off center or simply need to run your zoom out more. Shadowed edges generally indicate the two lenses are too far apart and need to be moved closer together. Shadowed arcs that are in the interior of the frame will have a lighter section between the shadow and the edge. When seen you should move the two lenses a bit further apart.</span></p><p align="center"></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmswXlKoC3oa1tK69eiQHrMF8_EpLfOlq81l0TwMdXk6IWDw_Cr62Oxpn-xjqaOb_KL0OuTEUoTRX-p3Vf6crz-3iVgAhDcJVqqwhthEt8VdSsROHpBap1UnULjD65bE83IKax3LRzJrO/s1600-h/proper+distance.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352828883008600370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmswXlKoC3oa1tK69eiQHrMF8_EpLfOlq81l0TwMdXk6IWDw_Cr62Oxpn-xjqaOb_KL0OuTEUoTRX-p3Vf6crz-3iVgAhDcJVqqwhthEt8VdSsROHpBap1UnULjD65bE83IKax3LRzJrO/s400/proper+distance.jpg" /></a> </p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Not the most interesting subject I realize but to save time, I just zipped out the back door and took some sample shots of my storage shed. The light doors provided a good background to show shadowing. When the lenses are adjusted properly the field should look uniform and be devoid of shadowing & <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">vignetting</span>. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">As I travel the country and beyond teaching <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoping</span> classes, I find that coupling errors are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">responsible</span> for a majority of common <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">digiscoping</span> image problems/failures. Hopefully some will find this information helpful. As always, if there are ever any questions feel free to ask in the comments section. I'll happily address all to the best of my ability.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">J</span></p>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007335378148229346.post-78724568712636766452009-06-29T09:39:00.007-04:002009-06-29T11:05:16.158-04:00Texas Wading Birds<div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Each year, I eagerly await my early spring trek to Galveston, TX for the annual FeatherFest bird festival. I know I will see plenty of wonderful wading birds, shorebirds, and many of the first spring migrants returning from Central and South America to breed.</span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><div align="center"><br /></div></span><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352745450499062546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1Cdbj8t5veyH-o3KoOaL9vMf5ZFh5_6MNy83Hnn1-PTF6ESvaKkgCLUnrRNKZqC_PPn049R3TJaf9ZOrUbSgpzffMafDhjlZLEeH3G8XpKuuKJwk9VSsPykuGykM61MnReW0LudGAPQh/s400/REEG+white+040509_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Reddish Egret, white morph, digiscoped in Galveston, TX 4/09</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Even living in Florida, I can't help but appreciate long-legged wading birds both for their beauty and their willingness to pose for imaging! The white-morph of the Reddish Egret is comparatively common on the West side of the Gulf of Mexico in Tx as compared to my home on the Eastern edge of the Gulf. As such it is always great to see these birds when I'm here. The bird above was photographed with a warm early morning light washing it from one side, providing a nice mix of shadow and warm golden highlights.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh854Kq7PMq-YLYlyzQandSxxQdKC85AI-M1vxitrDUkat8Zy5TclcBdckYHu5ipMyHdeJEoe51SQh87JFxYsv-qoYODa5PSoi2RJ5VmNYplHELtFVc4y5uSyXHGoZDZyWeq4vutwHPfbUL/s1600-h/YCNH+ad+040409_04+flick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352748802512152242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh854Kq7PMq-YLYlyzQandSxxQdKC85AI-M1vxitrDUkat8Zy5TclcBdckYHu5ipMyHdeJEoe51SQh87JFxYsv-qoYODa5PSoi2RJ5VmNYplHELtFVc4y5uSyXHGoZDZyWeq4vutwHPfbUL/s400/YCNH+ad+040409_04+flick.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, digiscoped Galveston, TX 4/09</span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Yellow-crowned Night-Herons are nocturnal (more active at night) as the name implies and prefer coastal locations. They are commonly found roosting by day in mangrove bushes. The bird above is a good example of the effects of lighting in digiscoping. This image was taken after the sun had set. While I got the image, this lighting does seem to produce some odd colors not typically seen on an image taken with more and direct lighting. The camera captured an unusual rosy bloom on the belly of this bird and the steel gray back feathering is a bit too blue. With a bit more light this bird's colors would be depicted more accurately.</span></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352745443351110722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PxUGpyCgAjAW391-6bw0lq811nbgB0IxDRulsMFyFuGivJ1uufQ8312-5Lvsu7BryI2smnzaGQfQx0ohhK0nZJGMH59odnnsHz36ONJaKCWUQeMc_5NL9G8pYQ51djxZRZ5A6t3eH_lQ/s400/GRHE+040709_04+flick.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Green Heron digiscoped with Leica APO Televid 82 spotting scope & D-Lux 4 camera</span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">In the image above the Green Heron was wading through a shadowed marshy area washed in direct evening light. Note the difference that direct low-angle lighting makes. The colors are vibrant and true. Photographers love this "sweet light" found within an hour or two of sunrise and sunset respectively.</span></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352745445464145042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJOQyuJAnLd84lWRPplJ24ajSg0vk4scVToSkg3Bzlje24w-eXMBHByAEkUmtC-RFb2zFqOo6K6JPwMmb7jWRPYXq_NZH3guvuqzfe0x6X_cjGPxD3bRiSdUMCui2nRMns1CenmAIsoUk/s400/GRHE+040709_05+flick.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;">Green Heron digiscoped image, Texas 4/09</span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">From Galveston, it is a mere hop, skip, and jump (and a ferry ride) to famed High Island known far and wide for the wondrous number and variety of migrant songbirds that can occur here in spring. Fortunately, when the weather is not right to promote good migrant watching the local rookery full of Roseate Spoonbills is a great consolation!</span></p><p align="center"><br /></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHg83puQ4izdeGgmHDi0UIpBjtVvE9GKllmO0Fcs7FCsnroFaTNgNabk4sPnIQ3UJVR3uKKsqUYLQxBWrIuBPVs0YzIRC_NsdUk8snWH3CqG6eJPucZkB6ms1Q3J6_GxnOk3c3w0ehjvx/s1600-h/ROSP+im+040709_03+flick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352747882265694690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHg83puQ4izdeGgmHDi0UIpBjtVvE9GKllmO0Fcs7FCsnroFaTNgNabk4sPnIQ3UJVR3uKKsqUYLQxBWrIuBPVs0YzIRC_NsdUk8snWH3CqG6eJPucZkB6ms1Q3J6_GxnOk3c3w0ehjvx/s400/ROSP+im+040709_03+flick.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Roseate Spoonbill, digiscoped @ High Island, TX 4/09</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">The birds here are often a bit distant for a lot of camera rigs, but digiscoping offers an ideal focal length. These Spoonbill images were all taken at near 1,500 mm lens equivalent. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></div></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352747860015390370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGMKSx5-wZgQnMmG-47g8DEPpAd3WCFx3T7lVchttjBb_lMqCmJFxSGg153QNDxjq1AlpDVd1COSiXxU9ZvQVCHWXZf6k9ueH0lQynIYw13nc6eblrZ0Nl793-bcS3N9iaEueu3ee_QmR/s400/ROSP+im+040709_02+flick.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Roseate Spoonbill digiscoped w/ Leica APO Televid 82 mm scope & D-Lux 4 camera</span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">The bird above has not yet adopted the greenish head typical of full adult-plumaged birds and despite its considerable color is still comparatively dull.</span><br /></p><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352747292013095634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNSrlO3j6j676ev9jWOnbh1A3WnXl4z5NU7xWiHfEWWhBuyW6hurYsHfZTfWdXQx6BxoIHmtp8UA5vcmVlrEo3qA2C48I2BK8Lb8eVGEt0aXHBWIfhtEuD7OTlVuoikZjrJNs7nhvPetJ/s400/ROSP+ad+040709_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Roseate Spoonbill adult in high breeding condition ,High Island, TX 4/09</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Note the difference in color on the adult above showing the dark pink "shoulder", and "beard", lime green cap, and bright yellow facial skin. It even shows a bright orange tail (as if it weren't colorful enough).</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352747294345746370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixO9JWLx9ZMyc6mWGLujlM5X2KDZ9fHHzkqaWEALGINGWzc-vWndK8qVaCAXPmH7EflAzegGsxEjqxFpJU6XQsZKvIS_3tA9bPg00uQodYcgzqs3mGy0OsezGuQEszRtkhaHGcEx77jr4-/s400/ROSP+ad+040709_03+flick.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Roseate Spoonbill digiscoped w/ Leica APO Televid 82 mm scope & D-Lux 4 camera</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">One good feather ruffle and it's time to attract a mate!</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCL6Xw4vyyh3m9GZD0PnYrHYMIOYp1-WUPb_3Wn4h-ri-q39D7fN0QzwnhGIGseVfmBKaVFrbiOcZ547Lr61BqX8MwpK0SQ6SmGmlV9Y042FGvX7Itj1YsaDniHLayzba6PtePLYlZZriJ/s1600-h/ROSP+pr+040709_03+flick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352747877016656770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCL6Xw4vyyh3m9GZD0PnYrHYMIOYp1-WUPb_3Wn4h-ri-q39D7fN0QzwnhGIGseVfmBKaVFrbiOcZ547Lr61BqX8MwpK0SQ6SmGmlV9Y042FGvX7Itj1YsaDniHLayzba6PtePLYlZZriJ/s400/ROSP+pr+040709_03+flick.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> Roseate Spoonbill pair digiscoped in evening light, High Island rookery, TX 4/09</span></div><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">A pair of adults are now ready to get down to business.</span></p><p><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352753585221884658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0ZnPAIAnqNyHaEHMH85lkW4rJDfm1e2n9aOMvxsxbDBAQosoyeg8LNAtFIojmaD7OuRixzQrLJUSFEF2x8FnSyPB90ZBRLHx4fLqVulSox2mxe8Tx8VO1aYY6EwknlA5W2oTnuO4traY/s400/American+Alligator+TX+0409_02+flick.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">American Alligator digiscoped @ High Island, TX 4/09</span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">To help dissuade short-lensed photographers from attempting to reach the rookery island there were no fewer than 2 dozen Alligators hanging out below the nesting areas! </span><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352753578661281490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0aeRAo2Cp4SoAn5xyBoWaDyQFgsM623xUW_5PqQAh3foCF2mS9Fbk33XWzJBPavyNNRDMTkN7z7_0s1Y3k3TRMtyHEroRu7INlDq-mgF7oLxGQlwoluYm_saVk10FEvjL6MwGbWqAC78/s400/American+Alligator+TX+0409_01+flick.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Alligator digiscoped w/ Leica APO Televid 82 mm spotting scope & D-Lux 4 camera</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Seriously, they really were there but undoubtedly these patient creatures were simply waiting for the breeding season to kick off in earnest so the easy meals will follow. Is it me or do these birds seem to be overly pink on the insides of their mouths?... I wonder if it's their diet?... ;p</span></p>Jeff Boutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545276042633719878noreply@blogger.com1