The other blog in my life

I now have a second blog which can be viewed at http://theartofbirds.blogspot.com/

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Digiscoping DIY Adaptor

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Thought I would take this opportunity to explain and illustrate the way I digiscope. I have never bothered to invest in a purpose-made adaptor because I’m never sure which one would be best and I suppose I’m a bit stingy. Instead, I have experimented with different joining mechanisms which have include fruit juice bottle tops, paint roller tubes and plumbing joints. Over the five or so years I have digiscoped, the results have been unpredictable. This has been caused by the light conditions, the mobility of the subject and invariably, the distances between my camera and the bird. probably worth noting here that I also tend to focus through the scope before attaching the camera. The most successful adaptor for me has been the paint roller tube. I discovered if I strip off the furry bit, I’m left with a perfect basis for an adaptor. Depending on the camera lens width and the telescope eyepiece diameter, I wrap insulation tape inside the tube. Measure the depth and width of the ca...
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Parks and Recreation

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Okay, so this isn’t Pawnee if you know the American comedy series but it comes pretty close. (I look to camera and pull a face.) Just like that over-used swan analogy, the Lee Valley Park runs a really smooth operation on the surface but underneath…well things can be, shall we say, a bit frantic: a bit political. There are levys that some London boroughs want to stop paying (understand that one ) and then there’s an expectation in terms of legacy from the Olympics that wants a delivery of service that frankly, money can’t afford. It’s funny, well it’s not but that’s how I’m starting this para, that most people wander through the park enjoying the scenery  and the wildlife and the amenities without really thinking about the effort and work that goes into making that happen. Nobody has to pay to enter and at no time does someone jump out of a bush asking for a donation (this isn’t the RSPB). There is a task force of people who manage the landscape, run the farms, run events, run ...
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Scotland Day 1: A few 'grouses' about the weather

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We woke in the morning to discover the beautiful sunny evening that met our arrival had turning into a cold, grey dreich. We caught up with our guides and fellow adventurers early so that we could could visit a black grouse lek before breakfast. The visibility was poor and the air damp. When we arrived at the site, it was very difficult to see the birds. A few bobbing backsides – the white of the male tail feathers was about all I could see.  Black grouse, what Black Grouse? Lesser redpoll called as they went over and the inevitable willow warblers sang from various trees. Everyone got poor views to be fair but at that stage, we were all happy. A bit later at breakfast we discussed the weather, as you do and Dave and Chris, our guides for the tour laid out plans for local birding in Abernethy forest, primarily for crested tit and the magnificent capercaillie. The excitement was clearly audible. We arrived and parked up near Loch Mallachie and made our way down through the incredibl...
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