"Bugs -- bugs -- gotta find some bugs!"
"Nope -- not here!"
"How am I supposed to find anything under the snow?"
"I just knew it was going to be one of those days!"Can't remember where you took that bird shot? ATP may have the answer for you -- available in a few months. The ATP GPS Photo Finder is a a portable device that geotags photos taken by any digital camera. It’s universally compatible with any digital camera using jpeg image files. Put a memory card into the Photo Finder’s built-in card reader or USB port and it automatically finds and tags your images without any additional software or hardware required. For more info, click here.
I've had more of them this winter than the last three combined!
This is a graphic created by my nephew, Lauris Sarma, in Latvia.
I was thrilled to read that Laura Erickson will be working as science editor and writer at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. Her casual, yet informative, writing style made her one of my favorite birding bloggers.
When her blog was hijacked by a former employer, we missed her and hoped for her return.
Now, about 8 months later, her talents as a writer have been recognized by a worthy institution. We wish her the best!
Laura has promised to continue her blog, where you can read in her own words about this exciting new venture. Also, check out her web site.
Mike's excellent digiscoping blog describes a new scope & camera unit by Nikon that will enable you to get into digiscoping on the cheap (well, relatively cheap). You can see details on Eagle Optics' site. I have some concerns about the small aperture of the scope (50mm rather than 70, 80mm or more). On the other hand, the total unit is very compact and should be easy to lug around, depending upon the tripod you pick.
"Snow's coming!"
"And cold too."
"When?"
"Tomorrow afternoon."
"We'd better stock up!"
"Don't forget to share!"
"We are sharing."Mike Hendrickson is reminding us to mark of February 15th through the 17th on our new calendars for the Sax-Zim Bog Winter Festival. In addition to some great speakers, food, and fun, Mike has promised that we will see the following birds: Sharp-tailed Grouse, Snowy Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, Great Gray Owl, American Three-toed & Black-backed Woodpeckers, Northern Shrike, Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Bohemian Waxwing, Snow Bunting, Pine & Evening Grosbeaks, White-winged Crossbill, and Common & Hoary Redpolls.
I really don't have the words to describe how magnificent these (Rough-legged) hawks are. They will soar very high looking for prey.
When they spot something promising, they stop & hover -- like a helicopter -- but without the noise.
If they need a better look, they will slowly lower themselves -- like an elevator coming down -- for a close-up check.
If it turns out to be nothing, they simply resume their soaring -- in slow circles -- going back up.Jim & I had a good time yesterday revisiting Crex Meadows. Our bird species count was low -- a few Red-tailed Hawks, a couple of Bald Eagles, a bunch of crows, and a few smaller birds I couldn't identify. The highlight, however, was the two to three dozen Rough-legged Hawks. They were in the air, in trees, and on the ground. I do not know whether they were just passing through or settling in for the winter. They are the subject of most of my posts today and tomorrow.
All of the posted pictures were taken with my XTi and Canon's 300mm f/4 lens. I am disappointed with the small size of the resulting bird images and plan to switch back to the 400mm even though I have to use it on a tripod for ultimate sharpness.
This Bald Eagle was surrounded by 8 or 10 crows -- however, the eagle did not seem to be bothered by them.This morning Jim & I drove up to Crex Meadows for a few hours of exploration. However, before posting some pictures from our trip, I want to share the remnant from my previous trip.
I did get my deer!
Pied-billed Grebe (?)
to appreciate the bird's sense for aerodynamics, look at the feet in the above sequence
f/5.6, 30 sec., ISO 1600, full frame
f/5.6, 15 sec., ISO 800, cropped
