a less expensive option

Which one of us wouldn't like to own one of the BIG telephoto lenses for our DSLR? The cost of these giants is often prohibitive. For a cheaper alternative, you may want to consider using a small refracting telescope. This option is described in a free pamphlet by Mark Kilner that you can download at:  http://tinyurl.com/lvk6v7

I've taken some very good pictures through my TV Pronto, a 700mm scope, as well as my Questar. Neither is as convenient as a lens made specifically for your DSLR, but the cost can be a fraction of the lens.

Blue Cloud Abbey

Yes, I'm back from Blue Cloud Abbey !
As happens too often, money paying work has kept me from posting,
but I hope to resume a more regular schedule now.

heading out of Minneapolis on Hwy. 12

it is flat in this part of South Dakota

 Blue Cloud Abbey

main entrance 

 sunset at the Abbey

Yes, we will be posting bird pictures!
Here a Great Egret and a 1st year Double-crested Cormorant share space.
more to follow

Great Egret at Springbrook Nature Center

Blue Cloud Abbey

I know, it was only a month ago I took some time off for reflection and photography at Blue Cloud Abbey, near Marvin, SD.

Tomorrow I'm returning for another week or so. I will not be able to post to either of my blogs, but you may find some comments and photos on my Twitter site:  http://twitter.com/Krafts

If you join Twitter, you will automatically receive my posts if you choose to "follow" me.

I will be posting again by Memorial Day.

more misc. from Springbrook

misc. from Springbrook Nature Center, Fridley, MN

 

 

What's your guess at an ID?

Wilson's Snipe

last month near Summit, SD

Turkey Vulture at Big Stone NWR

still more pelicans at Big Stone NWR

 

 

 

more pelicans at Big Stone NWR

American Coots at Big Stone NWR

 

Double-crested Cormorants at Big Stone NWR

 

 

more from Big Stone NWR

American White Pelicans
The knobs on their bills appear only during mating time.

free products from Zeiss

Watch a video about birding in Panama, complete a survey, and
receive a Zeiss Portable Cleaning Kit and a Zeiss cap.
Must be completed by 9 p.m. tomorrow.
Click here .

even bigger - this time a Nikon

The Canon telephoto from a week or so ago not big enough?
Try this Nikon !

more from Big Stone NWR

Double-crested Cormorant ignoring stop sign

rebates

New rebates from Canon on cameras, lenses, flash, etc.

sad news about Whooping Cranes

All but one Whooping Crane nest at Necedah, WI, abandoned. 
Thanks Chuck Hagner .

more from Big Stone NWR

I suppose I'm more into photography than bird watching. I usually shoot the bird and try to identify it later. Sparrows are always tough for me. I'll have to leave this one for you.

Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge

Northern Shoveler

Work and other events have kept me from posting photos from my recent trip to Blue Cloud Abbey and the Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge . I was disappointed by the poor weather most of the time. Also, the auto tour through the refuge is closed for repairs until June or July. However, I hope you enjoy the few photos I will post during the coming days.