Summer doldrums

Many birders live for the excitement of migration, but find themselves in a bit of a funk in the hot summer months. There are, of course, loads of great things for a birder to do and see in the summer months, but you may need to re-adjust your priorities a bit sometimes to appreciate these. Instead of the anticipation of seeing a new migrant popping through, you may have to settle for learning something new about the common birds in your area.

Breeding Bird Surveys are a fun activity that get you out to an area you may not visit or birdwatch otherwise. Never heard of a Breeding Bird Survey?!?... This is a great way for you to contribute meaningful data and help assess long term population trends of local breeding birds. Each participant usually runs the same route anually, with 50 stops in all. At each stop, you record every bird heard and seen in three minutes, then load up and move to your next stop 1/2 mile away.


Learn more about how you can get involved at:
http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbs/

Finding nests and observing nesting behavior can be extremely rewarding and is a fantastic way to learn a lot more about the birds you see all the time. Even if you don't find the nest, you can always enjoy the interactions between recently fledged chicks and adult birds. On a drive back from completing my Breeding Bird Survey recently, I stopped to enjoy and study some young Loggerhead Shrikes. Despite >20 years of intense birding, I realized I'd never really paid much attention to birds in this plumage and had certainly never gotten a picture of young Loggerheads.

young Loggerhead Shrike, digiscoped with Leica APO Televid scope with Leica C-Lux 2 camera

In this plumage, young Loggerheads show distinct barring on the breast and flanks (similar to that on an adult Northern Shrike) and show distinct buffy wingbars that the adults lack.

young Loggerhead Shrike showing strong buffy wingbars

Little discoveries like this can be made simply by paying closer attention to the "common birds" in your area and are very rewarding. If you are a true migration junkie though, things aren't as bad as they might seem. The last migrant warblers to trickle through Florida (usually the highly sought after Connecticut Warbler) are best seen in the first 10 days of May which is also the best time to find the locally uncommon White-rumped Sandpiper.

Here in the first days of July, I'm hearing birds I haven't had in the yard for over a month. Singing Northern Parulas, and wheezy Blue-gray Gnatcatchers are sure signs of things to come. By mid-July though, fall shorebird migration will be in full swing as well so if you feel you've exhausted the pool of birds locally and are hankering for some variety, never fear. You're almost there, but in the interim try to change your focus and enjoy the new discoveries awaiting you in your own backyard.

Something new and different

ominous silhouette of a Magnificent Frigatebird digiscope well offshore 13 June

After visiting the family in my previous blog, I poked my head into the local park to see what I could see before the sun set. One of the first things I noticed as I drove into the park was the unmistakable shape of a distant Frigatebird sailing offshore looking for some easy prey. I set up my scope and took a shot of the distant behemoth as it sailed away on bowed wings. I can't say how far away this bird was, but I note that the camera was at maximum zoom mounted behind the scope. Let's just say it wasn't close!

distant Dolphin feeds in rips, digiscoped 13 June '07

Below the Frigatebird a lone Atlantic Bottle-nosed Dolphin fed at the edge of a rip where 2 water currents met. Not my best image ever, but it does prove I note other wildlife species when I'm out. As with the Frigatebird, this animal never came close and since it was actively feeding it only appeared briefly at the surface every 20 seconds or so.

subadult White Ibis molting into its 1st adult plumage

A calm White Ibis perched on a dead mangrove limb seemed like a nice photographic subject. Unfortunately, as soon as I trained my scope and camera, the bird went off like a crazed celeb in the middle of a paparazzi pack!

digiscoped White Ibis shows its scorn

Blame it on teen-age angst I guess... or maybe that crazy rock & roll music!

possible proof of extra terrestrial beings? digiscoped with Leica APO Televid 77 spotting scope and Leica C-Lux 2 camera 13 June 2007

Turning around to face the setting sun I was certain I'd discovered a mutated sea creature or perhaps some extra-terrestrial life form, so I crept around to the sunlit side of this creature and found a tiny gap in the mangrove branches. I set up my scope in hopes of securing my rightful place in tabloid stardom.

adult Yellow-crowned Night-Heron digiscoped through branches, 13 June '07

Unfortunately, my claim to fame was short-lived as the bird unruffled its feathers and resumed a more normal, Yellow-crowned Nigh-Heron stance. Adding insult to injury, the "tiny gap" in the branches was a bit TOO tiny to allow me a stick free image. So instead of infamy, I got an almost wonderful image of a blurry stick..... too bad that Night-Heron ruined it by getting all in focus behind it though! ;p

Brown Pelican sails below the setting sun, digiscoped 13 June '07

As the sun finally set, I packed my gear away, and found myself wishing all photographic subjects could be as co-operative as owls!

Hankerin' for more owls

After a month of watching my backyard owls, I find I'm habitually peering over to the vacant nest box every time I go in the backyard. I'm not really expecting to see anything there but it's become a bit of a habit. I figured the only thing to do to remedy this was to go and get an owl fix, so I made the 20 minute drive to check on the local Burrowing Owl families.

Burrowing Owl chicks digiscoped with Leica APO Televid 77 and Leica C-Lux 2 camera

I know there are dozens of other families of birds and lots of wildlife in the world and it's probably about time I move on, but I think I have to slowly wean myself off an owl addiction like this. It's not smart to go cold turkey!

Burrowing Owl chick gives me the eye from its burrow entrance

As expected, the reliable owls were right where I'd first seen them near a decade before on my first visit to the area. Not surprisingly, given the season, these birds had young as well. There were three fledged chicks at the first burrow and four at the second <0.2>

Burrowing Owl chick digiscoped evening June 13, Florida

The youngsters differ from their parents by showing orange wash on otherwise unmarked bellies, and broad solid brown breast bands. The chick above showed more buffy-orange spots on the breast than the other chicks nearby. I've visited these birds often over the years and still enjoy seeing them as much as I did the first time. I guess at heart I'm an owl fan. After all, it was a view of a Snowy Owl near my childhood home that started my fascination with birding years ago actually!

adult Burrowing Owl watching the kids

One adult perched just above the kids and roost hole scanning the area for danger. It never called or reacted to my presence though. I must have an honest face! ;) Actually, I'm certain this goes back to the advantage of digiscoping. Given the great zoom capabilities of the system, I was able to stay further back than someone with a standard long telephoto. It probably allows me to see more natural poses as well.

adult Burrowing Owl digiscoped 13 June '07, Florida

All the adults were in very worn, faded plumage. I didn't look it up, but suspect they will molt into fresh plumage following the breeding season. These birds are resident of course so they don't have to worry about migration. They only make local movements when forced to because of construction it seems. As I said these birds have been in this area for nearly a decade now.

All good things come to an end...

2 Eastern Screech-Owl chicks perch in the mouth of the nest box 10 June 07

I know by now some of you are longing for a bit of variety, but there are likely a few others wanting a bit of closure on my owl tales as well. As I wrote in the 1st post, I know from past experience that when the youngsters start showing themselves the game is all but over.

Owlet "Porky" explores the outside world by day 9 June '07

On the evening of the 9th, "Porky" made a daytime appearance shortly after 5 PM and by the following evening both "Porky" and "Junior" were at the mouth of the box looking at the outside world with eager, wide-eyed enthusiasm.

Porky and Junior, digiscoped with Leica APO Televid 77 & C-Lux 2 camera

I could see it in their eyes and I knew in my gut this was it so, after taking the last images of the "kids in the box", I settled in at a backyard table with a drink and waited and watched. Near 8:30 PM I went in for a refill and when I returned there was only one chick in the box. Before I could even wonder where Junior was, I heard a familiar faint, hissing chatter to the left of the box. Some 6 feet to the left a gray fuzzy blob perched triumphantly atop a Brazilian Pepper bush, wings flapping loosely. I'd missed Junior's first flight by moments only. I called into the family and all came out to witness Junior's success. As we watched in the fading light, Mom came in and delivered a Palmetto Bug to Porky which she downed rapidly. Then she made her big move, a four foot flutter ending with a loud "PLOP" on a Saw Palmetto crash pad. It wasn't pretty but now both chicks had flown and managed to stay high in the trees rather than on the ground.

Porky and Junior hours before taking their first flights 10 June '07

The overcast sky made it difficult to see much after this. I know Dad brought a Palmetto Bug to the box, and mom brought what appeared to be an anole to Porky, but I didn't turn on the light. There are both Barred Owls and Great Horned Owls around and I didn't want to bring any more attention to these fluttering fluff balls sitting right out in the open. So we wished the kids our best and headed in for the night shortly after this as it was too dark to see.

The following morning, I checked the surrounding area for signs of the family but all of the "favorite" perches were empty. I couldn't help but wonder how the young owlets had made out on their first big night in the real world, but there was work to be done so I gave up. Plus, I knew the lighting would be better later in the day, and two well-fed chicks would surely leave some tell-tale signs on the leaves and ground below their perches as the day progressed.

Porky peers around a sleepy Junior after a long night 11 June '07

My instincts served me well and I was able to find both chicks perched together above a very well boldly-splotched palmetto leaf. They were perched much higher than I expected (nearly half again the height Mom typically perched at) though and there was only one hole in the vegetation where I could get a good shot. It was a strongly backlit view but I knew this may well be my last views and images of the birds that had provided my family with such great entertainment over the past weeks.

Last digiscoped image of Porky and Junior 11 June '07, Leica APO Televid 77 spotting scope & Leica C-Lux 2 camera

Hopefully, next year we can do it all over again!

Digiscoping comparison between the Leica D-Lux 3 and the Leica C-Lux 2

For the past few years I've used the Leica D-Lux cameras as my preferred digiscoping tool in the Leica line up. The D-Lux cameras allow RAW format capabilities (which I actually never used) and a fantastic loupe feature in manual focus mode that insures sharp focus. However, since receiving my sample of the brand new C-Lux 2 camera, I've temporarily retired my trusty D-Lux 3 in favor of the more simplistic and sleek C-Lux 2 camera.

I will compare some specifications and features important to digiscoping below others can e found on the Leica camera site (www.leicacamerausa.com). Both cameras offer similar sensors, optical image stabilization, and large/bright screens (D-Lux 3 = 2.75", C-Lux 2 = 2.5"). The D-Lux 3 offers a whole host of manual operation controls, ability to shoot in aperture & shutter priority modes, etc. The C-Lux 2 does not offer the full range of manual controls but offers a variety of more simplistic auto modes instead: full auto, "simple" mode, "smart ISO", and a wide range of preset "scene modes". Both cameras offer video at 30 frames per second VGA, intuitive exposure compensation allowing +/-2 full stops, and easily activated 2 & 10 second delays. The D-Lux 3 has a bit more zoom with 35 mm equivalent range from 28 to 112 mm, while the C-Lux runs from 28 mm to 100 mm. Both at f/2.8 Leica lenses.

Leica D-Lux 3 camera minimum zoom (wide angle)

Perhaps the single biggest difference affecting digiscoping performance is lens asssembly mechanics. The pictures above and below show the entire range of motion in the D-Lux 3 lens assembly when zoomed from wide angle to full telephoto (28 - 112 mm). When first powered on, the D-Lux camera lens assembly extends ~34 mm at wide (28 mm) angle. At full telephoto (4x/112 mm) the lens extends to near 49 mm.

Leica D-Lux 3 camera maximum zoom (telephoto)

This 15 mm of lens extension requires that the adapter be slid back when zooming to prevent the camera lens from contacting the eyepiece. The protective limit switch on the small motor that drives the camera lens assembly is designed to shut off if it strikes a foreign object. So use of the D-Lux 3 requires an additional field craft component to insure the lenses don't collide when zooming.

By comparison, the C-Lux 2 lens assembly extends to ~26 mm when first turned on (see below). However, as you run the zoom from wide (28 mm) to telephoto (100 mm) the lens assembly retracts ~5 mm and then returns to the starting point at max zoom.

Leica C-Lux camera at minimum and maximum zoom

Leica C-Lux 2 lens assembly retracts 0nly about 5 mm and returns to starting point

Since the lens assembly does not extend beyond its starting point, the C-Lux 2 camera does not require readjusting the camera adapter. This makes use of this camera simpler, quicker, and it eliminates the possibility of the two lenses contacting one other. The shorter lens assembly of the C-Lux 2 also seems to be less prone to shadowing and vignetting than the longer lens on the D-Lux 3.

Below are a series of test images shot with both cameras at comparable settings. For this test, I placed a soda can at a distance of ~12 meters and used a Leica APO Televid 77 spotting scope, 20-60x zoom eyepiece, and digital adapter 2. I've made no changes to the original image beyond reducing each in size to fit on the blog.

image 1

Image 1: Leica D-Lux 3 at 28 mm (1x) eyepiece at 20x. As typical when digiscoping with a wide angle camera lens and non-wide angle eyepiece (zoom) we see a strongly vignetted circular frame around the subject (if I'd used a 20x or 32x wide angle eyepiece this circle would be eliminated).

image 2

Image 2 shows the comparable settings on the C-Lux 2 camera (no zoom on eyepiece or camera). As expected the images are very similart although the circle on the D-Lux does appear larger.

image 3: D-Lux 3 camera at ~2x optical zoom, eyepiece at 20x

image 4: Leica C-Lux 2 camera ~2x optical zoom, eyepiece at 20x

Images 3 & 4 were taken at the point where most of the circular vignetting was eliminated near 2x optical zoom on both cameras. However, you will note more zoom was needed to eliminate the vignette with the D-Lux 3 (image 3), so the can appears larger. Also, there is more apparent shadowing in the corners of image 3 as compared to 4. So in conclusion the smaller C-Lux 2 eliminated the vignette quicker and more effectively.

image 5: Leica D-Lux 3 optical zoom maximum 112 mm, scope zoom 60x

image 6: Leica C-Lux 2 at maximum zoom (100 mm), eyepiece at 60x

At maximum zoom the D-Lux 3 offers a 35 mm equivalent of 6,720 mm (112 mm x 60x), and the C-Lux 2 only 6,000 mm, however you can see the effect of shadowing and the toll it takes on sharpness and color saturation. The truer colors in the C-Lux image (image 6) is typical of performance between these two cameras throughout the entire range of zoom. The C-Lux 2 seems to be completely devoid of shadowing/vignetting at any combination of optical zoom and eyepiece magnification. The D-Lux 3 seems to always show some shadowing at the corners throughout the range.

That said, I will continue to defend the D-Lux cameras as good options for digiscoping, and feel the resultant images I've taken over the past 2 years prove this. However, despite the lack of RAW and manual controls, I do find that I now prefer the ease/speed of operation and more consistent color the new C-Lux 2 provides. The fact that it is 2 ounces lighter, about 1/4 the size, and $100 less is just icing on the cake. Feel free to compare more sample images taken with both cameras on my wildlife image site:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16435490@N00/

Owlets finally make an appearance

Last night June 7th, I was out on my screen porch and heard an unfamiliar chattering from the vicinity of my owl box. I turned on the flood lights which illuminate my backyard and the area where the nest box sits to see what I could see. Now before I go further, I need to qualify as I'm certain some are thinking, "my goodness the light shines right on the box..."

This isn't far from the truth, however, the light shined toward the vacant lot before the owls took residence and it was on often as they were selecting their nest site. Every time kids play in the backyard at or after dark. Our swing set sits directly below the box and the pool is within 20'. Such is the nature of a small backyard, and fortunately for me these suburban owls are extremely tolerant of all our activities, including mowing, weed-eating, screaming children, and yes even the light that sometimes floods the area. I will say this, the images give the impression that there was a lot more light than there actually was though. This is really more of an ambient light in reality, but the scope and camera picked up a lot more in these images. These images were shot at a full 1 second exposure at ISO 800, with the exposure compensation run up to +2.

Eastern Screech-Owlet, digiscoped with Leica APO Televid 77 and C-Lux 2 camera

We now return to the story... after I turned on the light, I walked out and strained my eyes toward the darkness of the box and could see a small gray oval up there. I ran back into the house and grabbed the scope for a better view of our 1st baby sighting for me, my family, and the visiting neighbors. As we watched the youngster (who I've affectionately named "Porky") at the box mouth, I could still here the chattering from inside the box. As we watched, one of the adults swung in with a large Palmetto Bug and fed it to Porky. The adult then lit on the top rail of the swing set a mere 8' away from us. Within moments, the adult flew straight up and briefly lit on the trunk of the dead snag about 20' above owl box, and swung back down to a perch just outside the box with yet another Palmetto Bug (for the uninitiated in the way of Florida's sub-tropical bugs) you might call this a big fat cockroach!

While others were enjoying the show, I decided to go get my camera and adapter to try my hand at night digiscoping, despite a complete lack of success with this in the past.

a second owlet jostles for the prime position at the box mouth

By my fifth imaging attempt with continual readjusting of settings, I finally got a result that was light enough to see the subject, but at a full second exposure the slightest motion by the owl blurred the image completely. Since the adults were coming and going (even with the light on and a small crowd watching from 25' away), I decided to experiment some more realizing this was a rare opportunity to witness nature in action. I set my tiny point & shoot camera up to record in bursts of three shots at a time and used the 2 second delay, hoping that the bird(s) would sit still for a full second for at least one of these three images.

As I played with my camera, Porky sucked down a third Palmetto Bug, causing "Junior" to fly up and begin to grapple for position. Porky fluffed up and bit at Junior's toes to keep him back out of the prime feeding zone. In the shot above, Junior stands on Porky's back!

Mama Owl delivers the goods, 7 June '07

Of course in this neighborhood we try to stress quality parenting, so when "Mama" owl, brought a delicious looking Tree-frog, she shot past Porky and Junior and dropped to the floor of the box. Excited chittering sounds soon emanated from the box, letting me know there must be at least 3 owlets in there and perhaps more. After a while, Junior dropped down to join the frog feast, but Porky (stubborn as ever) wouldn't surrender the primo spot (not even for succulent frog legs).

Mama re-emerges while Porky swings around to watch siblings with frog

After a few moments of chaotic scrambling and more hissy chattering, mama re-emerged with a blood-tipped bill undoubtedly from divying the vittles.

adult Eastern Screech-Owl digiscoped with APO Televid 77 spotting scope and C-Lux2 camera

Mama flew down to a perch just 4' below the box and all was quiet for a moment. The chicks apparently satiated for the moment, had stopped bickering, while mama contently perched on her favorite snag with the signs of a successful kill and good parenting still evident on her bill. I took one parting shot, VERY appreciative of the opportunity to witness this spectacle of nature, then retired to the house and switched the light off for the night to allow the family to continue their nightly routine undisturbed.

Last disclaimer: looking at the times on the first dark frame to the last, I spent a total of 20 minutes photographing the birds and probably less than 10 more viewing the birds before bringing the camera out. The rest of the night was theirs alone. Although, from the birds' behaviors, I really don't feel they gave me the respect I deserve anyway! "Hello, I'm a would be dangerous predator, woo hoo I'm right in front of you..." ;)

Digiscoping DSLR vs Point & Shoot

For years many optics manufacturers have produced SLR adapters that allow you to take images through a spotting scope. These products like the Leica Televid Photo Adapter (42301) replace the eyepiece on the scope converting the scope to a long telephoto lens with a fixed f/stop. In this case, the APO Televid 77 below is converted into an 800 mm lens with a fixed f/10.4 aperture.

Leica APO Televid 77 converted to an 800 mm telephoto lens

This set up offers fantastic imaging opportunities although it does not offer rapid exchange between imaging and viewing as a true digiscoping setup does. However, it is safe to suggest that this is one of the most fool-proof methods for imaging with a DSLR/SLR through a spotting scope, as you completely eliminate the coupling issues often associated with digiscoping (shadowing, vignetting, improper distance between lenses, etc.)

Leica APO Televid 77 spotting scope with Leica D-Lux 3 point and shoot camera

"Digiscoping", by definition, is the coupling of a camera with a lens to a scope with an eyepiece. This style of mounting (or holding) a camera with a lens behind a scope eyepiece to capture in image is referred to as an "afocal coupling" of two lenses. Unlike the previous example, afocal coupling is prone to a whole host of alignment issues which may result in vignetting, shadowing, flare, etc. However, the two great advantages of this type of imaging is it allows the user to rapidly move from viewing to imaging and back, and it offers far greater magnification than the SLR adapter above.

In the early days of digiscoping, cameras used were always smaller, lightweight digital point & shoot models, however, of late, some digiscopers are experimenting with mounting 35 mm DSLR's with 50 mm (or smaller) lenses attached. As with any digiscoping technique, opinions and quality of available information vary tremendously and some may even be a bit suspect. Below, I will try to fairly address advantages and disadvantages of digiscoping (afocal coupling) of both digital point & shoots, and DSLR bodies with 50 mm (or similar) lens.

Leica M8 rangefinder with 35 mm f/1.4 aspehrical lens (not a true DSLR)

The first thing one notices about a DSLR and lens vs. a digital point & shoot is a dramatic size and weight difference. DSLR's are getting less expensive and lighter weight all the time but still one of lightest DSLR's (with a plastic body) on the market today, tips the scale at 22.4 oz, the least expensive, lightest 50 mm (f/2.0) lens for this body weighs 5.1 oz, and a typical tubular adapter weighs an additional 7 oz. So all in all, a DSLR afocally coupled to a spotting scope will weigh (at minimum) 38.5 ounces or a bit over 2.4 pounds. Higher quality bodies and lenses will naturally weigh much more.

By comparison, a point and shoot camera with adapter such as the Leica D-Lux 3 and the Leica digital adapter 2 (shown mounted on scope above) are 7.8 oz & 9 oz respectively for a combined weight of 16.8 oz or barely over one pound. Many point and shoot cameras and adapters are even lighter as well. So this may represent near the maximum weight. The sleek Leica C-Lux 2 camera (pictured below), for example, is a mere 5.4 ounces. At any rate, for portability and weight the advantage clearly goes to the digital point and shoot. As a result, there is concern in some camps that the heavy DSLR's, could have lasting effects on both the scope eyepiece mount as well as the thin metal filter thread rings on the lens (which most DSLR adapters mount to). The filter thread rings are not built to support the weight of the lens and camera body, and there is concern that the DSLR would act like a lever on your eyepiece and (over time) could potentially compromise the waterproofing of your scope. As a result, it is wise to support the camera as much as possible when attached to the scope and remove this ASAP after imaging.

However, a 35 mm DSLR does offer some very real advantages in some digiscoping applications as well. Most DSLR's offer a wider range of manual control over most point & shoot (P&S) cameras, and a sophisticated photographer who understands these controls, can do more to increase the percentage of quality images they take. DSLR's are also capable of shooting bursts of images very quickly (as many as 7 shots per second in some cases), which is far faster than typical digital P&S cameras. Also, most DSLR cameras have a larger sensor screen than most digital point and shoot cameras (not surprising considering the average size differences). As a result, the larger sensor on the DSLR averages less "noisy" than the smaller sensor on a digital P&S. Digital "noise" is the equivalent of graininess in film cameras. Because of this, a DSLR can generally be set to a higher ISO setting, which results in higher average shutter speeds as compared to P&S cameras.

Unfortunately, some of this benefit is negated because a DSLR has a mirror that flops out of the way of the sensor. This mechanical "mirror slap" causes vibration in the camera. As a result, with all else being equal, a slow exposure on a DSLR will often show motion blur where a digital P&S camera may not.

Leica C-Lux 2 camera (my newest favorite digiscoping tool)

DSLR's lose the ability to autofocus when mounted afocally behind a scope, while P&S cameras still offer this functionality. As such DSLR lenses need to be set at infinity with the autofocus switched to off. Focusing is accomplished by looking through the camera viewfinder and manipulating the scope focus until the image appears well focused. Some newer DSLR's do allow "live view" modes where you can use the LCD screen for focus, but on average modern DSLR screens are smaller and not as bright as newer P&S LCD screens (important note: screens on new models of P&S have incorporated backlighting and/or reflective features which make them far brighter and easier to see than cameras that are even 2 years old).


A few DSLR models offer image stabilization in the camera body but most don't. Some digital P&S cameras are also offering stabilization, but there is probably no clear cut advantage between DSLR & P&S across the board only between individual models in both categories.

In the first section I spoke about magnification and suggested that digiscoping offered a clear advantage over the older SLR adapters that convert a scope to an 800 mm telephoto lens. A DSLR with a 50 mm lens mounted to a scope with a 20-60x zoom eyepiece, for instance, has a theoretical maximum 35 mm lens equivalent from 3,ooo mm lens (50 mm x 60x) up to near 4,500 mm equivalent depending on the multiplication factor of the camera sensor.

I use the term "theoretical" here because most 50 mm lenses have a fairly wide objective elements and will be more prone to shadowing and vignetting as you increase the zoom on the scope. As such many will not be able to take images at maximum zoom. Small P&S cameras that lend themselves to digiscoping (need to have an optical zoom of 4x or less) have the added bonus of built in zoom capabilities which offer 35 mm equivalent ranges of up to 120 mm. When coupled with a zoom eyepiece at maximum (60x) power, some p&s cameras will be able to take images at near 7,200 mm equivalent. Also, since many smaller p&s cameras generally have narrower objective lenses, these often are free of shadowing & vignetting. The small C-Lux 2 is one of these that offers the equivalent of 100 mm lens at maximum zoom. I've actually shot images with this camera at maximum camera/scope zoom which is equivalent to a 6,000 mm lens! So in the magnification category, advantage clearly goes to the digital point and shoot.

The camera option that is best for you, will clearly be a matter of personal opinion, but I find I can do everything I need in digiscoping with my more compact digital point & shoot. Again, personally, I don't see any need to double the weight and mass of my digiscoping rig to gain the ability to shoot fast bursts and have a larger sensor. There are some out there making a lot of noise about DSLR's being "the only way to go" or "the wave of the future" but most purists don't agree. The proof is in the pudding and I'm very content with the images I've been getting (see herein and on the link to my images at the top of the page).

Mike McDowell is one of the most respected American digiscopers and he is still using a 5-6 year old P&S and getting great images (see link to his site at right). He recently commented that, 'he has seen no results from DSLR that are better than the images being produced consistently by point & shoot users'. So in the end it will be a personal affair, and I believe with no clear cut advantage. Probably those individuals who were drawn to faster muscle cars in younger years will still yearn to hear the motor drive on a DSLR scream like mad, but as of yet, it sure doesn't appear that the images are better! ;p I'll stay with my point & shoot personally.

A Trip North

I recently returned from western Minnesota for the fun & friendly Detroit Lakes Bird Festival. DL is in western Minnesota, and sits at a transition zone between prairie and deciduous & pine woods. As such, it is a great spot t o see a wonderful mix of prairie & pothole specialties, mixed with migrant and breeding woodland species as well.



I saw some fantastic birds, but unfortunately didn't take images of too many as I was guiding trips. I personally find that I take far less photos when guiding (and generally have quicker views) because when you spot a bird you quickly step out of the way and give up the scope for participants who are lined up and waiting. Then you spend time helping others with scopes get on the bird as well. If (and only if) the bird stays long enough for all participants to get their fill, and another bird hasn't been found that requires repeating the process, and you haven't used up all the time you have allotted for this specific spot, then I may be able to rattle off a quick shot or two (typically not though).

adult male Yellow-headed Blackbird digiscoped with Leica C-Lux 2 camera through Leica APO Televid spotting scope with zoom eyepiece, and digital adapter 2, Agassiz Refuge, MN, May '07

Despite a general lack of pictures and limited personal scope views it was a fantastic birding event with spectacular specialty birds. For example, trips to Felton Prairie offered outrageous views of Marbled Godwits, Horned Larks, Bobolinks, Greater Prairie-Chickens, and Chestnut-collared Longspurs (my personal favorite). Other personal highlights included great opportunities for study. One of the best was at a drained down pool at Agassiz refuge that was chock full of shorebirds. By the time we'd finished we would tally 24 species of shorebird here including opportunities to compare White-rumped, Baird's, Least, & Semipalmated Sandpipers side by side in the same view. There were at least 90 Hudsonian Godwits in the pool with lesser numbers of Marbled Godwits, and at one point we had three close Hudsonians in varying plumage alongside a Marbled which was enlightening for all. An alternate female Red-necked Phalarope spun like a top alongside the numerous Wilson's Phalaropes. This was wonderful as it allowed you to appreciate comparative size and structure differences between these two (I never realized how much larger the Wilson's were). Late one evening as the sun was going down and a light mist was beginning to fall I was also able to compare 3 Tundra Swans swimming with 4 Trumpeter Swans. This was another personal highlight as it offered a refresher on separating these two similar species.

American Goldfinch digiscoped with Leica C-Lux camera and Leica APO Televid 77 spotting scope

Along with the more ubiquitous species like the Goldfinch above I also tracked down a good number of breeding and migrant passerines including 20 species of warblers, 3 species of Vireos, 2 Orioles, a Tanager, and Cuckoo oh my!

adult male Black & White warbler digiscoped on a lichen covered snag, May 2007

In the little free time I had following the festival, I was able to capture some neat images like the one above. As a Florida resident, I miss hearing the voices of the northern breeders like the Black & White Warbler. When the majority of the warblers pass through Florida they never sing, so I find I tend to forget the songs but am getting more in tune with the single call notes they give. I also miss out on opportunities to photograph these birds easily as a result. During migration they are quickly bouncing through the tree tops and digiscoping is a real challenge. Birds singing on territory like this guy will often perch up and sing from a set spot. Giving you time to set your scope, mount your camera and fire away!

Digiscoping passerines is still difficult, however, when you do get your subject in the scope it offers one ENORMOUS advantage over a standard DSLR rig.... magnification. In the image above I ran my camera zoom out to the maximum 100 mm equivalent and had the scope set to ~30x magnification. As a result, this image was taken at an approximate 35 mm equivalent of a 3,000 mm lens (30x 100 mm)! I then took the image and cropped it to a vertical image from the original horizontal (landscape mode) so it has been magnified a bit more. The 7 megapixel image allows me versatility to blow up and crop easily, as compared to a 3 or 4 megapixel camera.

male Eastern Towhee, digiscoped May2007

I ran into a male Eastern Towhee with an odd albinistic spot on the black breast while creeping around in an open pineland. Also here were numerous singing Nashville Warblers, Clay-colored & Chipping Sparrows, Common Nighthawks, as well as small groups of Red Crossbills!

Eastern Towhee nest, C-Lux 2 camera, May 2007

Nearby, a female Towhee flew up from the ground at my feet. I knew what this meant and instinctively stopped walking until I'd spotted the nest to insure I didn't crush eggs or young. A Brown Thrasher nest protected by a fallen log, was found in this same area.

Brown Thrasher nest photographed with Leica C-Lux 2 camera, May 2007

Breeding season was in full gear and during the event I spotted many other nests including Northern Flicker, Black-capped Chickadee, Western Meadowlark, Red-necked Grebe, Trumpeter Swans, Marsh Wren, Red-winged & Yellow-headed Blackbirds, and others. Great fun from a Florida perspective to see some of these northern species once again displaying and breeding. If you've never made a trip to this area I highly recommend it!