tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41232369777789977992012-01-11T09:26:02.083-05:00Dedicated to Michigan birding, bird photography and Digiscoping. Welcome! These pages are dedicated to my ramblings regarding digiscoping.Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.comBlogger891100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-79700571679152583022012-01-11T09:26:00.000-05:002012-01-11T09:26:02.091-05:00

The Kingsville, ON Great Gray Owl continues!

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-75310035253631419312011-12-31T17:10:00.000-05:002011-12-31T17:10:35.421-05:00

Kingsville, Ontario!  Digiscoped from ~40 - 60' away.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-75502639991225650532011-12-30T07:27:00.002-05:002011-12-30T07:27:33.103-05:00

Merry Christmas from Lakeland, FL! This morning Robin and I drove over to the Circle B Bar Reserve to do a morning walk/run. Having been here just two days ago I could concentrate on looking for new birds sans binocular and scope. However, after a loop of the marsh I decided to grab the scope and go for a short walk while Robin did her cooldown. I stumbled upon a chattering wren and managed to

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-86729353063333193972011-12-29T21:40:00.001-05:002011-12-29T21:42:22.083-05:00

Robin and I drove her mom down to Lakeland on the 20th and 21st, then spent the better part of the 22nd doing maintenance on the house.  Since space in the car was tight, and we were flying home I decided to leave the DSLR equipment home and concentrate on digiscoping this trip. Friday morning rolled around and I had the morning to spend at the Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, FL. A heavy fog

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-20291296191290802162011-11-29T12:12:00.000-05:002011-11-29T12:12:54.266-05:00

Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica) at Sterling State Park, Monroe, MI.  1st County Record. Digiscoped from 100-150' w/ Zeiss 85T*Fl, 45X W eyepiece, Nikon Coolpix P6000, homemade adaptor.  ISO 100-200, Aperture-Priority.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-18690214422107053402011-10-20T21:49:00.000-04:002011-10-20T21:49:35.130-04:00

Belle Isle Park, Detroit, MI (Wayne Co.) this afternoon in driving rain.  Distance 90 - 150'.  Nikon Coolpix P6000 and Zeiss 85T*Fl, 45X W eyepiece, and homemade adaptor.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-29564248412052907792011-10-11T22:46:00.001-04:002011-10-11T22:53:23.597-04:00

A Sunday morning Auto Tour was announced late last week after news spread that a shorebirding bonanza was being witnessed at Ottawa NWR in NW Ohio.  Kenn Kaufman had reported that the MS5 Unit of the NWR was hosting dozens of Hudsonian Godwits, American Golden Plovers, and American White Pelicans, among other goodies.  As such, I couldn't resist the opportunity to get some late season

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-39330234824704138882011-09-08T19:32:00.000-04:002011-09-08T19:32:32.393-04:00

Check out Stephen Ingraham's post at Zeiss Birding: http://zeissbirdingus.wordpress.com/2011/02/18/ps-adapter-alternative-for-zeiss-diascope/ Those of you needing a cost-effective digiscoping adaptor for your zoom eyepiece may find this item quite useful. 

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-37184339018228090902011-09-02T20:15:00.000-04:002011-09-02T20:15:48.209-04:00

Shorebirds digiscoped in Cell 3 of Pt. Mouillee SGA on 20 Aug and 01 Sep 2011.  Zeiss 85T*Fl, 45X W eyepiece, Nikon Coolpix P6000, homemade adaptor.  Exp Comp. -1.0, Aperture-Priority. Semipalmated Sandpiper  Semipalmated Plover  Least Sandpiper   Sanderling    Stilt Sandpipers  Pectoral Sandpiper  Stilt Sandpiper Solitary Sandpiper

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-32364601036172055242011-08-14T11:19:00.000-04:002011-08-14T11:19:45.976-04:00

Willow Flycatcher, Cedar Waxwing, Green Heron, and Greater Yellowlegs digiscoped from ~60-100 ft.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-49557474313075053202011-08-14T11:15:00.000-04:002011-08-14T11:15:05.552-04:00

More pics of the White-faced Ibis and suspected GlossyXWhite-faced Ibis 'hybrid'.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-54332374750481274912011-08-14T11:10:00.000-04:002011-08-14T11:10:51.762-04:00

Hmmm...

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-25673374510744172192011-08-14T11:08:00.000-04:002011-08-14T11:08:24.733-04:00

Digiscoped w/ Zeiss 85T*Fl, 45X Wide eyepiece, Nikon Coolpix P6000, and homemade adaptor.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-92023635766299984012011-07-19T21:57:00.000-04:002011-07-19T21:57:30.234-04:00

Immature Black-crowned Night Heron at Pt. Mouillee SGA, Monroe Co., MI on 17 Jul 2011.  Digiscoped from ~90'. Great Egret, Swamp Sparrow and Common Tern (juvie) were only other keepers...

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-8943212533675930222011-07-17T20:26:00.000-04:002011-07-17T20:26:37.567-04:00

My 45X W eyepiece, that is...  Yesterday I got a package from Carl Zeiss.  It was the eyepiece that I had sent in for repair back in late May.  The eyepiece had a stress crack along the perimeter that was not impairing my ability to digiscope, but was noticeable and potentially going to get worse.  So, at the advice of Stephen Ingraham I sent it to Carl Zeiss in Chester, VA.  A week later I

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-51544532800207980492011-07-17T19:24:00.000-04:002011-07-17T19:24:02.855-04:00

Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa), male, at Pt. Mouillee SGA.  Digiscoped from ~18'. 

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-74206317228644191262011-07-07T19:25:00.000-04:002011-07-07T19:25:19.559-04:00

Halloween Pennants (Celithemis eponina) were everywhere this evening at Pt. Mouillee SGA in Monroe Co., MI.  Female, I believe? Lack of claspers on tail and yellow tips to wings (?). A somewhat cooperative Least Sandpiper in the Vermet Unit. 

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-57754569944413684012011-07-04T20:47:00.000-04:002011-07-04T20:47:47.746-04:00

Nesting colony on the Detroit River under the Grosse Ile Bridge in Wayne Co., MI.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-68344269668760032802011-07-04T20:39:00.000-04:002011-07-04T20:39:34.863-04:00

Bank Swallows at the the south end of Cell 4 in Pt. Mouillee SGA, Monroe Co., MI. Dickcissel, Spotted Sandpiper, and Savannah Sparrow.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-79895794656372742222011-07-04T20:31:00.000-04:002011-07-04T20:31:07.681-04:00

White-faced Ibis and possible intermediate (hybrid) at Pt. Mouillee SGA, Monroe Co., MI on 11 June 2011.  Full story and more pics on my Birding/Digiscoping Blog. A Dickcissel pic from the same day!

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-43641198488318026482011-06-05T16:16:00.003-04:002011-06-05T16:16:36.675-04:00

Yes, Chuck, Redneck Phalaropes DO have mullets.   These didn't. I parked at Siegler Rd. this morning and biked the North Causeway of Pt. Mouillee out to the Banana Unit.  I stopped long enough to digiscope this pair of Osprey setting up shop in the Vermet Unit.  Great to see the new platform being put to use after 2+ years.  It'll be a nice compliment to the Osprey pair in the Humphries Unit. I

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-58827965599213990692011-06-02T11:17:00.002-04:002011-06-02T21:33:02.015-04:00

Reeve at Pt. Mouillee SGA this morning.  Digiscoped from ~70 yds.  Red-necked Phalaropes at Pt. Mouillee this morning.  Digiscoped from 30 yds. Click here for full story on my other blog! 

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-19263101368012222602011-04-28T20:10:00.002-04:002011-04-29T06:31:23.085-04:00

Thanks to several posts from Paul Cypher today, I headed down to Lake Erie Metropark, Wayne Co., MI this evening to look for the Ross's Goose found near the Wave Pool.  Between 6 - 6:30 pm I was able to digiscope the bird from about ~100 ft. using a Zeiss 85T*Fl Diascope and 45X W eyepiece, Nikon Coolpix P6000 and homemade adaptor.  I set exposure compensation to -1.7 and shot Aperture Priority.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-11151953232190247402011-04-28T20:09:00.000-04:002011-04-28T20:09:16.331-04:00

Greater Yellowlegs at Pt. Mouillee SGA on 09 Apr 2011.  Dunlin at Pt. Mouillee SGA on 15 Apr 2011. Ring-billed Gulls learning to fly... 15 Apr 2011.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-27274525373838186222011-03-28T18:20:00.000-04:002011-03-28T18:20:16.118-04:00

Digiscoped at Pt. Mouillee SGA 19 Mar 2011.  From ~20'.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-69164162270739847992011-03-21T18:21:00.000-04:002011-03-21T18:21:19.530-04:00

Spent a long weekend in Nassau, Bahamas w/ my lovely wife, and had the opportunity to get in some digiscoping.  Highlights were Caribbean Coot, Northern Mockingbird, Smooth-billed Ani, White-cheeked Pintail, Loggerhead Kingbird, American Kestrel (Bahama race), and the ultimate prize, a Bahama Woodstar that preened and fluffed for numerous pics and a video! Full story and more pics on my birding/

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-52417988787507945382011-03-07T17:44:00.001-05:002011-03-08T06:45:14.750-05:00

Questionable Ross's Goose (Chen rossii).  Belle Isle Park in the Detroit River. Digiscoped this dark-phased bird this afternoon from about 90'.  Thanks to Allen Chartier for finding it, and to Joe Agius for reporting it!  Within minutes of posting these images it has become apparent that the bird shown does not appear to be a pure Ross's Goose, but a possible hybrid.  More information to come..

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-91096332952073811382011-02-27T18:36:00.002-05:002011-02-27T18:36:42.728-05:00

Its dark, overcast, and lightly drizzling, so I'm bummed that its a lousy day for bird photography.  So, after moping around for a bit I decided to pull out a Nikon SB-600 flash and mount it to the Nikon Coolpix P6000 and see how well the combo digiscopes using a Better Beamer flash extender. The setup is a bit on the bulky side, but tightening down the ring on the homemade adaptor keeps the

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-50119750703470285882011-02-27T15:34:00.001-05:002011-02-27T15:38:21.195-05:00

Killdeer digiscoped from ~30' at Lake Erie Metropark 22 Feb 2011. American Kestrel digiscoped from about 150' at Pt. Mouillee SGA 24 Feb 2011.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-2596117738785643612011-02-09T21:29:00.000-05:002011-02-09T21:29:49.944-05:00

Digiscoped in Pt. Huron, MI from approx. 90'.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-9912263936348297482011-02-02T20:31:00.000-05:002011-02-02T20:31:22.447-05:00

Digiscoped from about 60' at Pt. Mouillee SGA.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-53677550124897654132011-01-23T08:51:00.000-05:002011-01-23T08:51:55.680-05:00

Peregrine Falcon and Red-tailed Hawk digiscoped at Lake Erie Metropark, Wayne Co., MI on 22 Jan 2011.  Full story on my birding/digiscoping blog.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-27218476196943773322011-01-16T20:28:00.000-05:002011-01-16T20:28:50.003-05:00

I've put together a slide show of my favorite digiscoped images from 2011. Click on the link below, or the image on the right side of the page to access the slide show.  The first several images are my setup, followed by bird pics. Enjoy! http://www.pbase.com/jourdaj/digiscoping2010&view=slideshow

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-16137137517997158222011-01-15T11:26:00.002-05:002011-01-15T11:26:49.939-05:00

Robin and I were to fly back to Detroit this afternoon, so it was my last opportunity to do a bit of birding this morning.  So I grabbed the scope and headed across the street to the drainage pond to see what was about. The sun was still rising, so the majority of the pond was still in the shade.  Still, there was good activity with a number of waterbirds about. An immature Glossy Ibis was

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-87218404567844412642011-01-05T22:03:00.001-05:002011-01-05T22:04:55.066-05:00

Wonderful opportunity to digiscope Red-shouldered Hawk, American Bittern, and other Florida birds at this location.  Full story on my Birding/Digiscoping Blog!

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-66286878931617190082010-12-18T15:38:00.000-05:002010-12-18T15:38:12.342-05:00

Day 2 of our U.P. outing started with me driving over to the Sugar Island ferry in Sault Ste. Marie.  It was just after dawn and nothing was quite moving yet.  I then drove south along Riverside Dr. toward the Dunbar Forest area (12 mile Rd.) but made a stop at 9 mile Rd. where I'd seen Sharp-tailed Grouse in the past. As I approached 9 Mile Rd. a pair of Sharp-tailed Grouse flew across the road

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-20703403173168887462010-12-17T21:01:00.001-05:002010-12-17T21:03:09.289-05:00

Digiscoped at Pt. Mouillee SGA from about 15-20'.  Full story on my birding/digiscoping blog.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-34802742805210479182010-12-04T20:24:00.000-05:002010-12-04T20:24:51.117-05:00

A nice find for SE Michigan any time of the year, and especially in winter!  Digiscoped from about 30' w/ the 45X eyepiece on the Zeiss 85T*Fl w/ the Coolpix P6000 and homemade adaptor.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-7567821514241446182010-11-14T08:26:00.000-05:002010-11-14T08:26:50.228-05:00

Digiscoped from 10' (I couldn't back up any farther, and was at the limit of close-focus w/ the Zeiss 85T*Fl).

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-19586779976679734722010-11-12T21:28:00.000-05:002010-11-12T21:28:36.806-05:00

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-65449062251055670242010-10-17T18:14:00.000-04:002010-10-17T18:14:29.740-04:00

Robin and I drove out to Fisherman's Island State Park in Charlevoix Co. this morning. I hiked the dunes toward the island with the hopes of stirring up an Ammodramus sparrow, but dipped. A pair of Northern Harriers were harrassing a pair of Northern Ravens over the island, and one even drifted my way, but turned away before I could get any closer to it. As I headed toward the tip of the island

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-5231334459298218092010-10-09T22:02:00.002-04:002010-10-09T22:08:40.847-04:00

Some digiscoped images from this morning's trip to Crosswinds Marsh in western Wayne Co.  Full story on my blog:

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-83512736924571147222010-10-08T21:12:00.002-04:002010-10-08T21:12:35.490-04:00

After dinner tonight, Robin, Buffy, Asia and I spent some quality time in the back yard, enjoying the sunny skies and warm October weather.  As we sat on the driveway we were entertained by at least three Golden-crowned Kinglets that were feeding in the White Pine in the neighbor's yard.  At one point all three birds were perched on the telephone wire just a few feet overhead. I could've gotten

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-80859410999443285992010-08-21T15:27:00.003-04:002010-09-24T08:01:27.221-04:00

This juvenile King Rail is verified proof of successful breeding in SE Michigan for the first time since 2005. Full story on my Birding/Digiscoping Blog!

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-78381756019015920182010-08-09T07:23:00.010-04:002010-08-09T07:29:44.129-04:00

Digiscoped at Pt. Mouillee SGA using Zeiss 85T*FL, 40X fixed eyepiece, Nikon Coolpix P6000 and homemade adaptor.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-90206793297294174152010-07-30T20:09:00.003-04:002010-07-30T20:13:54.880-04:00

Digiscoped at Pt. Mouillee SGA.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-75785030773438550502010-07-26T21:06:00.001-04:002010-07-26T21:06:46.311-04:00

Forecasts called for storms this evening and oppressive heat this weekend. So I decided to make a 'quick' run to Pt. Mouillee before work. I arrived at Mouillee Creek and had the bike on the trail at 6 am. I headed up the Middle Causeway and took in the early morning serenade of Marsh Wrens, Swamp Sparrows, Eastern Kingbirds, and a first Willow Flycatcher of the summer. The sun was just rising,

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-19893772117792133102010-07-15T21:22:00.004-04:002010-07-15T21:24:49.833-04:00

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-26314707821740294812010-07-07T19:48:00.010-04:002010-07-07T20:03:21.528-04:00

Digiscoped at Pt. Mouillee SGA, Monroe Co., MI USA on 04 Jul 2010 ©2010 J.S. Jourdan

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-33559715194864203252010-07-04T18:50:00.020-04:002010-07-05T15:36:53.303-04:00

With the purchase of the new Zeiss 30X/40X Eyepiece I needed to build a new digiscoping adaptor for my Nikon Coolpix P6000. At 48 mm diameter the eyepiece is 8 mm narrower than the 20-60X Zoom Eyepiece, and thus too small for my current adaptor. So, in order to fully test the eyepiece in the field it was important to have an adaptor that is quick to set up and stable in the field. A trip to

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-40153003299529540742010-07-03T07:27:00.003-04:002010-07-03T07:31:01.245-04:00

Digiscoped from about 60' at 7:30 pm along Hagermann Rd. in Monroe Co., MI.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-13809126544146111722010-07-02T18:19:00.003-04:002010-07-02T18:31:51.523-04:00

I've just received the 'NEW' Zeiss 30X/40X Wide-angle eyepiece from Eagle Optics today. I purchased with the idea of reviewing the eyepiece, and deciding if its worth keeping. After 10 minutes with it, I'll be keeping it. Initial impression? Bright, sharp, clear, and no evidence of chromatic aberration (even when focusing on white siding in the late afternoon sunshine). The Nikon Coolpix P6000

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-85438609066501151902010-06-27T20:00:00.043-04:002010-07-11T13:11:18.535-04:00

After posting this blog I received a detailed response from Kevin Karlson describing both birds as Short-billed Dowitchers. I've since reposted the blog with his comments here. This morning I took a quick ride out to Cell 3 of the Banana Unit at Pt. Mouillee SGA in Monroe Co., MI. Strong storms moving across the area that last few days got me wondering if any odd birds might show up, so I made

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-70237758658481577582010-06-26T19:25:00.003-04:002010-06-26T19:26:26.132-04:00

Digiscoped at Grandfather Mountain in Boone, NC from about 20'.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-9009041920013523802010-06-13T17:04:00.006-04:002010-06-13T17:14:06.599-04:00

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-51133998497521838972010-06-02T08:13:00.003-04:002010-06-02T08:14:24.203-04:00

Pt. Mouillee SGA. 20 ft. Digiscoped w/ Zeiss 85 T*Fl and 20-60X zoom eyepiece. Coolpix P6000 and homemade adaptor.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-83189655524569403052010-05-03T20:35:00.001-04:002010-05-03T20:37:29.135-04:00

A Greater Yellowlegs at Fisherman's Island State Park in Charlevoix Co., MI.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-90864711152328940392010-04-23T06:58:00.007-04:002010-04-23T07:04:34.462-04:00

Some digiscoped images from 2010 HMANA Conference in Duluth, MN. Full story on my Birding/Digiscoping Blog.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-34826432661930852992010-04-11T11:18:00.005-04:002010-04-11T14:48:29.369-04:00

Magee Marsh at the Black Swamp Bird Observatory in Ohio. This Brown Thrasher was singing a loud serenade at 8 am in the morning sunlight and stayed long enough for a nice digiscoped video. Note the TWICE-REPEATING, MOCKINGBIRD-LIKE call!

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-55099743415024373752010-04-03T08:41:00.005-04:002010-04-03T08:45:00.410-04:00

Lesser Scaup @ Pt. Mouillee, 02 Apr 2010. Digiscoped from ~150 ft.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-17214261854466955362010-04-02T15:20:00.000-04:002010-04-03T08:32:13.236-04:00

A sunny afternoon and mild temps prompted Robin and me to drive out to Oakwoods Metropark (Wayne Co.) to look for Eastern Bluebirds and Eastern Meadowlarks. I was a bit worried that we might still be a bit early for the meadowlarks, but quickly heard one calling as we neared the horse trail parking lot. Just before the turn off to head to the nature center we heard several meadowlarks calling

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-80299060176163873832010-03-23T21:19:00.010-04:002010-04-03T08:32:54.885-04:00

Wait for it.... "Konk-la-reeee" Thank you!

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-89453523356846225432010-02-24T07:06:00.006-05:002010-04-03T08:33:32.629-04:00

This American Pipit has been wintering here at Pt. Mouillee HQ, Wayne Co., MI since November 2009. It is most easily found by the stand of spruce trees next to the boat launch feeding on the ground or roosting in the trees. This weekend was the Birding on Ice outing, and visitors were treated to this not-so-common wintering bird. This may be the first record of an American Pipit seen in Jan/Feb

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-61627096609628816962010-02-09T19:34:00.004-05:002010-02-09T19:42:06.628-05:00

I first suspected this bird to be a young Great Black-backed Gull from what I felt was a rather large bill and dark eye. However, after reviewing images, it appears to be a 2nd- cycle American Herring Gull. The bill is large, but not bulky, and the gray back feathers suggest a 2nd-3rd cycle bird. However, the primaries are brown and white, and not black, tan and white as would be found in younger

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-91584908557986845492010-01-30T07:40:00.002-05:002010-01-30T07:42:09.749-05:00

Closest full moon we'll see in 2010! Just before sunset it was the size of Jupiter!

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-4286404387413059972010-01-27T19:12:00.010-05:002010-01-29T09:46:51.965-05:00

This year I've decided its time to start posting my digiscoped images directly to this blog page. So, w/o further adieu, here are my first set of images from Saturday's trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The full story of this outing, along w/ additional photos and videos, can be found on my Birding/Digiscoping Page.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-10058825435477793522009-11-04T19:32:00.012-05:002009-11-04T20:13:13.317-05:00

I've spent the better part of an hour reviewing some of the fine images that other digiscopers have entered in this year's Digiscoper of the Year Contest sponsored by BirdWatcher's Digest and Swarovski Optik. There are some wonderful entries! You should check them out. I sent in some entries, myself, and won't feel bad at all if I get the major snub. Sure, I'll cry, and pout, and throw a tantrum,

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-44138144501747625152009-09-04T21:12:00.014-04:002009-09-04T23:18:47.230-04:00

A few weeks ago I received an e-mail from Glenn Chan, author of Free Photoshop Plugins website, offering me to download his "free" Colormancer's Freeware Boundary Noise Reduction Plugin for Photoshop (CS and Elements). Glenn suggested I evaluate it as a free post-processing tool for digiscopers and photographers. So I decided to download it and try it out. The following is my review of the

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-62078926979287502272009-08-04T19:03:00.028-04:002009-08-07T06:44:50.396-04:00

I've had this camera for a few weeks now and felt the need to comment on its performance. In a word? "Yes!" As I noted in a previous post my Coolpix P5100 took an unexpected three-and-a-half gainer out of my pocket and onto the rocks at my feet. It still focuses, and takes video just fine. However, if I try to take an image I end up w/ an overexposed image full of hundreds of horizontal lines.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-28087151191727068782009-05-13T21:22:00.008-04:002009-05-13T22:55:21.768-04:00

A number of digiscopers have commented that they seem to get better images when the scope is slightly defocused, thus allowing the camera to find the right focal plane. A couple of Birdforum threads have addressed this issue (1), (2). Since I sometimes have issues trying to keep focus in the field, I decided to perform some experiments under controlled conditions to determine the limits of 'my'

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-54012542331135042952009-02-08T19:23:00.023-05:002009-02-08T21:07:29.069-05:00

I decided to put this post together after playing a bit this morning with the digiscoping setup. The Common Redpolls, Pine Siskins and American Goldfinches were going to town on the thistle feeders outside the kitchen window, so I decided to open the window and digiscope from inside the house. I set the tripod in the kitchen sink (I moved the dirty dishes!....) and aimed the Zeiss 85T*Fl w/ 20-

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-68904340652106578752008-11-05T11:16:00.003-05:002008-11-05T11:18:31.070-05:00

I've finally gotten around to sorting some images, and have generated a gallery of digiscoped images acquired in 2008. I'll be adding to the gallery as I go, but in the meantime, if you click on the image in the side bar you'll go to a slideshow of images in Pbase. Enjoy!

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-68672603322758494282008-09-27T22:05:00.021-04:002008-09-28T10:09:23.542-04:00

I must confess. Although I love my Nikon Coolpix P5000 and the images that it produces, the small sensor associated with P&S cameras cannot generate the silky smooth images one can get from the larger DSLR's. And, although I’ve been happy with the output from P5000, it produces an extremely noisy image (even at ISO 100) compared to the above. So I typically resort to post-processing my digiscoped

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-82682891272314836592008-09-10T20:05:00.019-04:002008-09-11T19:21:47.150-04:00

Having received a new Nikon ED50 Fieldscope, courtesy of the good folks at Wildbird Magazine and Nikon*, I decided to put it to the test as a digiscoping setup. The scope came with a 13 – 30X eyepiece, but I tested the unit with the 27x DS eyepiece. I used my current digiscoping camera and adaptor (Nikon Coolpix P5000 and homemade adaptor, which consists of a Canon LADC58F and Teflon tape

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-35879115138600086162008-04-12T15:24:00.005-04:002008-04-12T16:22:39.864-04:00

Inspired by my friend Pat's digiscoping adaptor (PVC reducer pipe that fits Nikon ED50 scope eyepiece to Fuji F50) I decided to upgrade my current adaptor to make a more convenient setup with my Nikon Coolpix P5000.My current adaptor is a pesto jar lid and nylon hose clamp rig similar to this one for the Fuji F30. It does a wonderful job aligning the camera and makes for a hands-free setup, but

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-44909752677748211882008-03-12T20:48:00.001-04:002008-09-13T12:56:07.731-04:00

What is Digiscoping? Spotting Scope + Adapter + Compact Digital Camera = Super telephotography It is simply using your spotting scope as a telephoto lens. Place your compact digital camera up to the eyepiece and fire away. An adapter allows you to 'connect' the camera for more stability and centering the camera lens with the scope eyepiece. Originated: 1999 Laurence Poh, Malaysia – Grandfather

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-25681289157498276512008-03-11T20:48:00.001-04:002008-09-13T12:56:32.257-04:00

What kind of magnifications can I get? On my Zeiss 85T*Fl Spotting scope w/ 20-60X eyepiece, I'm able to use my Fuji F30 (3X) camera to take images from approx. 20 - 180X. I carry a Nikon D70 and Sigma 400mm f/5.6 + 1.4X Kenko Pro Teleconverter to get a 560 mm equivalent lens (not taking into account the 1.6 crop factor of the sensor). From the same distance the view through the Nikon/Sigma

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-77742453603888631372008-03-10T20:47:00.002-04:002008-09-13T12:56:51.761-04:00

What do I need to get started? As mentioned before, you really only need a compact digital camera (point and shoot) and a spotting scope. An adapter is recommended if you don't want to hand-hold shots, and other accessories can be added to increase your photographing pleasure. Birdforum.net's Digiscoping Forum is a great resource for obtaining the latest information from actual users worldwide.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-19693775610617831332008-03-09T20:46:00.003-04:002008-09-13T12:57:12.165-04:00

Spotting Scopes - Larger the objective the better! (77 – 85 mm) = More Light!!!! Pretty self-explanatory. The smaller, compact (50-65mm) scopes are great to carry and probably provide 95% of the view you'll ever want, but they provide less light than the scopes with larger objectives. The old rule of thumb in photography states that you should shoot at a speed that matches your lens (1/500 sec.

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-81274213692687764942008-03-08T20:46:00.001-05:002008-09-13T12:57:32.027-04:00

Cameras Today's consumer is inundated with tons of new cameras that hit the market every year. Digiscoping got its start from the use of a compact digital camera (or point & shoot) with a 3X optical zoom. Now, mega-zoom cameras up to 12X are available, and most folks think that bigger is better. Not so! Reason? Vignetting! That dreaded black circle or shadow observed along the outside of your

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-42981211641399671192008-03-07T20:45:00.009-05:002008-09-21T11:07:22.106-04:00

First Classics: - Nikon Coolpix 990, 995, 4500 – 8400 - Contax U4R The CP990 and 995 provided the key ingredients for a digiscoper. The Coolpix 8400 was perhaps the best of the early classics. Unfortunately, they were discontinued and replaced with newer lines of cameras that did not cater to the needs of digiscoping. The Contax U4R came along and provided a 'faster' camera in a smaller,

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-1501420704680187072008-03-06T20:44:00.001-05:002008-09-13T12:58:10.638-04:00

Settings Camera settings can make or break a day out in the field digiscoping. First thing to stress, is "know your camera" before you get out into the field. I learned this the hard way during our 2005 CBC in Monroe, MI. It was -25ºF w/ windchills to -40ºF on Lake Erie and we had just spotted a Willet on the shore of Lake Erie on December 17th. This was a state record CBC bird and we needed to

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-29743427216868826862008-03-05T20:44:00.002-05:002008-09-14T19:21:04.828-04:00

Adapters Probably the most difficult aspect of digiscoping is 'connecting' the camera to spotting scope. Precise alignment of camera lens to eyepiece is critical for vignette-free, uniform illumination, and sharp focus. Many options are available and much has been discussed. Check out Andy Bright's Digiscoping Forum for user reviews and discussions of the many options that include: - Handheld

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-81068240952058161912008-03-04T20:43:00.000-05:002008-09-14T20:55:01.585-04:00

Take that Picture! Many digiscopers emphasize the benefits and need for a cable release to take quality images. I don't have the setup to support a cable release, thus I have to resort to hand-held shooting, or self-timer shooting. I don't feel like I'm missing out at all, since I'm not convinced that a cable release system is necessary. Reason? A cable release helps minimize vibration to a

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-11818776191129071422008-03-03T20:43:00.000-05:002008-09-14T21:07:06.476-04:00

Now what? – It’s Post-Processing Time! Cameras do a wonderful job adjusting white balance, sharpness, etc. However, I've seen many a disappointed digiscoper when the image that looked great through their viewfinder looked dull, dark and not-handsome when transferred to the web. This is because the camera processes the image data when its played back in review-mode, so you are not seeing the real

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-36496589381104300612008-03-03T20:42:00.001-05:002008-09-14T21:35:57.204-04:00

Workflow My workflow for processing images involves adjusting for brightness/contrast, color balance, cropping (if necessary), selective enhancement, selective cloning, sharpening and noise reduction. – Adjust brightness/contrast You can compensate for an underexposed image but you can’t compensate for an overexposed image. So always make sure that your images don’t contain too many blown

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-75533063605999389672008-03-01T20:41:00.000-05:002008-09-14T21:49:00.618-04:00

File Saving: I’ll save several versions of every processed image. 1) Original image out of the camera – 3648x2736 ~ 2.8 Mb – do not alter! 2) Processed image saved as a TIFF ~ 15Mb size – use for printing image on photo paper. 3) TIFF image then downsized to 800x600. I'll sometimes add a touch of Unsharpening (Amount=50%, Radius=0.5, Threshold=0) and saved as a JPG Compression=8 gives a 90Kb

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-946262329184476922008-02-29T20:41:00.000-05:002008-09-14T21:52:18.711-04:00

Digiscoping and Web 2.0 Links: Blogs and Communities - Andy Bright’s Digiscoping Forum http://www.birdforum.net/ - Mike McDowell’s Birding/Digiscoping Blog http://www.birddigiscoping.com/blog.html - Andy Holt’s Digiscoped British Birds http://homepage.ntlworld.com/andy.holt/digiscope/ - Jeff Bouton’s Leica Birding Blog http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/leica/index.html - Laura Erickson’s Birding

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123236977778997799.post-35342974533913569902007-04-30T07:26:00.000-04:002007-11-08T07:23:08.824-05:00

I wanted to share my homemade digiscoping adaptor in case anyone is looking to fit their camera to scope in a cheap manner. I made mine to fit the F30 to my Zeiss 85T*Fl and 20-60X zoom eyepiece, but I believe the setup can be modified to fit any camera to any scope. My setup makes use of a 2.5" pesto jar lid and nylon hose clamps to support and center the camera over the eyepiece lens. The jar

Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685987073684961223noreply@blogger.com1