FAQ's
Frequently
Asked Questions
We are in the process of completing
this section based on some of the more frequent enquiries we receive
on all aspects of birds and birdwatching.
What
is Digiscoping?
Not
a medical technique but a form of bird photography that involves
attaching a suitable digital camera to a spotting scope to obtain
extreme close-up images of the subject. The pocket-sized digital
camera is often attached to the scope via a tube type adapter, this
slides over the eyepiece at one end and has a thread at the other
end to screw onto the camera's lens. Locking screws can be tightened
so that the who ensemble is fixed solid to the eyepiece allowing
the scope + camera to be panned and tilted upon the tripod. The
scope is then focused via the camera's monitor and the shot can
be taken.
The
cameras involved are almost exclusively from the Nikon coolpix range
but many brands of spotting scope are suitable for use with the
method. The compact size of these cameras combined with the fact
that many birders are happy to carry a scope/tripod around with
them in the course of their hobby means that it is an attractive
method for all those who wish to have a permanent record of their
sighting. The results can be spectacular and printed to almost film
quality at sizes of up to 10x8 inches and even far larger sizes
for wall hung use where very close inspection is unlikely, alternatively
the images can be viewed on your computer monitor or used upon the
internet.
Written by Andy Bright of the Digiscoped U.K. Birds Website
http://www.digiscoped.com
See also our feature article, Digiscoping - The Basics.
Have
I seen a Humming Bird?
Well, the short answer is no - they are only found in
North, Central and South America. What you have probably seen is
something that looks and acts rather like one - a Humming Bird Hawk
Moth. Found mainly in southern Europe, a small number appear in
Britain, often feeding on garden flowers. The pictures below were
taken by one of our readers, K Cully and show how much like a humming
bird these day flying moths can look as they hover and fly backwards
and forwards feeding on nectar.
 
What
is this bird?
We
receive many emails asking about an unusual bird that has been seen,
and two species crop up more than most - Green Woodpecker and Jay.
Green
Woodpecker
Often described as having a green or yellow body with mention of
red on the head - this can only be this species. Many describe them
as digging about on their lawn - not where you may expect to see
a woodpecker! Ants are the reason you so often find Green Woodpeckers
on lawns - they are a favourite food that their long, sticky tongues
are ideal for collecting.
Jay
Pink,
blue or black and white - Jays are described as all these colours.
Mainly a bird of woodlands, especially associated with oaks, they
are often seen in gardens, especially where they are close to small
woods and hedgerows. The pinkish body plumage varies depending on
light conditions, and can look duller than illustrated. The two
best identification points are the striking white rump and characteristically
hesitant, undulating flight.
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