Digiscoping is Child’s Play
June 30, 2009
Article in: Photography
Digiscoping1 requires a lot of practice to get the hang of. Some amazing photographers have mastered this technique and can produce some unbelievable shots of birds that are normally beyond the range of traditional digital cameras.
However, the concept and execution of digiscoping is rather easy once you get a little practice in. I took Dakota birding with the sole purpose of letting him have full control of the digiscoping rig. Manipulating the scope/tripod into position required a little assistance but once we found a good place to scope out, Dakota began to shoot. As an 11-year old, it is often difficult to keep Dakota from fidgeting or getting impatient. But, by allowing him (and other kids) the opportunity to use expensive (and durable) equipment gives him the sense of responsibility and helps to teach patience, a trait missing in many children (and adults).
Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any birds that would light long enough to be photographed, but Dakota had a great time being his Uncle’s helper. Remember, not only can you teach kids to digiscope, they make excellent Sherpas when you don’t feel like carrying your gear.
1digiscoping is the combining of a spotting scope and a digital camera to take a long-range photograph
Marketing Monday: Review of Seth Godin’s Purple Cow
June 29, 2009
Article in: Bird Conservation
Seth Godin is regarded as one of the best marketing thinkers of our day and has produced several best-selling, easy-to-read (and understand) books on the subject. Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable
The concept and real world examples are perfect for the birding and bird blogging community. Essentially, when faced with all the other available activities (video games for example) how can conservation marketers, bird clubs, etc. grab attention? We need purple cows.
There’s not much special about a cow. But wouldn’t it be truly remarkable if that cow was purple? That is the underlying principle of Godin’s 130+ page book. For those wanting to promote birding, we suggest adapting this concept in a slightly different way. Instead of cows, we can refer to them as purple gulls. Wouldn’t it be pretty remarkable to see a purple gull?
With his real-world examples and conceptionally spot on treatments, Seth Godin’s Purple Cow is well worth the read for anyone wanting to promote birds, birding, and conservation.
Bird Photography Weekly #44
June 28, 2009
Article in: Bird Photography Weekly
Join in on the 44th edition of Bird Photography Weekly Do you have an idea on how to improve BPW? Increase participation? Let us know!
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Get Your Duck (Conservation) Stamp Now!
June 26, 2009
Article in: Bird Conservation
Federal Duck Stamps are the single best way to conserve habitat for birds and other wildlife. 98% of the $15.00 cost goes directly to improving and purchasing habitat. This is land that is not just for ducks or duck hunters.
Purchase your stamp (get two!) here.
Phriday Photo – Lake of the Ozarks
June 26, 2009
Article in: Photography
Jennie’s internship led her to the MWCC Environmental Conference in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. This is a view from her elegant hotel room overlooking the gorgeous scenery.
I and the Bird #103 – Take Me Out to the Ballgame
June 25, 2009
Article in: Birding
The days are long, the weather is hot, and the sights, sounds, and smells of summer are in the air. What better way to spend the day than at Birdfreak Stadium for a game of birding baseball. Today’s game is the visiting Rancho Cucamonga Falcons and the home favorite, Seven State Cardinals.
Pre-game
Parking at the stadium is at a premium so it is best to get there early. Nature Remains arrived as the gates opened, and was ready for some tailgating.
Before long, more fans arrived, including Greg Laden who was decked out in body paint from head to toe and Greentangle, sporting a foam finger falcon.
Batting practice was just getting underway and Cardinal players were signing autographs. Rosyfinch Ramblings was ecstatic to get ace pitcher Mary Lou’s autograph.
After infield practice it was time for the National Anthem, sung by the artistic Tara Young. Then it was ready to start the game. Play Ball!!
1st Inning
The Falcons jumped out to an early lead, thanks to Ben Cruachan’s two-run double.
The Cardinals threatened with back-to-back base knocks but a swift double play from Space Coast Beach Buzz ended the rally.
Falcons 2, Cardinals 0
2nd Inning
The Falcons went down 1-2-3 thanks to the excellent pitching of YC Wee from the Bird Ecology Study Group.
Fear of a pitching battle quickly subsided as the Cardinals put up three runs including a two-run dinger from The Greenbelt.
Cardinals 3, Falcons 2
3rd Inning
An otherwise uneventful 1/2 inning was interrupted by a streaker who made it to centerfield before getting tackled by Chicago Bird Watching and escorted off the field.
With two outs and a runner on third, Seabrooke Leckie from The Marvelous in Nature tripled off the wall and scored on a wild pitch.
Cardinals 5, Falcons 2
4th Inning
Those wanting to take a break from the heat were invited to the Birder’s Lounge to sample Dryocopus pileatus martinis.
The Falcons scored one but were robbed of a game-tying homer when Wren made a leaping catch at the wall.
The Cardinals failed to score but the fans were entertained by the dancing styles of the Qarsauq at the end of the inning.
Cardinals 5, Falcons 3
5th Inning
The Cardinals turned an unassisted triple play thanks to IDEALS.
In the bottom half of the inning, the Cardinals left the bases loaded, but the details are sketchy on how it happened.
Out in right field, many fans were enjoying the newly installed “Wanderin’ Weeta Duck Pond“, which of course is full of ducks.
Cardinals 5, Falcons 3
6th Inning
The sun began to set and the lights were turned on. The Falcons proceeded to light up the scoreboard with an RBI triple by Vickie Henderson and a three-run double by DaveA’s Birding Blog.
Falcons 7, Cardinals 5
7th Inning
The concession stands were hopping as the fans couldn’t get enough of the Nuttall’s Woodpecker Homemade Sappy-Insect Ice Cream.
7th Inning Stretch
While “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” blared on the P.A. system, team sponsors gave away free hot dogs to celebrate Bird Photography Weekly.
The Cardinals filled the bases and eventually scored after a long at-bat that led to a walk.
Falcons 7, Cardinals 6
8th Inning
Rick Wright hit a pinch hit double and then reached third on a wild pitch. While the Cardinal’s pitcher was distracted by a large flock of Greater Flamingoes, he stole home!!
Falcons 8, Cardinals 6
9th Inning
In the top of the ninth a commotion broke out at the world-famous Birdfreak Sushi Bar when a Great Blue Heron went fishing without paying.
In the bottom of the ninth with two outs (go figure!) Mighty Corey came to bat and tied the game with a massive home run that nearly made it to Kazakhstan.
Cardinals 8, Falcons 8
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Falcons 2 0 0 1 0 4 0 1 0 8 16 0
Cardinals 0 3 2 0 0 0 1 0 2 8 14 1
Extra Innings!!
Well, it looks like this game is going into extra innings. Keep on playing and watching in the next edition of I and the Bird hosted by A birding blog by Gunnar Engblom.
If for whatever reason I missed your submission for this week’s I and the Bird (most likely if the email went into the SPAM dungeon), feel free to email me a link and I’ll put it up on the sidebar.
