Saturday, August 28, 2010

Finding Comfort in Texas

 Early morning on Cypress Creek in Comfort, Texas, sitting with a cup or coffee and equipped with my camera and binoculars, that’s where I recently found myself. While the rest of the state was burning up, even at that early hour, we were comfortable, pun intended. The family vacation was short and did not involve a lot of travel this year. We found ourselves revisiting one of our favorite spots, Comfort.
 One of the grand draws to this small town is the ease and tranquility one can find on the banks of Cypress Creek. Deer come to feed around 8:00 AM attracted by corn. We counted 16 one morning and 20 the next.
 There are birds to see and listen for as well. Red Bellied Woodpeckers, Carolina Chickadees, Cardinals, and wrens all come to call. On one of our walks down to the ball fields we found Barn Swallows and heard the call of a Red Shouldered Hawk. Yet, the best birds were a flock of Lesser Goldfinches. I tried but was unsuccessful at getting a decent picture of the goldfinches

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Sunday, August 15, 2010

Hummingbird Nest

Eighteen species of hummingbirds are found in Texas. But how often does one find a nest? Well, I have. Pictured is the nest of a Ruby Throated Hummingbird. Actually, the bird gave it away. I was taking a break from my work at my office window. While looking up I saw a female hummer flying a short back and forth pattern. It perched just to the left of the nest for a few seconds and off it went again. It was enough for me to focus on the nest.


It is just as the experts describe it to be. The nest looks like a mossy ball. It is on a small limb which descends at an angle. And it was about 25 feet up with the ground sloping away precipitously.

 
This locale for the nest explains a curious event I notice several days ago. One afternoon I noticed a Tufted Titmouse being harassed by a hummer. I had never seen this before. The titmouse was on a branch not ten feet from the nest, although I didn’t realize it at the time. The hummer was flying tight vertical circles around the much larger titmouse causing it to jump and reverse its position on the branch. After attempting to keep up with the hummer for a while, the titmouse flew away. All this I know believe was about defending the nest.


The nest, I believe, is empty now. I will continue to fill my feeders, though. Hummers and other birds are feeding like mad these days, trying to fatten up for migration. I’m not worrying about keeping any of the birds from migrating. They will go when it is time. They know.

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Sunday, August 8, 2010

Review of the Vortex Diamondback Binocular

Since you are considering a new binocular, consider the Vortex Diamondback. First, note that Vortex Optics has implemented argon purging of all its models. This is important because this sets Vortex binoculars above and beyond others. Argon, an inert gas, is used in these models to water and fog proof. Argon does not attack the seals and o-rings. The choice of this gas instead of nitrogen leads to an extended life of the binocular.

The Diamondback is a roof prism type of binocular. This allows for several important advantages. First, it allows for internal focusing which in turn is the reason for such great water and fog proofing. Secondly, its design is ergonomically balanced. It feels comfortable in your hands.

Its large field of view, 420 feet, makes this a binocular that is superb for the novice as well as the expert. With such a large field of view, it becomes much easier to locate even small song birds. This field of view is one of the best on the market.

If you are into searching for and viewing damsel flies and dragonflies, you will be interested in the close focus of 4.5 feet.

The Diamondback is a versatile model. The specifications discussed above make this an excellent choice for astronomy, birding, or butterfly viewing. It is as valuable in the woods as in a marine setting.

Vortex Optics endeavors to manufacture quality products. It is willing to back up this goal with a lifetime no questions asked warranty. They will repair or replace your item without asking for any explanation.

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