First shots with the Kowa 1.6 extender

Below are just a few of the images I've got recently using the new Kowa 1.6 extender on my Kowa 883 'scope and 25-60x eyepiece.  The quality of the new extender is impressive and very sharp.  More to follow...

Bramble finches

The upper shot was taken with a Canon 400d, and 300mm IS f.4, the lower shot taken digiscoping using a Canon S90, Swarovski ATS 80 HD, 20x eyepiece, and universal adapter. Both shot RAW and converted using Canon DPP, then resized in Photoshop. Pretty similar quality I would say. Bramblings, Southill, 9th January 2011.

Bonus Brambling blog shots

Here are some shots taken in my garden over the last couple of weeks. Some are taken with a borrowed Canon 500mm IS f.4 lens, but most are taken with my trusty 300mm. They are absolutely superb birds to have in your garden.

Finchy fun

Just like last winter, my garden is quickly becoming a haven for finches. I'm getting 20+ Goldfinches, 20+ Greenfinches, 25+ Chaffinches and 11+ Bramblings at the moment. Interestingly, one of the male Bramblings is ringed. I wonder if it's a returning bird from last year?

Garden finchfest

Dispite the weather being horrible out there, the birds don't seem to mind too much. Another top count of Bramlings today at 27 all at once - I'm sure there are well over 30 visiting my garden at the moment. Also up to 20 Goldfinches and plenty of Greenfinches and Chaffinches too. They are eating a LOT of sunflower hearts though!

Bird Garden Brambling Watch!

Just finished my hour watching the garden (08:30-09:30), with a staggering top count of Bramblings being the highlight -
Brambling - 25
Chaffinch - 14
Goldfinch - 11
Starling - 7
Greenfinch - 5
Blackbird - 2
Collared Dove - 1
Robin - 1
Dunnock - 1
Great Tit - 1 (the garden rarity for the day!)
Also Skylark singing, Yellowhammers near-by and a flock of Greylags over too.

Not bad at all!

The images at the top were taken in my garden a few weeks ago.