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ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

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  1. timtagel

    I've crossed to the other side

    Incredibly happy with my new SwarovskiSLC 8x42 HD binos. Went to my local optics store to get a pair of ex demo Ultravids as I have Trinovod BNs and was pointed to the HD SLCs. Wow was the reaction. So bright. So sharp. Great deal too. Plus the design and handling is excellent. So, although I...
  2. timtagel

    Mexico Field Guide Reccommendation please

    Off to the Yucatan soon and wondered what you'd take regarding a decent mobile field guide. Collins one looks the best under £20 from what I can see. Thanks
  3. timtagel

    Leica Trinovid 8x32BN - surely the best binocular ever produced!

    I say 'best', with some licence, for we all know that choosing the right model is a very personal decision. My nomination for this model, however, derives from its superb performance in, what I would consider, all the important factors in binocular design - namely: build quality, size...
  4. timtagel

    Which is better? Swarovski SLCNew 8x32 or Leica Trinovid 8x32 BN

    I ask because these bins are approx the same price. I know the SLCNew's are the most recent model and the Trinovids have been replaced by the Ultravids, but head to head what do you guys know about these two bins? My instinct says go for the Leicas - they may be older but I hear great things...
  5. timtagel

    Purchase advise please

    I'm in the process of choosing a pair of new Leica bins. I'm reluctant to spend almost £1,000 on pair of full sized Ultrvids and wondered how much of a compromise investing in the Ultravid 10x25 compact would be in comparison. They're excellent compacts, but even the 8 or 10x32s are some £400...
  6. timtagel

    What drives you go bird watching?

    What drives you to go bird watching? What is it that drives us to pick up the ole binos and head out in search of a new species to add to a list or re-visit familiar feathered friends? For me, bird watching has been in the immediate family all my life, but it's only since the death of my...
  7. timtagel

    Leica slim down bino range

    Hi, Many of you may have spotted this already, but a recent visit to the Leica website revealed the company seems to be pinning all its hopes on the HD range by scrapping much of the first edition of Ultravid full sized binos. Gone is the 32mm model and the only Ultravid 42mm is the leather...
  8. timtagel

    Ultravid - leather or rubber finish?

    Can't make up my mind which finish. What do you guys recommend and why?
  9. timtagel

    Is 7x42 the best combination or is it just purist pants?

    Discuss! ;) We all know the usual birdwatcher's choice is 8x42, but I read with regularity on here ravings for 7x42. The advantages being FOV, viewing ease etc. What do we think? Part of me agrees with this, but another, more mischievous part of me thinks these musings are akin to audiophile...
  10. timtagel

    Trinovid 7x42BN - still available?

    Hi there, Does anyone know if this model is still available new. I know Leica has discontinued it but wondered if there were stockpiles of unsold 7x42s lurking somewhere. I notice warehouse express have them on back order - anyone have any info or inside knowledge on this? Thanks in advance.
  11. timtagel

    Iceland/Glaucous Gull? Help please :-)

    I'm fortunate to live right by the shore on the Moray Firth and looked out this morning to see a gull that immediately caught my eye from the usual mix of herring, common and kittwakes etc. I didn't get a picture of it, so will try and describe it as best I can. I wondered if anyone here could...
  12. timtagel

    Within 5 feet of Crested Tits!

    I've spent many an hour wandering through Highland forests, head permanently pointing skyward to see if I can spot any fluttering crested tits in the canopy all to no avail. Until today, when I went to the Landmark country park in Carrbridge (10 miles from Aviemore) and got within 5 feet of two...
  13. timtagel

    Today on the Moray Firth

    Spend the morning at Tarbet Ness, which intersects the Moray and Dornoch Firth. Superb conditions and lots to see. Gannets - juvenile and adult Razorbill Divers - think red-throated but couldn't be sure Arctic and Great Skua - really pleased I saw these two - at relative close range. Usual...
  14. timtagel

    Gannets on the Moray Firth

    A good half dozen seen from my front garden overlooking the Firth putting on their usual spectacular diving displays, made even better by the appearance of our resident dolphins swimming by looking for lunch. Hadn't expected to see gannets this far in to the Firth but having read up a little on...
  15. timtagel

    Osprey on Moray Firth

    Had a treat this morning when an osprey was fishing in front of my house - what a sight - fabulous. Think I saw one or two more at a distance yesterday over the Dornoch Firth - possibly same bird as that's a relative stone's throw away. Not a bad view from the kitchen window when you're...
  16. timtagel

    Lost racing pigeon

    Hi New visitor to the garden seems to have taken a fancy to us and I presume from looking at it (white pigeon, blackish tail feathers) that we've got a lost racing pigeon. Will it survive and should we do anything to help it out short of inviting it in for tea ;-) Im a sentimental ole fool...
  17. timtagel

    Sandwich Terns on Moray Firth

    I've seen small numbers here in Balintore on the Moray Firth. Anyone else had many sightings of Terns - arctic, sandwich and others? Presuming I got my first glimpse of the year quite late on compared to others on this forum. Be interested to hear other's reports. :-)
  18. timtagel

    Is a service worth the hassle?

    Just picked up a pair of secondhand BNs - lovely and no probs with them, but wondered whether to get them serviced. 1. Is this worthwhile? The phrase 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' comes to mind. 2. I presume a Leica service is pretty expensive. 3. What does a service involve - cleaning...
  19. timtagel

    Nest Box advice

    Hi, Have recently moved to our new home where the previous owners have erected several nest boxes around the garden. I wondered if I should do anything to the boxes to 'help out' the local sparrows etc or leave well alone - ie insert nesting material etc. My instinct says let them get on with...
  20. timtagel

    Moray Firth Wander

    Gorgeous day on the Moray Firth today. Wandered around my local patch at the Seaboard Villages towards Nigg and saw a decent selection of birds and the largest fox I've seen in years. Here's the list: Pair of Stonechats - M&F Great Black Backs Shag Cormorant Buzzard Redshank Ringed Plover...
  21. timtagel

    My First Leicas

    Hi, Just picked up a pair of green Leica 10x42 BNs and am thrilled. Been after a pair for years and just love them. Much prefer the design and handling to the new Ultravids and the image quality is just wonderful. Glad to join the ole Leica club at last. :-)
  22. timtagel

    Nikon Fieldscope III offer - what's the catch?

    Hi, Many of you have probably seen the offer on Warehouse Express for this model. I know it's an old scope, but am wondering if it's any good. Am tempeted, but would like some expert guidance. Thanks in advance. Tim.
  23. timtagel

    Barefoot Birding

    Now that the warm weather is here I love to walk barefoot in the woods while birding. Anyone else like to do this?
  24. timtagel

    What's your favourite field guide?

    An old chestnut, but what the heck. I have loads of bird books, but it's not easy finding one small enough and comprehensive enough to use when out in the field - ie one that easily slips in the coat pocket. Of course, the Collins Bird Guide is arguably the best, but it's too big for my...
  25. timtagel

    Crossbill Advice

    Hi, I live in the Highlands and am looking to track down the Scottish Crossbill. Does anyone know of a specific wood etc where I might find them? I live on the Black Isle and my local wood has the Crested Tit etc and is mainly Scots Pine - ideal for the Crossbill, but so far I've had no...
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