Measurement: (1metre=3.28feet); Optics: Fieldscope+ eyepiece x30M +FSBracket+ Digital Camera Binoculars 8×32
“I re-entered forest in between parenting bird feeds with more camouflage drapes, pegs and set up a selected hideout, where best view could be had amongst forest vegetation (below left).
“I set myself an imaginary ‘NO GO’ zone perimeter semi-circumference of no less than 20ft (6metres) radius from nest site for hand shot as seen in this image, leaving vegetation beyond intact, un-trodden for added forensic value. Nest is shown in red arrow (above right – 2 black corners shown in image/images is reflection of FSBracket attachment to digital camera photographed without zoom.)
“A hand held zoomed shot directed at nest to show distance from my hideout is also shown here for comparison. Note the dark corners have been cleared (below left).
“All nesting binocular observations and digiscopic-photography/video shots were taken from this hideout, positioned approx. 30ft (9m) from nesting site.
“The first nest photograph x30 magnification no digital zoom, verified by presence of camera vinetting, taken 0752hs. 28MAY2013 is shown here (above right).
“Another image angle view to show wide entrance of Pitta’s nest is presented here (above left).
This is a true, untouched Blue-winged Pitta’s (Pitta moluccensis) nest at nature’s best – a hallmark, gold standard for comparison and of forensic value (above right).
“Readers might want to take note and remember details of nest and surroundings which the breeding pair had so ingeniously put together and camouflaged. We will be referring to this image again in later examination series.
“It is time to observe how a parenting pair of Blue-winged Pittas went about their daily chores of bringing up their young.
“Let’s call the female, Scarlet and the male – P10.
“Do join me in Part 9 for this one time only event…”
Avian Writer Daisy O’Neill
Penang, Malaysia
13th October 2013
Copyright article and all copy images – Courtesy of Daisy O’Neill Bird Conservation Fund
