Geelong (ish) area update and Digiscoping

Hi All, 

Some weekend reports:

21st June 2003 - Beauchamp Falls  - Bassian Thrush
feeding in the carpark.

22nd June 2003 - Anakie(cnr Demotts rd) - Male Mallard in small drainage
pond.  

There were  large numbers of Freckled Ducks (probably
70+), on the first pond as you enter Beach Rd at WTP. 
I couldn't find the Pratincole(s) or the Northern Shoveller.
Has anyone seen them recently? 

I also test drove my new digiscope setup out at the WTP
and was absolutely amazed by the results!

I'm currently hand holding my Nikon Coolpix 4500 against
the eyepeice of a Pentax PF80ED Spotting Scope, and have got some pretty
descent shots so far. Some long distance shots over water have produced
considerable blue/green chromatic abberation, however, i'll have to retest
with a camera adaptor, since it may be caused by the camera lense not being
held square against the eyepeice. But maybe this is the difference between
ED lenses and 'true' apochromatic lenses produced by Swarovski etc.???
  Can any digiscopers out there comment on any chromatic aberration
noticed with Swarovski scopes? 

I've found a link to a program that digitally removes/adjusts
chromatic abberation from digi photos, which may come in handy:  

Picture Window 3.1   - http://www.dl-c.com

I'm looking forward to doing more digiscoping and refining
the art. Its amazing the markings you pick up on birds that you've never
noticed before.

I was particularly impressed by the different marking
displayed by Pink Eared Ducks, all having unique shapes and shades of brown
eye patch plus a individual positionings of the pink ear.  I noticed
that what appeared to be the leaders of the flock, had very heavy set,
and sharply defined eye patches. While others had more rounded, or jagged
eye patches, giving every individual duck a unique personality.  


Anyway, i'm sure i'll be noticing a lot more about birds
now i have a scope. I'm looking forward to the waders arriving again this
summer. WTP is a digiscopers delight!

Peter