Cambridge overwintering clusters
This in from Bryan Jenkin, in Cambridge:
I checked out the reported cluster at Gwyneth Common, but during the night before, I was puzzling how I could manage to see any tags (instead of sleeping). I figured if I could get close enough with the camera, I could put the pic in my photo programme on the computor, and zoom in on the tag. Then I figured, I have a telescopic pole pruner. If I remove the head, I can fasten my mini tripod to the end of the pole, then screw on the camera. I tried this next day and it worked in theory. I can get the camera as high as 5m. I went and found the cluster(s) and took some photos. Unfortunately the focus was not good enough to do anything with the pics. I need to experiment at home, maybe on the sport setting because when the camera is on the end of a pole it’s waving around a bit! Maybe on the 3 exposure setting, 1 might be usable. I shall experiment!
However, the cluster IS there - the first I’ve seen and my calculation would be up to 150. They are in small clusters, the most I counted in one was 30. Others are singles, pairs and 4’s over quite an area of the tree, but it’s a good thick fir so the shelter is good. I only saw 1 tag but couldn’t read it. The only photo I got was when I held the camera myself and zoomed in. I’ll attach it. Actually the wonky one is from the pole! All for now. Regards. Bryan.
