Posts Made By: Kurt Horsley

Not too bad Floyd. Beats $260 for the JMI case.
Now, on to more important business... ... ... I want one! -Kurt Horsley

He's a beauty Jeff. Very rarely I'll see one here in north Texas. Never got close to getting a good shot though. They're fast, and don't wait around to be photographed. Nice one. -Kurt Horsley

WOW!!!
I see what you mean. There is no substitute for getting close. -Kurt Horsley

Another great shot Cal. Well done. Nice detail too. -Kurt Horsley

Another view, before the fittings are painted black.The two white PVC fittings allow quick removal of the entire scope. -Kurt Horsley

Really nice and sharp. We don't see many of these in Texas. You got a superb shot of that one. Nice. -Kurt Horsley

Tom,
I'm sorry for your trouble. But, please, by all means, take everyone's advice. Use the one inch black dot and enjoy what you still have. There will be "ABSOLUTELY NO DIFFERENCE" at the eyepiece. NONE! You'll not be able to tell even to the smallest extent that the mirror is damaged. No distortion, no noticeable loss of light gathering, no difference at all. The only real problem will be learning to control your compulsion about how the mirror looks (to you) and how it will wear on your self-image of owning a premium optic that is less than perfect, which they usually are anyway. Yes, there is loss of resale value...so what. Use it and enjoy all that it will show you. Keep it in perspective...it's really not all that uncommon for people to damage their optics to some extent. It' happens to someone every day and we just don't hear about it. I've known people who chipped the BACK of their two inch thick pyrex mirror and just couldn't live with it. I hope you'll be able to enjoy what is still available to you. Best wishes, -Kurt Horsley

Beautiful bird Tyler. Nice blue sky too. I agree...it's definitely a Swainsons. After being away for almost a month, I can see that everyone is having a good summer. Lot's of great photos everyone. -Kurt Horsley

Number 2.

Hi Pete,
I'm still not absolutely sure, but I've put a lot of time in trying to identify these birds. I'm 95% certain that they're female Magnificent hummingbirds. The double tail (when sitting) and the strong white and black tail feathers, along with perfect body makings make me fairly certain that they are. There were also some female Ruby-Throated hummingbirds around, though the pictures strongly indicate that these were all Magnificent hummingbirds.
Must be nice to get a dozen at a time. I have to sit for several minutes, at least, to see even one. Of course, in the wild, without the benefit of feeders, I guess that's not too uncommon. -Kurt Horsley