Thermal Imaging for Bird Watching
Easily detecting the metabolic heat produced by birds, thermal imaging devices are the perfect companion for any bird watcher, no matter their skill level. Because these devices do not emit any artificial light or infrared illumination, birders are able to carry out their observations or surveys by night, without the risk of startling any birds or other wildlife.
How Can Thermal Imaging Devices Help with Birding?
Thermal imaging is an invaluable technology which works to highlight objects that would usually remain invisible in total darkness, daylight, and even in dense fog when thermal contrast is low.
Using infrared radiation and thermal energy, thermal imaging devices gather information about objects through a thermal sensor (microbolometer) attached to a special type of lens (usually made from Germanium), to formulate clear and detailed images of the observed objects.
Take a look at our videos below to see thermal imaging devices in action as we take a selection of Pulsar products to help us spot an elusive Kingfisher in the Warwickshire countryside. Or watch as we join the West Midlands Ringing Group for a night of bird ringing in Staffordshire, and discover how thermal imaging devices can help aid with habitat management.
Locating an Elusive Kingfisher with a Selection of Thermal Imaging Devices
How the WMRG Uses Thermal Imaging for Habitat Management
Understanding Thermal Imaging Device Specifications
Thermal Sensor Size – Similar to digital cameras, thermal sensors are measured in pixels; generally speaking, the bigger the sensor the better the picture, as a larger sensor can capture more detail. Pulsar thermal imagers use one of three different sized sensors with its own designation: XM models use a 320×240 thermal sensor, XQ models use a 384×288 thermal sensor, and XP and XG models use a 640×480 thermal sensor.
Thermal Sensor Pixel Pitch – This is the distance between the centre of the pixels. A smaller pixel pitch results in finer image quality and a physically smaller thermal sensor. However, a larger pixel offers more sensitivity. A sensor with a smaller pixel pitch will have a greater base magnification than a thermal imager with the same size lens and a greater pixel pitch. Pulsar XM & XG sensors have a 12µm pixel pitch, and XQ and XP sensors have a 17µm pixel pitch.
NETD – Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD) is a measurement of the smallest temperature difference a thermal device can detect. The lower the value, the more sensitive the device becomes — performing better than a device with a greater NETD value in conditions that are challenging to thermal imagers such as cold, fog, and rain. A device’s NETD rating is an important indicator as to how well it will perform.
Refresh Rate – A high refresh rate (such as 50Hz) is best when choosing a thermal imager. A high refresh rate will result in a smooth image when panning or tracking fast-moving objects.
What Pulsar Devices
Have to Offer:
Variable Magnification
Variable magnification and digital zoom capabilities provide excellent object recognition at considerable distances. Digital zoom can change either by x2 steps, or in continuous motion.
Long Life Batteries
Each Pulsar thermal imaging device can achieve flawless observation for long periods of time thanks to their long life batteries, with some devices offering up to 11 hours operation before a battery change is needed.
Built to Last
Magnesium alloy bodyshells protect Pulsar thermal imaging devices from bumps and scrapes, and work effectively as heatsinks to disperse warmth generated by the device’s internal electronics.
IPX7 Waterproof
These devices are all IPX7 waterproof rated, ensuring they continue to work efficiently in extreme downpours. They’ll even survive a dip in 1m of water for up to 30 minutes!
AMOLED Displays
Every model features an AMOLED screen, which features enhanced colour rendering to provide a clear and smooth picture, even when observed wildlife is in motion.
Stream Vision 2
Built-in Wi-Fi and Stream Vision 2 compatibility opens up a wide selection of connectivity features, including live view, remote control, firmware updates, and more. Find out more here.
Eight Colour Palettes
In general, thermal imagers present their picture in grayscale – with white representing heat, black representing colder regions (or vice versa), and various shades of grey indicating gradients of temperatures between the two. However, for improved identification and differing applications, newer thermal imaging cameras are now able to add colour to the images they produce — using colours such as orange, blue, yellow, red, and purple.
Each model in Pulsar’s range of devices offers 8 colour palettes to achieve more effective observation and to allow the device to adapt and react in varying environmental conditions.
For object detection, use White Hot, Black Hot, and Red Hot; Rainbow and Ultramarine are most effective for object recognition and identification; and Red Monochrome, Sepia, and Violet are best for long periods of observation in total darkness.
Video Recording and Still Image Capture
All Pulsar devices are now capable of capturing memorable moments during your wildlife observations thanks to built-in video and still image recording capabilities — storing hours of videos and tens of thousands of still images onto the device’s internal memory at just the touch of a button.
Footage is easily copied onto a computer using a USB-C cable, or straight from the cloud to your phone via Stream Vision 2 connectivity.
Finding the Perfect Thermal Imaging Device
Using a thermal imaging device for birdwatching/ringing will allow you to reduce disturbance of wildlife whilst observing or surveying, enables more efficient utilisation of your time out in the field, and uncovers wildlife that has until now remained unobserved on your land.
It would be difficult for us to say which model would be best you, as specifications and requirements differ from person to person — which is why we’ve compiled a list of a few highlights of models across Pulsar’s range of powerful thermal imaging devices that may suit your needs.
TJ FOCUS SOCIAL
Discover more about how thermal imaging is perfect for bird watching or wildlife observation by following our TJ Focus Instagram page!
Discover next level image quality with the Merger LRF XT50, the first pair of thermal imaging binoculars from Pulsar to feature image stabilisation and a brand-new 1280x1024 HD thermal sensor, achieving stunning image clarity at any magnification that remains free from camera shake and motion blur.
🔵 Premium HD 1280x1024 sensor
🔵 Image stabilisation
🔵 2300m detection range
🔵 Wide 17.5° FOV
🔵 Built-in LRF
🔵 1500m ±1m distance measurements
🔵 Detailed image on high zoom
🔵 Up to 6 hours batter
#thermalimaging #thermalspotting #pulsarvision #pulsar
Introducing the NEW Axion Compact XG30 & Axion Compact XG35, two new compact and lightweight thermal powerhouses from Pulsar.
Boasting highly sensitive 640x480 thermal sensors and coming in at a more accessible price point, these devices have been designed to provide a high-performance thermal experience that remains light on the pocket in every sense.
Joining the popular Axion XQ30 Pro in a new series of palm-sized devices, these monoculars are designed to reveal more than the naked eye can see whilst remaining small enough to slip into your pocket.
Each device features a sensitive sensor, powerful objective lens, and a wide range of digital and connectivity functionalities — providing an incredible thermal experience from a device that barely fills the hand!
Find out more about the Axion Compact series on our website at the link in our bio.
#thermalimaging #thermal #birding #pulsar #newproduct
We are pleased to announce major price drops across a range of selected Pulsar products, saving you up to £1000 on some of their most popular devices and making high-performance thermal and multispectral imaging even more accessible!
Visit our website at the link in our bio to discover the Pulsar range, or use our dealer locator tool to find your nearest retailer with stock.
#thermalimaging #multispectral #pulsar #pulsarvision #pricedrop
Read Now: Finding Grey Seals in North Wales with the Pulsar Merger LRF XL50 thermal imaging binoculars!
See our Linktree at the link in our bio to read the full article.
#thermalimaging #thermalbinos #pulsar #greyseals #llandudno #wales
Thermal imaging is an invaluable tool for ecologists, revealing what the naked eye fails to perceive and providing more reliable results during bat surveys, wildlife conservation efforts, and research and development (among other uses).
Check out our recent article in which we explain how these intuitive devices can yield a much greater quantity of data in the field when compared against more traditional methods (i.e. using the naked eye or glass), with minimal effort required.
See the link in our bio to head to our article. Or copy and paste this link: https://tj-focus.co.uk/thermal-for-ecology/
#thermalimaging #ecology #ecologist #pulsar #thermal #bats #batsurveys
The @global_birdfair day two is already in full swing and so is our service and support centre! Come and join us on stand F7 in the Falcon Marquee if you’ve got a Pulsar device that could do with some TLC. We’ll be here until 17:30 today and 17:00 tomorrow.
#globalbirdfair #pulsar #serviceandsupport #service #support
The first day of the @global_birdfair is off and running. Find #Spypoint on stand F7 in the Falcon Marquee to see how these cameras can aid you in your conservation efforts.
Don’t forget, the Global Birdfair 2024 starts TOMORROW! Join us on stand F7 in the Falcon marquee, where we’ll be offering hands-on demos of all the latest thermal imaging and multispectral devices from Pulsar — including the new Merger LRF XL50 HD thermal imaging binoculars and the Telos LRF XL50 HD upgradeable thermal imaging monocular.
For more info or to buy tickets, visit: https://globalbirdfair.org/
#globalbirdfair #ornithology #birdwatching #pulsar #thermalimaging
Join us at the Global Birdfair 2024 from July 12-14 and discover how Pulsar thermal imaging devices can seriously enhance your detection capabilities during ornithological surveys, conservation efforts, or simply just for a spot of bird watching.
We’ll have our entire range of thermal imaging and multispectral monoculars and binoculars on display and available for hands-on demonstrations, including the new Merger Duo NXP50, which offers both thermal imaging and digital night vision capabilities. Plus, our expert advisors will be happy to answer any questions you might have over the course of the weekend.
You’ll find us on stand F7 in the Falcon marquee for all three days of the event. For more info or to buy tickets, visit: https://globalbirdfair.org/
#globalbirdfair #ornithology #birdwatching #pulsar #thermalimaging
The NEW Pulsar Telos LRF XL50 has landed! Check out our first through-the-lens footage of the newest, top-of-the-range addition to the Telos series as we take this pre-production model out into the field!
The Telos LRF XL50 is the first thermal monocular from Pulsar to offer HD thermal imaging, with a 1024×768, 12 µm, <40 mK NETD HD thermal sensor achieving impeccable image quality all the way through its 2.5-20x magnification range.
Couple this with a detection range of up to 2300m and you’ve got a thermal monocular that is perfect for both detection and identification — even in difficult weather conditions!
The Telos LRF XL50 is also available without the LRF as the Telos XL50. Visit the TJ Focus website to find out more at the link in our bio.
#thermalimaging #pulsar #telos #hd #newproduct #fieldtest