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!
Pulsar’s firmware update 2.5.101 provides essential system enhancements for Merger LRF XT50, Merger Duo NXP50, Axion Compact XG30, and Axion Compact XG35 models.
This update ensures optimal functionality of these devices and we strongly recommend downloading at your earliest opportunity to keep your Pulsar device running at the top of its game.
Firmware update 2.5.101 can be downloaded via the Stream Vision 2 app.
#pulsar #firmware #update #pulsarvision #thermalimaging
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and happy new year! We hope this holiday season is a peaceful one filled with happy memories. We`re looking forward to getting back to nature in 2025, but for now, a much needed break.
Thanks to everyone who has taken an interest in how our thermal imaging devices can help with nature observation. We`ve got some exciting content coming up, which we can`t wait to share with you.
Thanks also to our regular contributors for their help demonstrating the benefits of thermal imaging for bird ringing, nature observation, habitat management, and more.
Our offices will be closed from December 23rd until January 2nd.
See you all in the new year!
See the full interview with @matt_the_tree_sparrow at the link in our bio and discover how thermal imaging has changed the way he works when bird ringing.
#birdringing #ornithology #birdwatching #thermalimaging
See the full interview with @matt_the_tree_sparrow at the link in our bio and discover how thermal imaging has changed the way he works when bird ringing.
#birdringing #ornithology #birdwatching #thermalimaging
See the full interview with @matt_the_tree_sparrow at the link in our bio and discover how thermal imaging has changed the way he works when bird ringing.
#birdringing #ornithology #birdwatching #thermalimaging
Enter our Christmas giveaway and you’ll be in for a chance to win this epic Pulsar bundle!
Our winner will receive the following Pulsar branded items:
🔵 Rucksack
🔵 Navy hoodie
🔵 Olive beanie
🔵 Olive t-shirt
🔵 Hand warmers
🔵 Snapback cap
🔵 Navy mug
🔵 Black mug
🔵 Neoprene scope cover
To enter our giveaway, please follow the steps below:
1️⃣Like this post
2️⃣Follow us on one or both of our social media channels (@thomasjacksfocus on Facebook & Instagram)
3️⃣Tag 3 friends in the comments section
4️⃣Share this post to your story for one extra entry
The giveaway will close at 23:59 (GMT) on 2nd January 2025.
Good luck!
Please note, we will only contact the winner from the @thomasjacksfocus (IG) or @thomasjacksfocus (FB) account and we will never message to ask for payment details or for you to carry out an extra step via a link. Please beware of scam accounts.
Terms and conditions apply.
The winner will be able to choose the size of their T-shirt & Hoodie. Entrants must be aged 18 and over at the time of entry and based in the UK. The deadline for entry is 23:59 on 2nd January 2025; the winner will be chosen at random, contacted directly from this account, and have 24 hours to respond.
This giveaway is being run by Pulsar UK on both Facebook and Instagram and is in no way associated with Facebook or Instagram. Other T&Cs apply.
Winner announced on our social channels 2nd of January 2025.
Full competition terms and conditions can be found at the link in our bio.
#competition #christmas #giveaway #enternow #win #pulsar #pulsarvision
We`re at the 35th Annual Wildlife Crime Conference until Friday, highlighting how our range of thermal imaging and night vision devices can help with detect criminals and aid police officers in the prevention of wildlife crime.
Find out more about our devices on our website. Just click the link in our bio!
#wildlifecrime #wildlifecrimeconference #thermalimaging #nightvision
The new Merger LRF XT50 thermal imaging binoculars from Pulsar are the first to feature a premium 1280×1024, 12µm HD thermal sensor, achieving a thermal image so clear you’re able to pick out fine details throughout its entire 2.0-16.0 x magnification range.
See it in action as we take these incredibly powerful new thermal binos in the field. With plenty of through-the-lens footage captured at different ranges and in varying lighting conditions, you’ll see how, regardless of species and size, nothing can hide from the Merger LRF XT50’s powerful new sensor!
#thermalimaging #mergerlrfxt50 #natureobservation #new #pulsarvisionnature
And now, see the Merger LRF XT50’s image retention at play as we observe a stag at just under 50 m. Plus, see how we gauge the distance between us and the stag in question, with the XT50’s upgraded precision laser rangefinder.
Seamlessly integrated into the Merger LRF XT50’s classic binocular design, this LRF is the first in the Pulsar range to offer an extended distance measuring range of up to 1500m, 500m more than any other device in Pulsar’s product offering.
#pulsarvision #mergerlrfxt50 #imagestabilisation #newproduct
Next up, take a look at the Merger LRF XT50’s ability to maintain incredible levels of image clarity at any magnification level.
These thermal binoculars are the first in the Pulsar range to feature the premium 1280×1024, 12µm, <40mK NETD HD thermal sensor. Combine this with its powerful 50mm f1.0 germanium objective lens, and the Merger LRF XT50 will capture stunning levels of image detail, all the way through its 2.0-16.0 x magnification range.
Check out how much detail these binos retain as we observe a fallow deer at around 20 m. Anatomical features are clearly distinguishable and facial features couldn`t be clearer! But check out our next video to see this retention of image clarity in action over longer distances...
#pulsarvision #mergerlrfxt50 #imagestabilisation #newproduct