I'm a big fan of the ClickFree backup system. In fact, I have three of 'em. Two have an integral hard disk and the third, the ClickFree Transformer, attaches their excellent backup software to any hard disk.

As the name suggests, it backs up your computer files incrementally with minimal effort. Data files, including photos, are saved uncompressed so you access them with your normal editing software. You can specify which types of file you want to back up - photos only, if you choose.

I generally buy mine from the QVC shopping channel, where they crop up from time to time, but they're also available from Amazon, eBay and presumably many other places. (I see from Amazon that the price of the Transformer has shot up -- mine cost about £30).

Al

I seem to remember a post a while back that suggested tilt/shift lenses aren't as effective with small sensors as they are with FF. I'd be interested to know if anyone has found this to be the case. (I'm sure we could work it out by plotting light paths etc ... but life's too short).

Al

Got a new hand-held vacuum today to pick up stray cigarette ash from my 1930s ashtray/stand. £8-odd from Currys, although I suspect it may not hoover the carpet very well with its 4.8-volt motor. Anyhow, can anyone explain why electric devices nowadays come with insulated covers over the power plug? The chances of getting a shock from a disconnected appliance seem pretty slim. Just curious.

Al

Just got word from my tame bird "expert" and it looks like DavidStorm was right on money. Andy said: "The general opinion about the 'hawk' was that it's quite hard to say but red-tailed hawk would be our best guess. Maybe a young one - I see a previous punter suggested that species. I realize my reputation may now be irrefutably dented."

Experts? We should just ask David next time.

Al

Sounds more complicated to identify than you'd think. My guy came back with this: "My initial thoughts are that it is a common buzzard (Buteo buteo) as they are massively variable in colouration.

"There are probably species of hawk or buzzard in the States or world-wide that might be similar – adults and juveniles are different too.

"However, I shall consult with a fellow expert and give my definitive answer soon."

Not a lot of help, I'm afraid, Bob, but we may get a more definite answer at some point. He said part of the problem was that it's a close-up and you can't see some of the other details in the body that would clinch it.

Cheers

Al

Thanks, Rob. I've asked Andy to have a look. Mind you, he's had a couple of pints of Bitter and Twisted tonight, so he may not come up with an answer until tomorrow.

Cheers

Al

Great idea, Algi. Sounds a lot like a photo competition -- someone describes a subject and you have to come up with the answer. Could catch on . By the way, one of his mates took some pretty good gull shots at Troup Head in Aberdeenshire on a K7.

Al

Hi, Rob. A pal of mine who claims to be an "international bird expert" (and shortly to appear on Autumnwatch on TV, if he's to be believed) came across this thread and was eager to help but the image is no longer available. Any chance of sticking it back on to satisfy his curiosity? I'm sure he'd give you a positive ID.

From memory, it was a great shot, by the way.

Cheers

Al

Very odd. Shows up fine on my mobile phone, which I've never used before to access PU, and on my main PC, which has never been pointed at this thread. It's also there on my netbook, where it could very well be in the cache. It's a riddle.

Al

If you'd been hanging around the Peninsula Hotel in Gibsons Landing, British Columbia, in the 1970s, they would have given you a keychain bottle opener, with the name of the hostelry engraved on it, for nothing. Still works a treat.

Al