Wingscape Birdcam!

As I mentioned in the previous post, I was using pictures taken with a wildlife camera.  It's a Wingscapes model that was a gift from Iain's mom a couple of Christmases ago.  The usual use is for getting shots of birds visiting the feeders, but we have used it for other spots as well, most notably as a time-lapse of a few of our camping trips.  The camera is only usable in daylight hours, which is a minor drawback, but we have enjoyed it a lot.

Our camera quit working this August; I thought it was case of depleted batteries, but new ones made no difference, and when I ran a test the display showed an error message.  So I decided to contact the manufacturers, an American company, by email.  I hoped they would tell me where to take the camera to be repaired, if it could indeed BE repaired.  I went to their website, http://www.wingscapes.com/ , and wrote them a short "help!" letter.

I received a nice email back from Kim Creel, their customer service manager, and she explained that the error code meant there was a software problem, and the unit would have to be replaced.  She asked for my model and serial number, so they could send me a replacement.

Now, when I sent the info off to her, I thought I'd get an email back saying "Okay, now send money".  But I didn't.  They just found one like it at their factory, tested it to be sure it worked, and sent it off to me.  Gratis.  I had the replacement camera (which they sent with new documention, bungee cords, cables, and remote control, even though I already had these things) delivered by courier to my home in less than 2 weeks!

And because I'm in Canada and sending the camera back across the border would be kind of a hassle, they said "nah, never mind returning it; enjoy your new camera".  Absolutely outstanding customer service!

So if you ever plan to buy one of these cameras, don't pass on the Wingscapes because they are a little more expensive.  They're worth it.

A picture of Onyx enjoying the window seat... 

 ...and a picture of Snaps, enjoying the same spot!

The New Cat Tower

My friend Debbie is a very talented lady.  When I heard she was making cat trees, I asked her to build one for us, and she obliged!  In the first picture you can see the top 2 levels of it; and strung across the top like a little roof is a cat-hammock she macraméd!  There are a couple of hidey-tubes further down, and lots of twine and carpet to scratch at.  I'd like to get a few shots of them using it, but the camera hasn't been handy at the right time.

 I set up the birdcam - and there's a story about THAT which I will share next time I write - next to the top shelf.  We have our old one snugged up against it here, because it needs to be bolted to the wall, and we haven't had a chance to do that as yet.  Jezebel is sitting on the old one.

I was also rewarded with a shot of Onyx checking out the situation.

And here he decided to have a look out the window from this ideal vantage point. 

I think they like it!

Visiting with the Rotors on Sunday

It's no fun, saying goodbye! But we were glad to get the chance to visit with Elaine and Dave before they head out to the land of Oz.

We also had a chance to see Dak and Rob, and meet some other fine folks. And to see the house looking very empty, which was sad and kinda awesome at the same time.

We'll miss you guys!