I spent a couple of afternoons at Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve on the late August Bank Holiday, one in reasonably sunny weather, the other far more overcast. On the first afternoon there were good views of a Common Sandpiper outside the Tern Hide. Further around the reserve, at the aptly named Lapwing Hide, there were a number of lapwings nearby. Finally from the first day was this flying gull. On
When birds come close to the front of the Tern Hide at Blashford Lakes, then nice large images can be taken of the them. This was the case today as a Lapwing patrolled the gravel outside of the hide. The wind blowing its head feathers into a punk like appearance. Also close to the shore was a Little Grebe – swimming along next to the gravel.
Nature is amazing, and often amusing, like this young Starling that today, whilst pulling of an impressive Balancing act – see the video for this, managed to pull of some great expressions that could certainly make it a contender for inclusion in the popular game Angry Birds.
Emperor of the Skies by Chris Atkinson on 500px
A freezing cold end of January afternoon called for a walk around somewhere coastal & exposed. The place to do that nearby, was chosen to be Normandy Marsh, part of the Keyhaven – Lymington Nature Reserve, where it is really exposed. Armed with a folding seat and my 300mm lens and 1.4x converter, I set off on a hunt for some wading winter birds. As the tide was out, but
As a visitor to Radipole Nature Reserve on occassions, I have only once before seen any of the Bearded Tits that are resident there. This afternoon was my second fortunate occassion to see and photograph these pretty birds. The only downside being the light was not the best – however seeing these birds is a treat whatever the weather. Here are my best three shots of them. Of course they
A bright but very windy Sunday afternoon, helped slow the gulls down in flight as I walked around the headland to Mudeford Quay. These gulls – juvenille herring gulls I first spotted overhead. This first one was almost directly over me. Before lowering a bit – unfortunately the wing is slightly chopped off. I need more practice at it 🙂 And this one is just not quite there again –
To start the New Year 2015 – A short photo study of a Male Teal. These small pretty ducks are always nice to see up close, and with the sun out look at their best. Taken at Stanpit Marshes Nature reserve on the a small pool.
A wandering walk from Tuckton, over towards Wick on a dullish but dry day saw me keep three completely different types of picture. Firstly a contrast in size shot of two birds on the river bank. Further round I found a bouy tied near to a post. I took this intentionally to play with Topaz Glow later, as well as some of some reeds which did not work so well.
On a post Christmas visit to Blashford Lakes, to try out a Pro Viewfinder Loupe ( a loupe that fits on the LCD screen on Canon Cameras that enables easier videoing, as it acts as an eyepeice ), I was fortunate to see a very beautiful kingfisher. Not only was the kingfisher fairly close to the Ivy North Hide window, but it stayed around for a fair while, enabling me to shoot some photos of the bird, as well as video it.
The Loupe worked very well and I was able to use my Canon with a 300mm F4 Lens, plus 1.4 x Convertor much easier in video mode, as I could hold it up to my eye to video & not have to have it at arms lengths.
Here are a couple of photos of said Kingfisher.
