Nature

Goldfinch eating from fircone

I took an afternoon walk across Sopley Common this afternoon, keeping careful distance from the odd other person I came across. I managed to see several birds – most partly hidden or in the distance.  The most exciting distance one was this dartford warbler, that I got an “id” shot of. I did manage a reasonable shot of this stonechat, that was not as far away. As well as these

Light before the rain towards Christchurch Priory

This afternoon I took a walk around Stanpit Marshes Nature reserve, with the weather starting out sunny, read the recent nature sighting board – and there apparently were Scandinavian Rock pipets sighted there recently.  I of course then set out to see one! This is my contender! Whether it is or not I am not sure – there is some interesting reading about the Scandinavian Rock pipets on the Christchurch

Waves hitting a Groyne

I went for a walk towards Hengistbury Head on the second day of Storm Jorge.  The weather was mainly bright and sunny -with the occasional downpour.  The wind was something else – very strong – especially on the coastline by the headland. Apart from a single gull in flight the wildlife was limited, but I did have some fun shooting the incoming waves.

Sparrow in the Greenery

Over the past weekend I went on a couple of walks over two nature reserves, Blashford lakes ( windy and somewhat dull weather )  and Stour Valley Way – much nicer. At Blashford I did manage to get this shot of a Long-tail tit though. Whereas the Stour Valley yielded more.  

Glencoe Mountain Ski Lift

I had a couple of weeks in Glencoe and the surrounding area last summer, with mostly good weather! The first outing was up the Glencoe Ski lift for views over the valley ( in case the weather made it impossible later – my view get high up the easy way in the sun ). Here are the images from the top of the lift and the short walks around it.

The Starling Slipper

In this post I will be posting my videos and occassional images of the Starling Murmurations I have seen at Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve for the 2018-19 season. First off a still image – I don’t often take these as I am normally filming videos.  It reminds me off a glass slipper from Cinderella for some reason. Below here are my videos.

Salet Boat Station on Konigssee Lake

Whilst staying in Salzburg, it’s a short bus ride across the border to Berchtesgaden, a very touristy town in Germany.  Here the scenery around is spectacular.  On a nice bright day I visited the town and took the new Jennerbahn Cable car to the mid station up the mountain.  The top station was not accessible, as they looked to still be working on the cable up. After a short walk

Robin feeling the cold

Having some time off over the festive period, I visited my local reserves of  Blashford Lakes Nature & Hengistbury Head, a few times to try out the Canon 5d MkIV with both stills and its 4k video capability.  It also allowed me more time to play with my recent lens addition with it – a Canon 100-400 IS L lens. Whilst out I at Hegistbury Head, I was able to

Incoming

I recently purchased my first full frame digital Camera, and with good weather at the weekend it was time to try it out with my Canon 500mm Lens and another recent purchase a used Canon 100-400mm IS v1 lens. I am impressed with the noise handling of this camera – especially when comapring it with my Canon 760D.  Up to about 3200 the shots reveal very little noise, even when