Thursday, February 26, 2009

Shoveler chase



most females have 5 or more potential suitors 

Greylags



they are pretty terrible birds but these two were just sort of nice images

Mute Swan splash down


Mallards away




a different angle on landing Mallards

Birdwatching Magazine



some visitors will have seen the flying Shoveler picture featured in the latest edition of Birdwatching magazine (copied above) and also the comments on the blog in the previous edition; always nice to receive some appreciative comments

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Common Snipe




it has been another dismal and dull day up here but a slight glimmer of brightness late afternoon encouraged me to get out and take a few snaps; 

Snipe 2




Magpie angel


some bird photographers produce work like this and claim it is original --

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Arctic Redpoll







I first saw this bird two weeks ago but in several visits to this survey area have not seen it since; today it was very obvious but still hard to get to grips with thanks to the accompanying Goldfinches; the record shots here show apparent good Arctic features; the buff facial area, broad white greater covert bar though already worn, white median covert bar, one fine grey streak on longest undertail covert, general colouration, thick-necked appearance and shaggy trousers. 

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

sundown owls



NI and no NI and the pink glow

Short-eared Owls on a dull day





sometimes poor light forces a different set of images

comparing 200 and 3200 ISO


the two shots here were taken at 200 ISO 1/25th sec at f4 and 3200 ISO 1 320th sec at f4; considering the difference in ISO there is still amazing quality at the very high ISO of course with increased noise; both on tripod 1DIII with 500 f4; it was pretty dark by this stage of the afternoon; no noise reduction on

Asio head shots




the intricacy of the facial pattern is stunning at close range

dull light but flying owl





Sunday, February 15, 2009

Little Grebes common but nice birds





the first image I just love for the water

Barn Owl and no Kestrel



this owl was having a tussle with a Kestrel but the two were too far apart by the time I managed to get them in the frame