Strange looking birds - 5 October 2014

We went out to Swithland Reservoir in Leicestershire to look for water birds, there are often Heron and Egret there. After some time we had seen one uncooperative heron and a lot of gulls, mute swans and coots and we were getting bored. There had been trains on the Rothley steam trust line but I hadn't really paid attention to them. Then I began to notice there were a lot more than usual and a quick chat with a bird watcher close by told me it was a gala week end for the Trust.

Just for fun I took a couple of pictures as the trains crossed the viaduct at the end of the reservoir. Then as there was no improvement to the bird population, I decided to have a change for the day and get some better pictures of the steam trains.

1/500 @ f7.1, iso 800, 400mm 

1/500 @ f7.1, iso 800, 400mm

After taking the above photos we moved to a position at the other end of the reservoir and along a dirt track to get closer. We were rewarded with the photos below and the video, there is sound if you want it.

1/400 @ f7.1, iso 800, 400mm

1/125 @ f7.1, iso 800, 150mm

I have no idea about type numbers etc. but I do like a steam train and it was nice to watch them looking so good and cared for.

All pictures taken on Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 400mm L series lens