A pictorial diary of my walks around the parks and wild areas of Leicestershire, and occasionally farther afield.

If you're new to my blog, you might like to have a look at the pictures in the older post as well (click on button at the bottom of the page).

I am also a writer, using the pen-name John Gwynant, and I'll occasionally announce my latest book release on the blog.

Thursday, October 30, 2014

After the Rut 29 October 2014

Bradgate park again and the rut is pread put the Fallows seem to have had theirs while the Reds are just starting.

This one seems to be hiding out of the way, unfortunately he forgot how big his antlers are.
1/200 @ 7.1,  iso 400, 400 mm

It is all just a little too much for this Fallow Deer, he's got his head down for a good sleep.
1/400 @ 7.1,  iso 400, 400 mm
Later when he raised his head, he still didn't look awake.
1/320 @ 7.1,  iso 400, 400 mm
The White Fallows seem to be doing well, these look like winners.
1/1600 @ 7.1,  iso 400, 235 mm
They'll even challenge a camera if they catch sight of it.
1/800 @ 7.1,  iso 400, 180 mm
The Champion - or at least he looks every inch a champion, standing there with his chest proudly displayed and head held high.
1/320 @ 7.1,  iso 400, 200 mm



All taken on Canon EOS 7d, RF 100 - 400 mm L series Lens

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

The Office Murder

My latest book is now available on Amazon 

as both paperback and ebook

A Murder Mystery

click here for Amazon page



Please leave feedback when you have read it, it helps if I know you have enjoyed it (or hated it).

Thursday, October 9, 2014

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