Kelham Bridge - 22 May 2012

A boiling hot afternoon and we set off for Kelham bridge, the bushes were full of bird song, mostly warblers and Buntings.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm l Lens
1/1600 @ 6.3, iso 200, 400mm

I tried some pics of reed buntings that were shouting from the middle of a field but they were really too far away. then this reed bunting flew over the path and sat on a reed on the other side of the path. the contrast is not the best but he was only there a few seconds and I had to use the settings I had.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm l Lens
1/1000 @ 6.3, iso 200, 400mm

There was nothing to take at the first hide, but had a nice chat with the locals before moving on to the second hide. Beside the path, on the way the light caught this dandelion clock and tempted me to take it.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm l Lens
1/1000 @ 6.3, iso 200, 400mm

At the second hide I was alone for a while and scanning the area for what might be hiding, when I became aware of an eye looking at me. This female pheasant, kept ducking back into the undergrowth and popping up in a different place. It was funny to follow as she moved around out of sight the grasses and flowers above her waved wildly. So I always knew where she would come out. But she always stayed close to one place and returned to it regularly, I could n't see so I cant be certain but I wondered if she had a nest there

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm l Lens
1/500 @ 6.3, iso 200, 400mm

Finally I liked the reflections in this picture of the moorhen.

warblers at watermead - 12 May 2012

A walk in watermead again, mainly because we had to go to Birstall for something else.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/500 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

An orange tip butterfly was sitting on a leaf at the side of the path, basking in the sunshine. They are normally difficult to photograph as they rarely stay still for long.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/500 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

It was so placid, I was able to move around an take a picture from the side.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/500 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Further along, past the beaches there's a line of bushes that seem to attract warblers and this sedge warbler was flying up and down the line, stopping to sing for a few minutes at each turn.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/500 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

I haven't seen a heron for a while, but this one was happy to sit on the edge of the lake and be photographed.

Spring has sprung


What a difference a day makes, we went back to Watermead again, mainly because of the mud on other paths that we use.

Canon EOS 7d, Ef 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/800 @ 6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

First we saw this egg, with two Canada Geese nearby who seemed to be in the process of changing watches

Canon EOS 7d, Ef 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ 6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

 A bit closer on the same lake, a coot had three chicks who seemed to be getting used to the water, when we passed later the nest was empty and the adults had taken the young away.

Canon EOS 7d, Ef 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/800 @ 6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

 This Sedge Warbler was singing its heart out in some bushes right by the path, the make a lot of sound for a little bird.

Canon EOS 7d, Ef 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ 6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

Caught red handed, waterside thief snapped in action, helping itself from a narrowboat.

Where have all the Birdies gone? - 4 May 2012

I managed, with the help of some pummelling by my chiropractor yesterday followed by a better night's rest than I've had of late, to get out at Watermead park and walk about a quarter of a mile - not much I know, but hopefully this is the start and there is more to come.

Trouble is the lake was empty, almost, all the birds seem to have taken cover or moved out. We'd nearly finished the walk before Maja spotted this Heron.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400 mm Lens
1/500 @ f7.1, iso 1600, 400mm

He seemed happy to pose for a while.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400 mm Lens
1/800 @ f7.1, iso 1600, 400mm

Then, when he'd had enough, off he went.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400 mm Lens
1/640 @ f7.1, iso 1600, 400mm

A flotilla of Canada Geese swam purposefully towards us and this one seemed to be demanding to be fed.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400 mm Lens
1/160 @ f7.1, iso 1600, 400mm

He was disappointed though, we had nothing for him. I don't think he'll starve at this time of year though.

I just released this in 

Paperback with Amazon

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It's a hilarious and sometimes erotic description of the events of a year in the small town of Lurkin in the Wolds.

Horses bolt, pigeons explode, ladies and gents lose their clothes, cakes fly in this collection of stories as told by Ramblin Jack, Lurkin's oldest resident.