Swithland Woods - 20 February 2013

There was a cold wind through the Swithland Woods and I think most of the small birds were hunkered down to keep warm.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/160 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Robins can usually be relied on to make an appearance and this one didn't disappoint. The light was dropping off so I had to up the iso and hope.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/200 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

A Nuthatch soon followed the Robin and enjoyed the feast

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/200 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

It wasn't long before a second Nuthatch joined in and helped his/her self. They are so fast. it's like a dart coming in from each side.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/320 @ f6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

They know what they like and are prepared to search for it.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/200 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Another Good Day - 3rd February 2013

Whenever I pass the Bradgate Park, I look over the wall to see what's moving about.

The first things I spotted were two Fallow deer who weren't moving at all. They were enjoying the sunshine, eyes closed and relaxed.

Canon EOs 7d, EF 100 - 400mm, L, Lens
1/2000 @ f5.6, iso 800, 330mm

Canon EOs 7d, EF 100 - 400mm, L, Lens
1/2656 @ f5.6, iso 800, 400mm

 The next one didn't seem impressed at having his picture taken and stuck his tongue out.

Canon EOs 7d, EF 100 - 400mm, L, Lens
1/6400 @ f5.6, iso 800, 400mm

Then we moved on to Thornton Reservoir and this tufty became camera shy and dived under the surface. He was so quick only his DA was visible by the time the shutter clicked. 

Canon EOs 7d, EF 100 - 400mm, L, Lens
1/500 @ f5.6, iso 800, 330mm

 Of course some of them weren't shy at all and this female Mallard came for a closer look - or maybe it was to see if I was going to feed her.

Canon EOs 7d, EF 100 - 400mm, L, Lens
1/800 @ f6.3, iso 800, 340mm

I think her partner was jealous though and stormed across the lake towards me - or maybe it was the child standing next to me throwing food to them.

Canon EOs 7d, EF 100 - 400mm, L, Lens
1/640 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

Canon EOs 7d, EF 100 - 400mm, L, Lens
1/400 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

Canon EOs 7d, EF 100 - 400mm, L, Lens
1/800 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

Canon EOs 7d, EF 100 - 400mm, L, Lens
1/1328 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

 The Mute swan family came in really gently and collected the dropped food. the male came in, only a couple of feet from where I was sitting and seemed to want to make friends - until he realised it wasn't me with the food - they can be really fickle these birds :o)

Canon EOs 7d, EF 100 - 400mm, L, Lens
1/1328 @ f6.3, iso 800, 120mm