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

The Birds and the Bees and Butterflies August 3rd 2014

There wasn't a lot of wildlife about today but somethings of interest raised their heads.

A Red Admiral was hopping about from bloom to bloom, but would not settle with its wings open so I could get a decent picture of his markings.

1/2656 @ f7.1,  iso 400, 400mm

A Comma wasn't as shy and was happily sunbathing completely unconcerned about the lens pointing at him.

1/500 @ f7.1,  iso 400, 400mm

And this bee was not going to give up its meal for anyone, it didn't even have time to groom itself. Either that or it was a Punk Bee :o)

1/800 @ f7.1,  iso 400, 400mm

Further round a Cormorant found a small open area in all the weeds that the parks people have left to clog up the lakes. The whole park will soon be a no go area as Mossies start breeding in the stagnant pools, maybe that's why they closed down the most popular car park.

1/800 @ f7.1,  iso 400, 400mm

The Cormorant seemed to give up the struggle with the weeds and flew away to one of the few lakes still free from them.

1/3200 @ f7.1,  iso 400, 400mm

1/3200 @ f7.1,  iso 400, 400mm

1/3200 @ f7.1,  iso 400, 400mm

A Moorhen made use of an abandoned Coots nest, it was the only place in another totally clogged lake.

1/80 @ f7.1,  iso 400, 400mm

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