Winsford Soul Posted May 4, 2014 Posted May 4, 2014 One more from me. This was taken a couple of years ago when we had starlings nesting under the eaves of shed that was very close to us. I noticed that the birds were like clockwork in feeding their young, so set up the camera on a tripod and fired off shots using a remote. The birds were coming in to land so fast that it took a good number of attempts over quite a long while to get just a couple of decent shots. Even better, it was turning to evening and the birds were being silhouetted by the sinking sun. I got this one and another that I'll post in a bit. In the end it was well worth all the failed shots. Well, I think so, anyway! image.jpgRussell. Stunning shot with the sun backlighting the wings like thatSteve 1
Suzannek Posted May 5, 2014 Posted May 5, 2014 Went down my favourite woods today for a walk, the yellows and white wildflowers are being replaced by the blues, purples and pinks . A pretty shy violet and the first bluebells coming through Still carpets of white stitchwort about though, oh and a lovely patch of cowslips and blue forget me nots by the beck Suz x 2
Winsford Soul Posted May 5, 2014 Posted May 5, 2014 Went down my favourite woods today for a walk, the yellows and white wildflowers are being replaced by the blues, purples and pinks . A pretty shy violet and the first bluebells coming through Still carpets of white stitchwort about though, oh and a lovely patch of cowslips and blue forget me nots by the beck Suz x Suz. It's amazing how just a few miles and a few feet above sea level makes a massive difference to when flowers bloom. Had bluebells for about two weeks here in the North West. One of my favourites. Hope to be hearing and seeing Swifts any day soon here in Manchester. Steve 1
Suzannek Posted May 5, 2014 Posted May 5, 2014 Steve Teesdale where I live is the only place in England where the Arctic whorl snail lives, it lives in the Highlands of Scotland also. The upper parts are sub Arctic. Suz x 1
Amsterdam Russ Posted May 6, 2014 Author Posted May 6, 2014 Hope to be hearing and seeing Swifts any day soon here in Manchester. Steve Happy to report that they arrived here in our little corner of the Netherlands about a week ago. 1
Amsterdam Russ Posted May 6, 2014 Author Posted May 6, 2014 Just remembered that I was going to post up another photo of the starling as it arrived at its nest. This is it, and well chuffed I was with it, too. 3
Winsford Soul Posted May 6, 2014 Posted May 6, 2014 Happy to report that they arrived here in our little corner of the Netherlands about a week ago. Russell. I'm pleased to report that I've seen hundreds today. At a new for me RSPB reserve at Conwy nr Llandudno. They had just arrived judging by the amount of birds together. Spent a few hours at Bodnant garden's about 5 miles inland from Conwy, have taken a few pictures . Hope to post some tomorrow. Steve
Amsterdam Russ Posted May 6, 2014 Author Posted May 6, 2014 Russell. I'm pleased to report that I've seen hundreds today. At a new for me RSPB reserve at Conwy nr Llandudno. They had just arrived judging by the amount of birds together. Spent a few hours at Bodnant garden's about 5 miles inland from Conwy, have taken a few pictures . Hope to post some tomorrow. Steve Still no stopping you on your adventures then, Steve? Had hoped the swifts might have brought just a little of that Saharan weather with them. No chance judging by our forecast for the week!
Winsford Soul Posted May 7, 2014 Posted May 7, 2014 Still no stopping you on your adventures then, Steve? The way its going I may not go back to work, I,m enjoying myself too much. Only joking Russell I will go back just don't know when yet.Steve 1
Amsterdam Russ Posted May 7, 2014 Author Posted May 7, 2014 Never seen so many Magpies together. DSCF0370.JPG How does it go? One for sorrow, two for joy, three for a girl, four for a boy, five for silver, six for gold, seven for a secret, never to be told, eight for a wish, nine for a kiss, ten for a time of joyous bliss. 2
Winsford Soul Posted May 7, 2014 Posted May 7, 2014 Just missed this blackbird fledgling getting fed of its dad and ended up with just the chick with a beak full worm and caterpillarSteve 3
Winsford Soul Posted May 7, 2014 Posted May 7, 2014 (edited) Male and female Shelduck. If you click on the picture to enlarge you would think that the males bill is red plasticSteve Edited May 7, 2014 by Winsford Soul 3
Winsford Soul Posted May 7, 2014 Posted May 7, 2014 How does it go? One for sorrow, two for joy, three for a girl, four for a boy, five for silver, six for gold, seven for a secret, never to be told, eight for a wish, nine for a kiss, ten for a time of joyous bliss.Russell. Thought Ten was for a bird you must not missSteve
Amsterdam Russ Posted May 7, 2014 Author Posted May 7, 2014 Russell. Thought Ten was for a bird you must not miss Steve Lots of variations on this, Steve. Had a little look around online before finding the one I posted (as I couldn't remember what came after four ). From what I've read it seems every part of the country has their own version.
Winsford Soul Posted May 7, 2014 Posted May 7, 2014 Lots of variations on this, Steve. Had a little look around online before finding the one I posted (as I couldn't remember what came after four ). From what I've read it seems every part of the country has their own version.Mine was from the TV show. That,s the only one I knowSteve
Popular Post Tattoodave Posted May 8, 2014 Popular Post Posted May 8, 2014 Thought I'd add these into the mix, . Heaven knows why the middle one, I put it down to no morning coffee 5
Popular Post Tattoodave Posted May 8, 2014 Popular Post Posted May 8, 2014 notice the chameleon spider amongst the petalsPlus a couple of local orchids too 4
Winsford Soul Posted May 8, 2014 Posted May 8, 2014 Anenome palmata 1.JPGnotice the chameleon spider amongst the petalsOrchis italica 6.JPGOrchis tridentata 10.JPGPlus a couple of local orchids tooNice Pictures Dave. Welcome to the wildlife threadSteve
Tattoodave Posted May 8, 2014 Posted May 8, 2014 Though can't figure out why they come out sideways when they aren't sideways on my laptop? Saw the Bonelli's again, quite close, but camera not at hand, and heard the goshawks, no sign of them though
Tattoodave Posted May 8, 2014 Posted May 8, 2014 I might as well share these too, one taken today, one Monday and the other last September 2
Tattoodave Posted May 8, 2014 Posted May 8, 2014 Nice Pictures Dave. Welcome to the wildlife thread Steve Thanks Steve, all taken with a small Sony Cybershot bought 12 years ago Dave
Winsford Soul Posted May 8, 2014 Posted May 8, 2014 Thanks Steve, all taken with a small Sony Cybershot bought 12 years ago Dave Dave. It's amazing the quality of the picture that come out of a cheapish camera. My partner Louise uses her kindle fire hdx and some of the pictures are fabulous. Some of them put my pictures to shame. Steve
Tattoodave Posted May 8, 2014 Posted May 8, 2014 Dave. It's amazing the quality of the picture that come out of a cheapish camera. My partner Louise uses her kindle fire hdx and some of the pictures are fabulous. Some of them put my pictures to shame. Steve I have a little Leica too, but can't get used to it, the Sony Cybershot wins every time for me, especially macro Dave
Winsford Soul Posted May 8, 2014 Posted May 8, 2014 (edited) I have a little Leica too, but can't get used to it, the Sony Cybershot wins every time for me, especially macro Dave I've joined the big boys camp with two Canon L series lenses. 70-200 f 2.8L is usm mk 2 and a 17-40 f4.0L is usm. Attached to a Canon eos 50 d body.. Would like a 500 or 600 ml lens but way out of my price range Steve Edited May 8, 2014 by Winsford Soul
Tattoodave Posted May 8, 2014 Posted May 8, 2014 I've joined the big boys camp with two Canon L series lenses. 70-200 f 2.8L is usm mk 2 and a 17-40 f4.0L is usm. Attached to a Canon eos 50 d body.. Would like a 500 or 600 ml lens but way out of my price range Steve To get to the plants I photograph you need to have a camera that will fit in your pocket as it's often a steep climb through prickly shrubs, I do it in shorts and sandals as I'm enjoying the sun, but come back bleeding most days. I have expensive vinyl tastes, so can't spend money on cameras. Dave 1
Amsterdam Russ Posted May 11, 2014 Author Posted May 11, 2014 (edited) Not been out and about much so far this year, so the photo opportunities have been few and far between. Having said that, there's quite a lot to be seen from the comfort of our 2nd floor apartment, even in the heart of a small town, if you keep your eyes open and place a camera where it's easy to get to in a hurry. Here's a few recent captures... A rather rain-soaked great crested grebe seen this afternoon on the waterway in front of us. Buzzard - seen when the sun was shining sufficiently for us to be sat on the back balcony. Heron - ditto. Herons are everywhere here and the Dutch seem to hate them with a passion. Collared dove sitting on top of a lamp post right outside one of our windows. This one's a regular visitor. Edited May 11, 2014 by Russell Gilbert 3
Popular Post Martyn Pitt Posted May 11, 2014 Popular Post Posted May 11, 2014 Had some fun today chasing Swallows, Swifts and Martins in flight, not the best idea on a dull day but hey ho Here is a Swallow flying low to avoid radar 5
Tattoodave Posted May 11, 2014 Posted May 11, 2014 Had some fun today chasing Swallows, Swifts and Martins in flight, not the best idea on a dull day but hey ho Here is a Swallow flying low to avoid radar 405_070.jpg Would love to have your camera and skills this lunchtime, I was watching an Emperor dragonfly whizzing about, beautiful, but the speed was mind blowing
Martyn Pitt Posted May 11, 2014 Posted May 11, 2014 Would love to have your camera and skills this lunchtime, I was watching an Emperor dragonfly whizzing about, beautiful, but the speed was mind blowing I like dragonflies, they haven't changed much from their prehistoric ancestors, except they had 1.00m wingspans ... imagine watching one of those whizzing about 1
Tattoodave Posted May 11, 2014 Posted May 11, 2014 (edited) I like dragonflies, they haven't changed much from their prehistoric ancestors, except they had 1.00m wingspans ... imagine watching one of those whizzing about The Emperor was pretty big, there were two Ruddy Darters there too, saw the Emperor pick up a drop of water, very impressive Edited May 11, 2014 by TattooDave 1
Popular Post Suzannek Posted May 11, 2014 Popular Post Posted May 11, 2014 (edited) I went for a walk on Saturday up Romaldkirk, Upper Teesdale and took a few photos of wildflowers. They are not rare ones particularly, they are as follows Germander Speedwell, Cowslips, Dog Violet, Primrose, Forget Me Nots, Water Avens and Bugle flower Edited May 11, 2014 by suzannek 4
Martyn Pitt Posted May 11, 2014 Posted May 11, 2014 A couple of Swifts ... wonder how they got their name 3
Popular Post Tattoodave Posted May 11, 2014 Popular Post Posted May 11, 2014 (edited) Mirror orchid No common name Bumblebee Orchid None that rare here if you know where to look and what you're looking for. Still can't figure out why a picture that's upright on my laptop comes on here sideways, too much gin methinks. Edited May 11, 2014 by TattooDave 4
Suzannek Posted May 11, 2014 Posted May 11, 2014 http://www.bsbi.org.uk/Visiting_Upper_Teesdale.pdf. One of these days I'm going to go and see these, they're only 20 minutes in the car and a walk from where I live Suz x 1
Tattoodave Posted May 12, 2014 Posted May 12, 2014 (edited) http://www.bsbi.org.uk/Visiting_Upper_Teesdale.pdf. One of these days I'm going to go and see these, they're only 20 minutes in the car and a walk from where I live Suz x I'd be there in a flash if they were that close, I had to go 100 miles to see the giant orchid at the top of El Torcal, and I'm scared of heights Giant Orchid Man Orchid Yellow Bee Orchid Again none scarce, just take some finding. Edited May 12, 2014 by TattooDave 1
Popular Post Winsford Soul Posted May 13, 2014 Popular Post Posted May 13, 2014 Green WoodpeckerSteve 5
Tattoodave Posted May 13, 2014 Posted May 13, 2014 I've joined the big boys camp with two Canon L series lenses. 70-200 f 2.8L is usm mk 2 and a 17-40 f4.0L is usm. Attached to a Canon eos 50 d body.. Would like a 500 or 600 ml lens but way out of my price range Steve Hello Steve, been to Tarifa today, Storks, Turkey Vultures, Eagles and others, but much too windy. Took a few photos of plants but not much. I might share some once I've had a look to see if they're worth it. Dave
Tattoodave Posted May 13, 2014 Posted May 13, 2014 IMG_7538.JPG Green Woodpecker Steve Yaffle is my favourite English bird
Winsford Soul Posted May 13, 2014 Posted May 13, 2014 Hello Steve,been to Tarifa today, Storks, Turkey Vultures, Eagles and others, but much too windy. Took a few photos of plants but not much. I might share some once I've had a look to see if they're worth it. DaveHi Dave. look forward to a few pictures as always.Don't see many green woodpeckers in my usual haunts so was well pleased todaySteve
Tattoodave Posted May 13, 2014 Posted May 13, 2014 (edited) A bit grainy, but my camera isn't sophistictaed She does have a baby, but it wasn't obliging Phlomis herba-venti Too windy for much today, a weird terrain and very dry Edited May 13, 2014 by TattooDave 1
Winsford Soul Posted May 13, 2014 Posted May 13, 2014 Grainy Stork in flight.JPG A bit grainy, but my camera isn't sophistictaed San Roque Stork.JPG She does have a baby, but it wasn't obliging DSC08968.JPG Phlomis herba-venti Too windy for much today, a weird terrain and very dryDave. Hope one day in the not to distant future Storks will be nesting in EnglandSteve
Martyn Pitt Posted May 13, 2014 Posted May 13, 2014 IMG_7538.JPG Green Woodpecker Steve We get them in the back garden Steve ... they love the ants
Winsford Soul Posted May 13, 2014 Posted May 13, 2014 We get them in the back garden Steve ... they love the ants Nice one Martyn. . My garden's not long enough for a green woodpecker runway. Had a greater spotted woodpecker in my garden last year, not seen or heard him this year. The reason I ended up with picture is that I had gone looking and listening for cuckoo's, sadly to no avail again. when the woodpecker flew in front and across the car. Landed about 30 metres away just managed the one quick shot before he was off. Steve
Tattoodave Posted May 14, 2014 Posted May 14, 2014 Dave. Hope one day in the not to distant future Storks will be nesting in England Steve I'm sure it could happen Steve, though I wouldn't keep your fingers crossed. Plenty for them to eat here, lizards, snakes and frogs as well as smaller birds. I've come to the conclusion that London's sparrows have left for an easier life by the coast or to other parts of Europe, they are abundant here, and locally their only predators are cats. Saw Sardinian warbler yesterday, pretty little thing, but shy. Dave
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