Farne Islands...Puffins Galore!

Last week I went to the Farne Islands, something I had wanted to do for some time. Timing has to be just right. First of all their is only a small window of opportunity, as the Puffins are only present there a couple of months in the year. Then the boats doesn´t always sail if the wind is above moderate. Then even when the wind has calmed down it may take another day or two until the swell of the sea to calm down, to make landing on the islands possible! Then if you are taking photographs, the light has to be good to capture the birds in flight, so you need a fast shutter speed (unless you have a £5,000 low lightlens, which I dont have!). So a lot has to come together all at the right time....and so last Tuesday was one of those perfect days!
I only managed to get a place on the boat due to a cancellation, and when I boarded the boat it was jammed pack with what looked like a seminar of Canon photographers, all with their big 400mm, 500mm lens, Manfrotto Tripods, and hats. (Will tell you later why the hats...in the Tern Blog)

The Woods at Kirkmichael

A few days ago when it felt truly Summer had arrived (not like today), I took off for a quiet meander through the woods. As I crossed over a field and entered another group of large trees a Buzzard took to flight from off the ground. It landed at a tree in the distance. I didnt pay too much attention as I entered the small group of trees and was able to take a few nice shots of typical local woodland birds. All the while, the Buzzard kept crying out and was joined by another Buzzard, I presume was its mate. Every now and then, one of them would make an inspection and fly away again to the tree. I tried to hide myself and sat for atleast an hour hoping that amongst the trees there was a Buzzards nest and I could get some nice photos. But they must of known I was there and stayed away until I had to leave as it was getting dark. I couldn´t see any nest high in the trees, so maybe I was wrong and was just wishful thinking. Anyway, while I was waiting patiently I was able to take these shots.

Goldfinches

The Summer is here and the plumage on the Goldfinches is quite dramatic. Flocks appear everywhere feeding on the long grasses. I used my new bean-bag to rest the lens on and feel the shots are greatly improved by eliminating camea shake. Tell me what you think?

Lochwinnoch Lesser Redpolls

Dropped the kids off at Ardrossan Ferry as they were going to Arran with some of their friends. I headed down to lockwinnock hoping to see and photograph some Great Crested Grebes. Unfortunately, there wasnt a Grebe to be seen. Not to worry though as I was able to watch a flock of Lesser redpolls coming to and fro to feed.


What amazing colours on these birds. Also their call is quite distinct so you know when they are about.





Spent about six hours in the hide waiting for them to arrive....well worth the wait!!
During this time too I saw over 20 species...more pics will be added soon.

Ken-Dee Marshes, Galloway.

I had an early meeting to attend in Dumfries, and unexpectedly finished by 11am, so I was glad I had packed more suitable clothing and a light lunch as I headed off to RSPB Ken-Dee Marshes. When I arrived I quickly changes from suit and tie to more colours akin with the wilds. When I got to the first hide there were a few Red Sqirrels up at the feeders taking the nuts.



Then a Nuthatch flew in to watch the proceedings. On the pond there wasnt much to be seen except a few Black-headed Gulls nesting on the small island. A couple of lapwing were also about. In the distance I could make out a pair of Canada Geese, and a Redshank feeding by the reeds.
On the feeders were the usual tits and siskin, then all of a sudden a Jay appeared from the woodland and only stayed around for a few seconds and went missing again. A male and female Great-Spotted Woodpecker kept making a show. Just then an Osprey was flying fairly high over the loch, one could just make out the stripe across its eyes, and the familiar wing markings. He kind of flew motionless, and we all thought he was dive down but it must of been a false alarm, so he just took off into the distance...never to be seen (by us) again.



Photography was difficult as the light deteriated, and I was having to shoot a 1000ISO, and set to Manual at f6.3 1/400sec.
Anyway these are some of the better shots taken during the day, with 25 species noted.
Birdlist: Treecreeper, Swallow, Blackbird, Wood warbler, Blackcap, Shovelar, Red kite, Robin, Jay, Siskin, Redshank, Black headed gull, Great spotted woodpecker, Osprey, Blue tit, Great tit, Marsh tit, Nuthatch, Wren, Chaffinch, Lapwing, Buzzard, Mallard, Canada goose, Blackbird.

Wrens

Yesterday I wanted to photograph the Wren. I had been walking regulary through the woods near the house and had noticed in one particular area a high density of Wrens. So I began to look for a hiding spot where I had noticed a number of sightings on one particular perch they liked to use. Early morning I went down but I didnt get any decent shots as the strong sunlight was too harsh. I returned later in the day when the light was more difused and so got my little tripod stool set up and covered myself in the camo netting I brought along. After about half an hour my hands got tired of holding the camera and wished I had brought the tripod, but anyway I lowered the camera to take the weight from off my arms. Just then...yes you guessed it, a beautiful little wren starting singing merrily from off the perch. I couldn't believe it, so I slowly moved the camera toward my face to take aim but just then he flew off! Typical. I began to go through the usual "why didn't I do...why didn't I do this.." I was about to pack up and go home, then thought to myself, I will give it 10 more minutes. This time camera up to my face and ready for action. To my suprise I didn't have to wait long, until the little fellow landed again and started to burst forth in song. I manage to fire off about 10 shots and get these images. Only thing I regretted was not having a faster lens. I took the shots at f5.6 the widest aperature my lens would give, hence the very narrow depth of field. Ah well, next time will be better, and will get the tail pin sharp also. Canon 40D, Canon 400mm; f5.6; 1/400sec; ISO 640

Dippers in Kirkmichael

7th March 2010

This afternoon it was a dry and mild day. Sun was hidden behind light cloud and so I went down to the bridge in Kirkmichael to see if the Dippers were arouind. Over the last few days I have noticed them in this particular strech of river, and so yesterday scouted round to see a good position to hide myself and yet be as close to the river as possible. Eventually I found the ideal spot. I would be hidden from view by branches and ivy trailing down to the waters edge. I had to put my camo netting the other side of me to screen me off from view in case they flew downstream. So today, I got myself in position and sat and waited. After about 30 mins, I spotted the first dipper on a rock downstream. He was there just bobbing up and down and then occasionally jumping in the water. Next the other bird flew nearer to me and started to search for food in the water. All the while this little guy was getting closer to me. I was getting excited and hoped my patience in not firing off some quick shots earlier would pay off. It was wonderful to see these birds just plunge into the icey cold water and resurface again. They never quite made it to the ideal rock, where the green moss contrasted the dark brown water and would make a perfect shot, but I didn't mind. I was happy with what I saw and know that as the days get brighter and longer, I will eventually get that perfect shot.
Photo taken with Canon 40D, 400mm f5.6 lens. 1/320sec, f6.3, ISO1000.