Last Session of 2008

I spent the day out and about with the camera yesterday to fit in one last session for the year. Despite some poor light conditions and some freezing temperatures a good number of species found there way in front of the lens and a most enjoyable way to finish an interesting year.

A bullfinch appearing very plump with its fluffed up feathers to try and keep the cold at bay.

Goldfinch feeding on teasel
The tiny and hyeractive Goldcrest which proved very tricky with the lack light
It is always good to see the rapidly declining Tree sparrow

A female Great Spotted Woodpecker hammering into a silver birch

A Fieldfare feeding on some apples

There were two main highlights to the day. Firstly a bird that is difficult to approach and photograph and also sadly disappearing rapidly the Grey PartridgeThe other highlight is a bird that I have not photographed for two years since one landed in my back garden back in January 2006, the Brambling.

Overall it has been a good year with 7 mammal species photographed, including a large library of brown hares, and 139 bird species ranging from the common to very rare such as the Ross's Gull that appeared back in the spring. I would like to thank all of you that have taken the time to read , support and comment on my Blog during this year and wish you all a wonderful and wildlife filled 2009.

Private Viewing

I recently took a trip to a private site that has a number of small hides and feeding stations set up. I have previously visited before although the numbers of birds seemed to be lower than usual which probably was related to a very mild spell of weather. However a enjoyable session was still to be had. At this site the birds are at really close range which allows the use of the 300mm F4 lens. Here are a selection of shots from the day.

The sadly rapidly declining tree sparrow

A male bullfinch in some winter sunLong-tailed tit

A jay dropped in for a very brief and close visist

I have a fondness for Reed bunting and I was pleased with this visit from a female

Not a bird often associated with feeding stations a goldcrest was making regular visits to a fat filled log.

To finish this post with a splash of 'imported' colour a pheasant and a red-legged partridge.

300mm Lens Test

I recently purchased the 300mm F4 lens as I was finding occasions when a shorter focal length lens would be useful. The main use of the lens will be for flight shots of larger birds at relatively close range and also for smaller birds at close quarters.

I went to a private site in Cheshire where I knew I would be getting some close range shots for a variety of species to give it a test run. The weather was not great on the day but I was pleased with how the lens performed. It was a busy day!!!

Bullfinches

Blue tit Chaffinch

GreenfinchNuthatch Pheasant Robin and Tree sparrow

Disturbance free bird photography

It is great getting photographic access to private sites as it is grood to have freedom without disturbance. Thought I would post some recent birds from private sites that I have access to . The first set is from a private woodland where I set up a feeding station earlier this year.

The ever present chaffinch

Difficult to resist a Robin

I am not sure why but I really like Dunnock and despite their lack of colour, they hold a lot of interest to me.

Moving on to another site, this time a private farm that I recently visited for a session with a friend. For those interested these shots were taken with the 100-400mm zoom lens.

Goldfinch

I seem to have an attraction to pheasant at the moment, as they keeping turning up everywhere I go!!!!

Bullfinch

and to finish off a new species for me, the unfortuately rapidly declining Tree sparrow