Paxton Pits 9th November

Jacqui and I had a general wildlife photography walk around Paxton Pits on Monday in misty cold conditions but were rewarded with great views of an Otter close to us catching a fish. We were alerted to its presence by an Egret on a branch staring intently into the sedges. Although our eyes had no problem separating Otter from vegetation, my camera was not so clever so you need a bit of imagination but this is the closest that I have watched otters at Paxton other than on the trail cameras. Very exciting!! The rest of our time was the other end of the nature photography spectrum with small lichens and fungi that kept very still and could be moved to help our backs if needed!!

Soft Light at the Pits

Images taken on Saturday in misty but bright conditions at Paxton Pits showing beautiful muted autumn colours across Heronry Lake and a variety of water birds including a Scaup that was in with the Tufted Ducks, Cormorant, Great Crested Grebes, Shovellers, Widgeon and Egret.

 

Paxton Lichens 2

A second walk at Paxton Pits concentrating on the Lichens and also Autumn Mist and Colours. IDs on last image.

Duxford Concord Nose Droop

 As part of their evening's entertainment on November 5th, Phil was in the captain's seat to demonstrate the lowering of Concorde's nose etc in front of a very big crowd. All went well with the heat shield, nose lowering etc as the plane made its imaginary c. 2 hour journey from London to New York. 

Duxford Fireworks

This is the first time (?recently) that Duxford IWM have run a firework evening so I am sure there were some nerves out there on the runway as they lit the first one but all went to plan with the customary big bang finale.

Lichens Paxton Pits

Lichens photographed in the Sanctuary at Paxton Pits, an area not open to the public right by the water and with lots of old hawthorns (and oaks) - ideal for lichen and fungal growth. Generally taken with a bit too slow shutterspeed for the amount of magnification so will repeat at some stage. IDs at end