Cambridge Botanic Gardens

 A trip to the botanic Gardens this morning. Sunny intervals brought the new tree leaves to life (upper and under views) and made interesting shots in the steamy tropical house.

Lakenheath

 Just our luck that the weather turned cold and somewhat windy today for our trip to Lakenheath. As a result there were very few birds around and the lens plus 2X converter that I was using had trouble focusing in the dull light conditions. Still a few shots to add to the collection from there. - two of the reed beds which were looking stunning in the few glimpses of sunshine. Just one pair of Marsh Harriers and a single Hobby (no photograph) from the New Fen Hide.

Creative Imagery

 We had an Aperture group meeting of Cambridge Camera club last night where the topic was the un-image - defined as a picture that does not conform to the normal technical standards that we look for in club competitions etc but where there is a certain mystery that makes the viewer wish to investigate further. We looked at lots of famous photographers and images that have stood the test of time despite being unsharp, overexposed etc etc. I am not sure all of mine fit the criteria, but they are mainly straight-from-the-camera shots without manipulation other than cropping, tones etc

Rye Meads

I called in at Rye Meads RSPB reserve on my way to Camberley to lecture. The kingfishers were fairly active and are apparently sitting on eggs. The Gadwall pair decided to mate in front of the hide and then came closer to wash and preen. The resrve was full of butterflies, Brismstone, Whites, Commas and loads of Peacocks.

Paxton's Nightingales

 A bright, warm and still day was just what was needed for today's RPS Nature Group visit to Paxton pits. The Southerly wind for the last 2 days has at last brought in the migrants so apart from several singing nightingales (top), there were Willow Warblers, Chiffchaff (second from bottom), Whitethroat, Blackcap (bottom) and cuckoo all heard. The Great Crested Grebes were very actively courting and the Cormorants busy with their nest building.

Pasque fowers Therfield Heath

 The Pasque flowers are as good as I have ever seen them this year on the heath - thousands literally of them and just about at their peak though there are plenty of buds to come. I used 24 mm tilt and shift, 24 mm prime and 100 mm macro lefthand shots)as well as my sony RX100 compact (righthand shots).Surprised at the quality of the compact - holds up well  in comparison with the expensive  Canon camera and lenses.