Marbled Whites Are Back

Last year we first saw the Marbled Whites in our local wood on 28th June - this year 27th June so very consistent emergence date. The clearing in the centre of the wood was alive with males last evening getting a last feed on the clover before roosting. The grass is very high so difficult to get clear backgrounds but lovely to see them in their pristine condition. Lots of similarly newly emerged Meadow Browns.

Kingston Reserve, Cambridgeshire

The meadow is at its best with numerous flower species including large number of Pyramidal Orchids at the moment, several butterflies including Common Blues and Large Skippers, Banded Demoiselles and numerous other insects. Still practising with Fuji kit - (50-140 with 1.4 extender and 50mm Touit). Note for next session - try with larger aperture for long lens (these shot with f22 not ideal for non-macro lens)

Red Hat Society at Tea for Cambridge Roar

Yesterday a large number of ladies from the Red Hat Societies in the area attended a Charity Tea Party run by Cambridge Roar, who are holding a week of events to raise money for charities. Red was definitely the theme of the afternoon - you will even spot a red Canon camera in one shot.

 

   

Testing Macro Kit for Switzerland

 Although the Canon 5D mkiii with Canon 100 mm macro with small flash is an excellent combination for macro photography and served me well in Sardinia, it is heavy to transport and carry. I also no longer have a general purpose lens for the Canon. As I replaced the stolen Canon gear with a range of Fuji lenses, I have been testing to see if I would prefer to take just Fuji to Wengen. I want to be able to carry a long lens for distant insects etc and a closer macro. The first five images are with the Zeiss 50mm Touit lens and in-camera flash with the XT-10. The 6th is with the 40-150mm alone on the XT-1 and the last two with the 1.4 times converter added (with external flash gun). Taken in the evening so ISO3200 for first few. Flash OK as long as not directly onto background!

Flight of the Falcon

We visited the Raptor Centre at St Ives on Sunday as Sadie had been invited to a party there. The birds were generally looking a bit the worse for wear (it is the moulting season) but the Lanner Falcon put on a good display. It is amazing how they keep their head in exactly the same orientation as they do turns and rolls.

 

RPS Outing to Lackford Lakes - Back to British Summer

I have an almost 100% record for wet outings arranged for the RPS Nature group and Saturday was no exception. Dull all day with some rain, brightening to clear skies as we left at 5pm. However, it didn't stop a stalwart  dozen folk from enjoying the delights of Lackford Lakes. The Kingfisher was seen by everyone I think and lots of wet damselflies and snails to practise the macro.

Sardinia final Day - Goodbye to New Friends

Wednesday was our final morning in Sardinia and we had to say goodbye to the House Martins that shared the hotel balconies, some obviously very hot dragonflies of various species (still having problems with all the yellow females!!), various ugly and not-so-ugly bugs and the new friends who shared the trip. Many thanks to Nicola Scatassi,  our excellent guide, for yet another very enjoyable Naturetrek trip