Stanwick Lakes - Where Were All the Birds?

 The very high water levels in the Lakes and the river Nene resulted in a lot fewer birds than previous visits. Coupled with overcast skies and strong winds meant we had a pretty sparse day as regards subjects to photograph though the feeders produced good opportunities including Muntjac deer.

. However, the group enjoyed a long walk round the reserve and a warming drink/lunch in the visitor centre

Lackford Lakes - Water Birds

Yesterday was cooler but bright and sunny in the morning for a trip to Lackford Lakes. We spent some time in one of the hides overlooking water - the Little Egret was the star of the show (certainly his large yellow feet) though the Cormorant and Little Grebe fishing added to the enjoyment. Lots of Snipe and Greylag Geese together with all the expected duck species.

Welney Afternoon Sunshine and Slow Shutterspeeds

After a foggy start, the sun made it out with clear skies for an hour or so before it clouded over again at sunset. Spent some time taking slow shutterspeed images -from 1/30th to 1/125th second. Love the way the primaries of the swans record in a blur of motion.

 

More Images from Clumber Park

The sun came out towards the end of the morning and I am pleased with the picture that I took of the solitary Oystercatcher. The image of the Greylag Geese is beautifully rim lit but does make it look as if the bird has been pasted onto the background. The Black-Headed Gull had quite a green cast reflected from the vegetation so works a lot better in monochrome.

Landing techniques in birds

I spent a bit of time at Clumber Park on the way to Spalding and attempted pictures of the birds in flight and landing on the lake. The various techniques used by the birds depends very much on the shape of the feet. The Canada Geese used their large webbed feet like water skies and were very elegant as they came into land. The Moorhen's long toes without webs cut into the water so they generally use the technique of running very fast across the surface.
The light was far from perfect so I intend to revisit the topic on another occasion.

The composite of the swan landing is for Phil just to show it is not just airplanes that sometimes do a double bounce landing (click on the image and it is large enough to make out the impressive belly flop).