Pasque Flowers Revisited

 I decided to have one more go at the Pasque flowers at Royston as I didn't get quite what I wanted the first time and because this appears to be the best flowering anyone can remember on the heath. The first general view (24mm) shows that many of them have now got quite long stems. Many are going to seed but there are still some groups. I then got in close (100mm macro) to a lovely group of four blooms and shot at f32, f18 and f2.8 - I think I probably prefer the middle setting where the flowers and particularly the hairy stems are in focus.The wide open aperture gives a great pictorial image especially as I have moved round slightly to get a better separation of the blooms and have some side lighting here. The next image of a different foursome uses the 50 mm macro (f22) giving more detail in the background and the last a distant shot with the 100 mm to show just what the hillside looks like.

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.