Snake's Head Fritillarias in the Mist

Apparently this is a good year for the Berkshire Snake's Head Fritillarias - certainly they looked wonderful covered in dew from this morning's mists when I stopped off on my way home. I am not sure if I like them against the grass or the sky - with the shift lens it is easy to change their relative position. I also used the 50 macro and the 24-105mm

Early Purple Orchids

We completed our selection duties for the Cheltenham Salon in time for a visit to Swift's Hill, a limstone nature reserve near Gloucester, which has a wonderful display of Early Spotted Orchids and Cowslips. Various flower spikes taken with 50 macro, 24-105mm and 24mm TS lenses. Many thanks to the Cheltenham Salon for its hospitality and friendly welcome and to Martin for showing us the orchids.

Feather Abstracts

 A few feather patterns from a variety of captive birds at a Bird Park near where I am staying in the Gloucester area.

Waresley Wood bluebells

I did two circuits round Waresley woods on Monday - one in the morning with the family and one in the afternoon with members of the Cambridge Camera club. No hardship as the Bluebells were at their very best. Top image with 24mm Tilt and Shift; rest with 100mm macro. Third image uses the multiple exposure setting on the Canon 5D - not sure yet how to get the best from this.

Lackford Lakes on Rainy Day

 We spent sunday at Lackford Lakes - it was mainly overcast with some rain but the birds didn't seem too put off - a Little Grebe gave us a dancing display. The young Blackheaded gulls had a lot to learn on the art of collecting insects from the surface of the water - they mainly crash landed.

Lakenheath RSPB Reserve

 Sunny but cold wind at Lakenheath on Saturday resulted in a poor show of small birds but the larger species were active, including a female Marsh Harrier with nesting material. The spider is yet to be identified. The reeds and poplar woods made great backdrops in the sunlight and even the Coot obliged by having a wash in the late afternoon sunlight.

Little Grebe Dance

This little grebe kept us well entertained at Lackford Lakes today practising its dance. We didn't see a partner but perhaps she is busy sitting on eggs. Video made using Photoshop sequencing module.

April in Cambridge

 We have had some wonderful warm sunny days in Cambridge this week. All the trees are coming into leaf and the city looks at its best.