Cambridge in the Summer Heat

Yesterday, the temperature in Cambridge was around 30 degrees but this didn't deter the visitors enjoying the City and recording themselves in all the favourite spots. Newton's apple tree outside Trinity is obviously on the 'places to see' for many visitors who come equipped with an apple for the classic image. I was using a manual-focus Olympus lens on my Fuji so success was a bit limited but the 1.8 aperture gave pleasing results when focused right.

,su

 

Sharpenhoe Clappers (National Trust)

Today was really too hot to go chasing after butterflies and walking over open downland, but we needed to visit Sharpenhoe Clappers to plan an RPS day there on Sunday. The beech hangers looked great in the dappled sunlight with every shade of green in the foliage. Quick snaps of Chalkhill Blues and Dark Green Fritillary and flowers using a fish eye to give a feeling of the setting complete the 'snaps' in preparation for the weekend.

Creative Flower Shots

I am still trying different lens combinations and settings to produce different types of flower images. Here using Olympus lens mostly at f1.8 with extension ring to get closer giving soft images with just a small plane of focus. Processed to emphasis the soft diffuse nature of the images. The geranium seed head was taken at F16 and F4.

 

  

Evening Flying at Shuttleworth

We were lucky to have great skies for the display at Shuttleworth yesterday evening. Too much wind to fly some of the lighter planes but very enjoyable event. Here just a selection from the displays.

 

 

Other Insects from Gamlingay Wood

Sugley Wood (adjacent to Gamlingay Wood) was acquired by the Wildlife Trust in 2002 and now has a selection of small trees, trees and meadows. Lots of insect life there including Roessel's Cricket, Gate Keeper, all three species of Skipper and a resting Brown Hawker.

 

Birdwatching Log, Welney

After several bright days, yesterday started cloudy with some rain but I decided to keep to my plan of a visit to Welney. Here a few mostly distant birds (except for the first very confiding young Swallow waiting to be fed) in poor light - Avocets, Black-headed Gulls, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit and Little Ringed Plover. The latter showing the power of disruptive camouflage!