Sunset at Welney Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust

 A perfect sunset at Welney yesterday to watch the Whooper Swans flying in to roost on the Ouse Washes (around 8000 at the moment). Lynne, Mike and Jane watching from the comfort of the main hide while Chris and I enjoyed the fresh air (and it was) in the outer wings. As the swans flew in, the waders fly out to roost on the fields  and cormorants gathered on the telephone wires.

Night Photography in Cambridge II

Eight CCC members braved the cold on Sunday evening to have a go at night photography.It was a full moon night  which made the taking of a few more of images of King's College from the Backs  for a magazine article impossible so our best shots were from Garret Hostel Bridge where the moon was not in the frame. The first image shows the view towards Trinity - I love the way the Plough constellation (righthand side) is reflected in the water. This shot was taken 30secs, f8 iso 800. I also tried a long exposure (200secs ). This resulted in significant star  trails as expected; to get the exposure where stars do not leave a trail divide 600 by (focal length of lens X crop factor). So for 16mm lens this is 37secs.

  I also needed a picture of myself taking the shot - Phil obliged with this image. 

Christmas in Cambridge

A few images from around Cambridge on Sunday evening before we started the night shoot proper (next entry!). The fair on Parkers' Piece accompanying the ice rink is small but certainly not lacking colour.  When we first arrived in Cambridge (c3.15pm), we spent some time on the reflections in the windows on King's Parade, which gives some fascinating juxtapositions. As dusk approached, it was time for views of Trinity Hall and Kings with the tasteful Christmas lights. Then a quick session in the market before the fair and a warm drink!

Addenbrookes' Hospital Rudolf Run

Local sports stars GB 100m paralympian, Laura Sugar, from Saffron Walden and GB Bobsleigh Team member, Ross Austen, from Ely launched  this year’s Rudolph Run at Addenbrooke’s Hospital on Sunday 7 December.

 Around 200 people registered for the event - a large increase on last year.  Father Christmas and his Reindeer plus various staff from Addenbrookes' Charitable Trust  and Trustee, Dame Mary Archer, bravely took part in the run in showery rain or manned the barriers and stalls. Congratulations to all who completed the course. My images are on flikR at This Link  (Or copy https://www.flickr.com/photos/28596054@N07/sets/72157649653589472/); a few more will be added from Mike shortly.

Paxton Pits

It was such a beautiful clear sunny morning that the mountain of house jobs got abandoned in favour of a trip to Paxton Pits. There was not a lot around but two Goldeneye kept us amused for a time along with Tufted and Mallards. I experimented with very dark backgrounds for the Great Crested Grebe and Swan.

Coventry Cathedral

We spent an hour or so in Coventry Cathedral on Sunday. We last visited before the construction of the University and the large square in front of the steps - a road ran along the front with the Epstein statue overlooking mainly derelict buildings. I tried to find images from then on the web and failed so will look out my images one day. I find it a very austere almost frightening space with only the Bapistry window by John Piper offering any relief to the sombre message. Even the Eagle lecture is angular and aggressive unlike the usual rounded version.