Cambridge and Pakenham Mills with R72 Filter

I experimented with using an R72 (dense red filter) with my Fuji to give a pseudo infrared image while in Paris (http://pin-sharp.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/trees-and-shadows-from-paris.html). I have recently been trying a few further shots first in Cambridge and then at Pakenham Wind and Water Mills on the way back from the EAF Exhibition at Wingfield. I have not yet found how to do any type of satisfactory colour conversion but do like the contrasty monochromes from the files. 

Other Birds at Lakenheath

The Great Crested Grebes and Reed Buntings paraded in front of us showing off their pristine plumage while a Common Tern put on a great display of hovering and diving even managing to catch a fair-sized fish. Other species included Greylag Goose, Egret and Heron, Marsh Harrier, Common Cranes, Greenfinch, Great Tit and Chaffinch. Bittern were heard but not seen.

Hobbies at Lakenheath RSPB Reserve

This page gives some idea of what it was like at Lakenheath RSPB Reserve today with Hobbies hunting overhead - sometimes 8 in a the same patch of sky and some coming close. The most we counted at one time were 25 but some of these were distant. More birds and insect life to follow.

My Actual Entry for CCC Points of View

I promised to put up my first choice of images for the CCC Points of View competition having posted my second choice (http://pin-sharp.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/points-of-view-at-saffron-walden.html). Here they are. I came joint 4th - very respectable position.

For the Category Amazing. This is the Turf Maze. The 'Smile' was what made me think snakes and the image was completed with two lens caps that I happened to have in my pocket, 

The next category was 'Old' and this image was the window display of one of the many antique shops in Saffron Walden.

I managed to baffle the judge with this image for the Category: Bigger picture. I had bought the doll in a shop earlier and in my mind was the bigger picture of life from childhood to the grave but admittedly not that clear a message.

This was for the Trading Category and was taken through the window of the butcher's shop.

 The final Category was Monochrome and was a dummy for sale in one of the secondhand shops and was completely 'armless.

CCC Outing to Waresley Wood

A second visit to Waresley, this time with members of Cambridge Camera club. Perfect conditions for photographing the flowers - no wind and overcast but bright skies. The Oxlips are nearly over but this one was complete and looked good among the Bluebells. I finished the morning photographing the Giant Horsetails - an intriguing plant.

Life in a Bluebell Glade

I spent a very enthralling couple of hours on the edge of Waresley Wood (Cambridgeshire) photographing the abundant invertebrate life in a small Bluebell and Dog's Mercury valley. Besides the Peacock and Brimstone shown here, there were also Small Whites and Commas. The Honeybees were busy collecting pollen from the Bluebells while the Bee Flies (Bombyllus major) concentrated on the Celandines. Both Hairy and Dock Shieldbugs were plentiful while I was fascinated to record the Grey Mining Bee together with its parasitic species Nomada lathburiana. The Sawfly I think was Tenthredo atra but will need to get this one checked out. Finally a 7-spot Ladybird.

Cambridge Camera Club Exhibition

Cambridge Camera Club's Exhibition is on this week in a new venue having been priced out of the Cambridge Guildhall. We are open until Saturday 5pm. We are very happy with the welcome that we have received from St Andrew's Baptist Church Cambridge and visitor numbers are good. We need to improve the lighting for next year. A few shots taken at the end of the day.