Enjoying Northumberland!

Hi JP,  glad to hear you are enjoying your new hobby and visited Holy Island which I've been to a couple of times and thoroughly enjoyed the variety of birds both on the shoreline and around the island.    I remember in particular the Skylarks during breeding season soaring high into the air, singing/displaying by "parachuting" down  !    

As you have read;   on binocular advice, always try before you buy and don't rule out good quality second hand binoculars as there can be some bargains out there;   I would always go into a shop for either new or second hand so you can still test them out and see if they suit your needs.    Photography can be an expensive hobby but also enjoyable and I remember my brother telling me that I would want to buy more gear and upgrade it as I got into photography .... and he wasn't wrong !!   Once again, depending on budget you can find used gear out there so may be worth checking out your local optical stores to see what they have, both new and used gear.     Keep enjoying the great outdoors and wildlife adventures and look forward to hearing more about the birds you have seen.    There are some very good books on bird ID to help;    I have the Collins Bird Guide which is a tad pricey but certainly worth it as it gives such great information and illustrations,     

Thank you Hazel. Good advice.. I have no problem with second hand. I'm not too precious with these binoculars at mo, because you have to use these things...there's so much sand in them but hey ho! If I had more expensive equipment I would defo look after them better.

I decided to fit a roof box to my car today and travelled from Bamburgh to Cramlington for the Halfords ...40 miles down the coastline! However, discovered Newton by the sea on route and yes... skylarks a-plenty there!

But the surprise has been 'happening upon' Northumberlandia in Cramlington. Added the Little Grebe  with chick's to my list! Nice looking bird.

I might have seen a Reed bunting but it was far too fast for me!!

Jill.

Have you got the Farne Islands on your visit list. Puffins are still there in numbers.

Photography is an expensive hobby as many of us on here can vouch for but the rewards are worth it. A lot will depend upon your budget and whether your budget is a one off or something that you can add to every year or so. There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying good second hand gear.
The usual choices are;

a bridge camera. a fairly compact camera that does not have interchangeable lenses but can be carried in a small bag or big pocket, often has a very big zoom and can be regarded as a one off purchase and will be useful for many types of photography. However, there are limitations - often bridge cameras are not as good at capturing birds in flight or poor light.

a DSLR or the newer mirrorless equivalents. This is where the money goes as you often need a couple of lenses - one for everyday photography and one for birding. Second hand is a good way to go as there are always people who want the latest gear, so there are lots of high quality used gear floating about. My personal point of view is that when starting off, if you can stretch your budget, you should aim to buy good quality lenses that will last a long time - manufacturers don't replace their lenses very regularly but cameras are upgraded almost every year. If you had an idea of budget you could get a lot of suggestions on here but its always worth going to somewhere like London Camera Exchange or Wex Photographic and chatting to them about what you want to photograph and what your budget might be.

Enjoy Northumberland it is a beautiful county.

Ty Bob.

I would very much like to visit Farne Isles. But my priority is looking after, and spending precious time with, my 14 Yr old jrt. Ironically, she chases most things, but is totally uninterested in birds!! Strictly mammals!

I have looked across the water from Bamburgh and see a group of birds! And white rock, that I'm guessing is 'good fertiliser' material!

I do have a canon dslr in my loft! With some lenses. When I get home I'll get them down and see what's what.

I think I was thinking about a single telescope with tripod with camera?

But thank you for reminding me of what I already have... Worth seeing what I can do without spending any money.

The main reason for photographing though, is to share, ID, and learn. 

I'm thoroughly loving this new hobby! Looking forward to planning trips around it.

Sadly Northumberland is a little too far from home for a day trip, though it is planned  to make a proper getaway sometime in the future.

I have been to Holy Island, just for a day whilst staying with family in N Yorkshire and was bowled over.

Regarding optics/binoculars, the only thing I can add to Hazel's comments is, many reputable optics today are weatherproofed, so sand shouldn't be a problem, if you keep them regularly cleaned. It will mean spending a little more, but often they are a good investment and sensibly used, will give a good long return for your money

With photography, if you opt to use a DSLR, mirrorless or any type of camera with detachable lenses,the risk of dust, dirt and/or sand is going to be high if you change lenses whilst in those environments.

Probably one of the best starting points for photography is  Getting off Auto - Index  set up by  Whistling Joe

From there, and likewise for optics and binoculars, ask away, we've all had to start from the beginning, and many of us are happy to share our experiences.

Another book to consider is the RSPB/DK Pocket Nature Wildlife of Britain. The book and it's index is comprehensive, it will list other similar species to help you confirm your bird, mammal or plant and id.

Two helpful tips to share

DON'T binge learn. get used to what you saw that day/visit and  it'll all come together nicely.

If you're not sure, grab a photo, it doesn't need to be perfect, just clear enough to see the markings to assist Id when you get back home.

Ty Mike

I will certainly try to be sensible with the dslr. I'd be restricting it to watch areas and hides. No sandy beaches.

I'm using the RSPB Pocket Guide to British Birds. And you are so right about binge learning. It really doesn't work that way, well, for me anyhow. I have to experience and build on knowledge bit by bit. That's why I always chat to people I see along the way. What is amusing is that I obviously look the part with my Lidl binoculars as people stop and chat to me too!

I think the book recommendations and links here are probably more important than kit.  ... I have just noticed my books section on Field Notes. I actually think that might be the next step for me too.

I'll try to post regularly!

Ty for the book link. After the comments it's becoming clear that referencing, and field notes will help me as much as photo evidence.

You have made me laugh about juvenile gull ID.

For a while I thought I'd discovered some exotic/ African/ rarely seen arrival to our shores ;)  

JPHalifax said:

Ty Mike

I will certainly try to be sensible with the dslr. I'd be restricting it to watch areas and hides. No sandy beaches.

I'm using the RSPB Pocket Guide to British Birds. And you are so right about binge learning. It really doesn't work that way, well, for me anyhow. I have to experience and build on knowledge bit by bit. That's why I always chat to people I see along the way. What is amusing is that I obviously look the part with my Lidl binoculars as people stop and chat to me too!

I think the book recommendations and links here are probably more important than kit.  ... I have just noticed my books section on Field Notes. I actually think that might be the next step for me too.

I'll try to post regularly!

You're welcome.

As for looking the part, when folk comment, I'm quite happy to quickly say: "All the gear and no idea".

I used my 450D on a beach but made sure I didn't remove  the 100-300 lens whilst photographing seascape scenes. The same with the 5D4, while on the sands at Titchwell, though TBH, the wildlife on that particular day was being sensible and keeping out of the sun. Well, it was a very hot day, cloudless and the sun was beating down, bringing home that Noel Coward line: "Mad dogs and Englishmen out in the midday sun...."

It's just being sensible.

Another thought re optics, many RSPB and Wildlife Trust reserves have visitor centres, some shops that also sell optics. Staff there are more than able to help, share tips and a good place to hold and test the optics.

A  good thread to have a peruse through, and  it's previous versions, is  RE: Bad pics of fab wildlife (part 3) 

There are some amusing photos taken and shared.

I've waffled on.....