I've just joined the forum and wanted to introduce myself and wish you all a Happy New Year.
I started following the fortunes of the Loch Garten ospreys (not looking good for Mallachie) and then a couple of months ago discovered the forums and became hooked on all the discussions and wisdom of the contibutors.
So, my New Year resolution is to become more involved and try to contribute.
I live near Reading in Berkshire - not exactly a birding hotspot - except we get Red Kites coming over daily, so it's not all bad.
Quite keen on trying to photograph birds (strictly as an amateur) and will try to post a few pics when I've learnt how to do it..
Tony
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My Flickr Photostream
Hello Tony, and welcome.
Look forward to seeing your photos when you get to do them.
:-)
Hi Tony
Welcome to the forum - really hope you enjoy it on here. We're not a bad bunch and as has been said before, we do love a photo!
Regards
Kerry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kezmo6310/
Hi Tony and welcome from me also. I, too, am lucky enough to have red kites around most days. Beautiful birds to watch, I just wish they would come a little lower for some decent photos.
The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.
The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!
A big welcome from myself too
Enjoy your time with likeminded bird/nature lovers.
Look forward to hearing all about your interests.
Kathy and Dave
Thanks to all for your welcome.
Squirrel
Red kites are wonderful to watch - I never tire of seeing them. They will actually come down into the garden if you've got a landing strip and some chicken scraps.
Here's a couple of shots that I've managed to take.
Not sure if the RSPB would approve but I only do it when I've got the remains of a roast chicken. Better going into their stomachs than landfill.
Hello Tony, thank you so much for showing these photographs. They really are superb action pictures.
All I can say is Wow!!! Wow!!! Wow!!!
If the kite is happy, not hurt or injured, then I see no harm in this. And what magnificent shots of a magnificent bird.
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
Brilliant photos Tony - far better than I have managed to date. How big a landing strip is required? My overhead regulars might need to have pretty good VTOL skills (we've got a 100 ft garden but it is divided midway by a hedge)!
Thanks for your kind words about the red kite photos. You wouldn't believe how many photos I've got of wing tips, blurred shapes and completely blank photos. I'm still trying for that perfect shot.
Squirrel - it sounds as though our gardens are of a similar size. My lawn is about 50 ft long from the house with a vegetable plot beyond that but no dividing fence or hedge. I live in a bungalow so the approach path is not as high as a normal house but the birds are surprisingly agile and very fast. They don't land but grab the food as they touch down.
Why not give it a try.
Blimey! They're superb pics! Welcome btw!! ;-)
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr