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
Brilliant photos Tony .
Welcome to the forum.
Regards Buzzard
Nature Is Amazing - Let Us Keep It That Way
Hi Teejay
Excellent! what fantastic photos - I can see you will fit right in here with photos like that - you can keep them coming that's for sure. Absolutely wonderful, what wonderful visitors to have to your garden.
Squirrel - quick try the chicken or remove the hedge - you've got to get yourself some of these!! LOL
Regards
Kerry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kezmo6310/
Unknown said: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.
Hi Tee-Jay,
Those pics you have posted are worth all the dud ones - and your comments reminded me of a beautiful photo I once took of the Red Arrows when they flew over a show I was at. Lovely clear blue sky. Nothing else!
Keep your photos coming.
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
Great photos! A friend of mine who lives in High Wycombe nearly fell off his garden chair and dropped his cuppa when a kite swooped down for the chicken carcass that had been left out for the birds!
A closed mouth gathers no foot.
Hi Maisie
I can relate to your friend's surprise. I've been out doing some gardening and they've swooped down when I've had my back to them. If you are looking at them they won't come down. They are also very clever at detecting from a height of 50 ft or more what is good to eat. A piece of bread won't generate the slightest flicker of interest but put a piece of chicken out and there can be several circling before you know it. I know their eyesight is many times better than ours but I wonder whether they also use a sense of smell as well to detect food. After all, they are primarily carrion eaters.
Here's another "action" shot - not unfortunately as sharp as I would have liked.
In case you were wondering, although the bird is looking at the camera, I was not behind it. The only way I could get these sort of shots is to fire the camera remotely.
Fantastic shot Tony. I would just love the chance to see one so near. They are always way up in the sky when I see them. Come on Squirrel.
I should add that my viewings are when on the motorway.
Hi Brenda I am waiting until the warmer weather. No, not for me but because there are a few cats around here who could do with having the wind put up them in a spectacular fashion and they won't be out in the snow!
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!
I echo all thats been said, Great shots Tony. and welcome.
For viewing or photography right place right time is everything. I'd rather be in the right place with poor kit than have the best kit and be in the wrong place.