Kicking off this year's odds and sods with Starlings in a rainbow on that extreme rarity: sunshine.
It was early morning, with the sun barely cresting the tree line. We were able to get out for our morning walk as it wasn't raining. This photo is my trusty Canon 80D and Sigma 18-300mm lens zoomed in at 300mm.
Pulling back a bit.
And finally all the way back.
Oh, 2024 got off to a good start with this.
So far my cat, perhaps two neighbouring cats visiting our garden, a local fox and Tawny owl, and this trap have accounted for at least five of the beasties. Sightings of rats in our garden are getting rarer, so I think I'm winning. Two rather timid and wary rats, that I know of, are proving more elusive to catch. I've resorted to buying a lethal trap. The trap was triggered, yesterday, but no rat, sadly. Though a mouse might have triggered it, and was small enough to be within the kill bar.
90% luck, 5% field craft, 5% camera skills.
Lovely final selection Bob... looking forward to this year already
Cheers PB. It will be interesting to see what the valley throws up, hopefully a few nesting kestrels. I found a new place for the hares too last year so looking forward to seeing them in numbers too and maybe catch some boxing action.
Beautiful photos, Bob - lots of personality
Cracking shots in there Bob. The roebuck and the Kestrel are my favs, but all very nicely done.
Cheers Mr Kes. Kestrels are my favourite without a shadow of a doubt. Saying that the local valley (Moss valley) hosts a multitude of wildlife, some of which I have yet to see. Hopefully in 2025 I can chalk a few of them up. Goshawks and water voles are on top of my wish list.
Ooooh... new stuff??
Fabulous selection Bob thanks for sharing
All lovely Bob, thanks for sharing the last of the old ones, look forward seeing many more in 2025.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Thanks all for comments on Goldcrest. I wouldn't have got the photograph if it wasn't for the lens hood cover I was using. As the cagoule pouch was just an experiment that worked, I set about making a proper cover. I got into some leather. Nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more!
First three dimensional item I've made out of leather. I only started working leather about a month ago. I had some scraps, and decided to make something for a charity to sell. Started off with mobile phone pouches (made one for sprog - Xmas pressie, who snatched it out of my hands when she saw it. She was so thrilled, been wearing it since) and then switched to glass cases at their request.
Thigh pouches is another possibilty.
The string (core of boot laces, where the outside sheath had been cut through) is tied around the barrel of the lens.
I simply yank off the cover and let go. The cover is a snug fit, and so pulls the lens out slightly as well - all ready for a shot.
Took the whole lot for a test drive this morning. Worked a treat.
Good idea Angus. Looks good, and I am glad it works well for you ...