Hello all
On Wednesday here at home, the weather being rather lovely we decided to make the most of it and make a trip to the RSPB Minsmere Reserve in Suffolk. We have never been before and my first reaction was it’s a really lovely place.
There are two main walks which the guide advises take about 2 hours to allow you time in the hides. On The Scrape, we saw many many different species of duck, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Pochard, Tufty, Pintail and Gadwalls. Alas my photos of these didn’t come out too well as the sun caused a strong reflection on the water, but they were lovely to see along with the Marsh Harrier. Lapwings were in abundance.
Through the wooded paths, we saw Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Long Tailed Tits, Blue and Great Tits, Robins, Blackbirds, Squirrels and Rabbits.
Most of the hides were very busy due to it being half term which caused us to leave them much earlier than we would have liked. We sat for ages in the South Hide waiting for Snipe, only to be told later that one was literally sitting under the window of the hide (Doh! never thought to look there LOL). It was the wrong time too for the Bittern unfortunately.
The only hide where there weren’t many people, was the Canopy Hide. After climbing the stairs I can fully understand why. If anyone has a vertigo problem then the stairs could cause you some anxiety. No matter how hard we tried, we couldn’t stop staring at the gaps between the steps as we climbed the three flights of stairs. Knees were trembling I must say. We sat in there for ages on our own looking out above the tree tops, it was very peaceful but if we were both honest it was probably more likely we were both dreading the descent!
My only really good photos turned out to be when we stopped for coffee and cake at the Visitor Centre between walks. What I would call the easy shots of birds feeding a the feeding stations (I know it’s cheating!)
With the sun shining all day and the weather feeling rather mild even though it was 5 degrees, we were one of the last ones to leave. As we left, we saw the setting of the reddest sun I have ever seen , a Barn Owl flew past as we were leaving and Mute Swans gently swimming along a piece of water just outside the reserve. We will definitely go back when Spring is truly here.
Anyway here’s some of the photos I took.
Regards
Kerry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kezmo6310/
Hi Sparrow.
Try turning the dial to the running man symbol. I think it is called sport mode and it is for moving images. I have used it for birds in flight. I am at work now but when I get home I will post some pics for you as examples. It takes a bit of practice mind but after a while you should start to get your eye in. The only thing to bear in mind is that it needs good light for decent results.
As to the video, I have used a couple of times and was pleased with the results. I used it to film part of a friend's concert in low light and had pretty good results. Also I used it to film a fruit bat colony at dusk as they flew off to hunt for the night and I was pleased with the reults of that too. Generally I tend forget it has video though as I bought it to use as a still camera. I wish I had recorded the birds in my garden earlier this week though as the feeders were particularly busy. Ten long tailed tits, six goldfinches, five chaffinches and three greenfinches all jostling for space. I didn't think about the video until after they had all gone. Drat!
Yours, SB
There is something new to learn everyday...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/skylark58/
Hi Kezmo and Sparrow, my WB550 zooms and when I've worked out how to use You Tube I'll post a couple of links for you to see what the videos are like. Advance warning though, they are shaky due to the arthritis plus me being new to videoing but I actually prefer using that to my camcorder as it is soooo much lighter to hold. I know everyone will now chorus "use a tripod" but my "gang" tend not to wait for me to do a Simon King set up so it's a case of "grab camera, press button and hope for the best"!!!!!
p.s. My DSLR is permanently set to Sport Mode (running man) as it still does the Auto on that but helps to compensate a little for the arthritis shake.
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!
Unknown said: Try turning the dial to the running man symbol. I think it is called sport mode and it is for moving images. I have used it for birds in flight. I am at work now but when I get home I will post some pics for you as examples. It takes a bit of practice mind but after a while you should start to get your eye in. The only thing to bear in mind is that it needs good light for decent results.
Thanks SB. I have given it a go this morning as we have some sun for once, but typical, as soon as I went outside the birds moved to the trees and sat still, waiting for me to go back inside! Not one in flight. It was too cold to hang about, but I'll try through the window and see what happens.
Thanks also for the info on the video facility. I do intend to try it. I had a camcorder that I managed to use quite well, so am hoping for some success.
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
Excellent pics Kezmo! Love the female chaffie in particular! Not sure I'd have made it in that hide....
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
Great stuff Kezmo, the chaffie pictures are my favs. I hope to get there one day it sounds great!
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.
Action shots for Sparrow, as promised:-
WOW! They are superb photos SB. Well done indeed.
Brilliant photos SB. Thank you.
Hecky Thump SB, those are totally stunning.
I did get one earlier today - a pigeon was the only bird that obliged, I was a bit slow, and there wasn't enough light. I can't for shame post it after seeing yours.
Many thanks SB. Note to self - Must try harder.
Hi Sparrow. Thank you and I'm sorry, I didn't mean to brag and put you off showing yours. I just wanted to show you what you could do. It's luck mostly you know, not skill. Do post yours as we are interested to see how you are progressing. Bear in mind that I probably took dozens if not hundreds to end up with those and the second two were taken in lovely Australian sunshine and good light doesn't come much better than that. My early attempts were decidedly blurry and I still get lots of duds. I just don't post them on here (wink). Keep trying and take lots. Out of hundreds of failed shots you might find one gem. That's the fun of it.
Just to balance things a bit, here are two of my blurry ones:
Hope you have a good birding weekend and have fun with your camera. I am planning a trip out on Sunday if the weather is kind. Fingers crossed.
Best wishes,
SB