Saturday 28 August 2010

Update on project kingfisher

In May I posted two photographs from project kingfisher. Since then I've have gone back to find the kingishers on multiple occassions. The good news is that I always see at least one. The bad news is when I take my camera they stay away. Two Sundays ago when I went without binoculars (it was a very grey day and threatening to rain) one settled about four metres from me and sat there for a good ten minutes despite me being joined by a dog-walker. Today with the first forecast weekend sunshine in weeks I set out early to try once again.

Warbler

Once again I came away without any shots. One flew by early on and after that I saw no sign of it or its mate. I did, however, have a great time photographing a warbler in the reed bed. At first I thought it was probably a reed warbler given its location and behaviour. As I worked closer, however, I realised it was yellower than I would have expected. So then I thought it was probably a willow warbler. Looking at the photos now I'm wondering if it is in fact a chiff-chaff. It didn't sing, so no help there. But the darker legs seem to indicate it is not a willow warbler and the yellowish front and roundish head seems indicate it is not a reed warbler? One of these days I'll get the hang of warblers.

Warbler

On the plus front this is the first set of wildlife shots in good light with the 7D and I am extremely pleased with the way the camera performed.

Friday 20 August 2010

Self control.

It's official. I have none. Self-control that is.

Whilst I was up in Berwick there were several occasions when I wished I had the capability to shoot video. On my return I decided once again to check the 7D prices. I was surprised that they had not changed much - and then even more surprised to find an internet supplier which was significantly cheaper - but had very good reviews. Rather foolishly I ordered one. It arrived yesterday.

So far I am very impressed with the video capability, and even more impressed with the three user settings on the mode dial. I've loaded these with settings for wildlife, landscape and flight shots - and can recall the entire setup just by twisting the mode dial. Sweet.

Sadly, however, the light has been too poor to really put the camera through its paces today, so I can't really comment on image quality. It remains to be seen whether it will depose the 1D MkII as my primary wildlife body.

Saturday 7 August 2010

Water rail

A weekend of firsts for me. On Friday I visited Lakenheath RSPB reserve and saw my first ever crane. Today I visited Fowlmere and saw my first ever water rail. Actually I saw at least three water rails including two juveniles. They are very elusive birds, generally staying well back within the reed bed so I was pleased to manage any shots at all.

Water rail
Water Rail