A few from the (Aussie) winter months.

[Chrisclick]

These were also taken during the time that I was absent from CIC. Auto ISO seems to work fine, most of the time.

Egret
1/1250, f/8
Egret on Branch by Chrisclick, on Flickr

Egret
1/1250, f/8
Egret on Branch 3 by Chrisclick, on Flickr

Whistling Kite
1/640, f/6.3
Whistling Kite 2 by Chrisclick, on Flickr

Nankeen Kestrel
1/1250, f/7.1
Nankeen Kestrel 3 by Chrisclick, on Flickr

Willie Wagtail
1/1250, f/7.1
Willie Wagtail 1 by Chrisclick, on Flickr

[Dave Humphries]

Nice series Chris,

Looks like you didn't forgo photography while away - (welcome back btw)

I see you have plenty more great photos on your Flickr.

Cheers, Dave

[purplehaze]

Lovely, Chris. I especially like the one of the kite; great pose, gorgeous light.

[kernowbhoy]

Great action shots especially the landing Kite.

[JamesScott86]

Nice set, I like what you've done.

[Ziggy]

Very nice. The first shot of the Kite stands out to me.

[bnnrcn]

Great series

[Shadowman]

Nice series.

[NorthernFocus]

Really an excellent set, Chris. I like that you leave a little "breathing room" around the birds. Many people have a tendency to crop too tight IMO. My only suggestion would be to maybe crop a bit from the left side on the first image so that the bird isn't centered so perfectly. Overall very nicely done and imagery that I'd be proud of.

[Chrisclick]

Nice series Chris,

Looks like you didn't forgo photography while away - (welcome back btw)

I see you have plenty more great photos on your Flickr.

Cheers, Dave

Many thanks, Dave. Yes, I keep shooting and learning, occasionally grabbing a keeper.

I have looked at both your Pbase and Picassa collections, I aspire to be as versatile.....alas...

[Chrisclick]

Lovely, Chris. I especially like the one of the kite; great pose, gorgeous light.

Thank you, Janis. The Kite is one of my favourites. It was a stroke of luck that he/she landed on the branch just a few meters from me. I often wander in their domain just before sunset.

Thanks again.

[Chrisclick]

Great action shots especially the landing Kite.

Thank you, Andy. Much appreciated.

[Chrisclick]

Thanks for taking a look, James.

[Chrisclick]

Really an excellent set, Chris. I like that you leave a little "breathing room" around the birds. Many people have a tendency to crop too tight IMO. My only suggestion would be to maybe crop a bit from the left side on the first image so that the bird isn't centered so perfectly. Overall very nicely done and imagery that I'd be proud of.

Wow, thank you, Dan. It is gratifying to receive confirmation that I am on 'the right track' from an experienced photographer.

My strike rate is not so good, while I haven't calculated precisely what it is, I know it could do with a lot of improvement. With Spring upon us here, I hope to have more opportunity and variety for practice.

I am so glad that you mentioned the close-to-centre issue of the first shot. If I had a criticism of this set, that was it. Which also confirms for me that I am thinking 'like a photographer'.

If you have time:

I have a question about crop ratios: Assuming that I didn't get the framing right in-camera, should I be trying to maintain the original ratio of the shot when cropping, or is it acceptable to sacrifice the ratio for more aesthetic composition? This is something that I have yet to resolve, and have even agonised over, especially when I have set of say, 3 shots where 2 might be framed correctly (or can be made to look that way, by cropping at the original ratio), and 1 shot where that just isn't possible.

Thanks again for your comments, Dan. I truly appreciate them.

[NorthernFocus]

...is it acceptable to sacrifice the ratio for more aesthetic composition?...

IMO yes. I routinely do so. Clearly that is the case for any 5x7, 8x10, 11x14 prints or any computer desktop images that are derived from SLR cameras. There are some people who hold that ANY alteration of the image as recorded is "cheating". You have to decide for yourself. I will say that I've never met a professional photographer of that opinion.

[IzzieK]

All brilliant shots -- even the Willie Wagtail...I thought I saw a sparrow version of the WW here in my backyard but I haven't seen it again after 3 days.I like those little birdies...