It's Spring, so times for a few Birds

[James G]

I've had a 'lazy' winter, and not been out enough with the long lens. The trees have not 'greened-up' fully yet so it is abit easier to get a clear siight!
This last few days I've been re-training my arm and shoulder muscles!

#1 Jay, Garulus glandarius: I've been trying for a couple of years to get a decent shot. Seen plenty, but they are shy and move off very quickly if aware of you.



#2



#3 Nuthatch, Sitta europaea: Nuthatches are not particularly shy, just fast especially when digging for a grub in the bark



#4



#5 Long Tailed Tit, Aegithalos caudatus: I like these little tits, they tend to stay in the bushes, but since they are not fully greened up it's a bit easier to get a shot.


#6



#7 Grey Heron, Ardea cinerea



#8



#9 Great Crested Grebe, Podicepd cristatus



#10 Great Crested Grebe, Podicepd cristatus



#11 Robin, Erithacus rubicola Apparently our favourite bird in the UK....

[bje07]

Nice series, a 600 mm lens helps in that case

[Geoff F]

Like you, James, I've seen plenty of Jays but have never succeeded in taking an acceptable photo; so well done with this one. Nuthatch is another tricky to photograph bird which so far has also eluded me. Nice action scenes.

The others are also very good.

[James G]

Thanks Geoff... now if I can only get a woodpecker.... any woodpeckler.... I keep hearing them I even catch a glimpse.. but so far....

[Shadowman]

Nice series.

[rpcrowe]

Nice captures. We have a lake nearby that is inhabited by grebes (I don;t know what type) but, at certain times of the year they swim around the lake with the little grebe babies riding on their backs. I would love to get a shot of that someday. Oh heck, I'd just like to see it!

[James G]

they swim around the lake with the little grebe babies riding on their backs. I would love to get a shot of that someday. Oh heck, I'd just like to see it!

Thanks Richard, Our grebes do something similar and I believe both ducks and swans do the same. You do raise an important point though about 'seeing' things.
There are times when I become aware that I need to put the camera aside, stop seeing the world through a viewfinder and just enjoy the view.

I'm off to Venice for five days on Sunday, I've never been before and it will be my first trip somewhere new without Janet. But I've 'shocked' family members by insisting that , I'm just going to relax, have some wine and watch the world go by..... No doubt I will take some shots, but for once there are no plans for photography (or anything else!)

[IzzieK]

I should put out my feeder soon...Do not wish for a woodpecker. Last year I put the feeder out and we have 2 of them and one who usually lives across the road came to my feeder and also put a hole on the side of our house near the chimney. It also made a tapping noise while I was trying to rest one time. Told Bill about it he shot one, couldn't get the culprit who ruined the side of the house. You see, pilots and ladders does not go together well. I do not want him to have a third fall so I am delaying putting out the feeder out this year. I usually just let it stay out all year.

Anyway, I like your series. I particularly like #7 and #8, the herons.