Project 52: Week 16, not a grouse in sight

[billtils]

A couple of days ago I was up and about at 04:30 to photograph a Black Grouse lek. Just one wee problem, it was organised for bird watchers and despite assurances to the contrary, turned out to be well out of (worthwhile) rage of the FF + 600mm combo. However, the rest of the day proved more fruitful.

The location (near Schiehallion) produced a few decent shots as the sun broke the horizon:

1: Tree catching the sunlight




2: Birdwatchers doing the same




I also caught these two insects taking advantage of my car as a resting place. I have no idea what they are,though.


3: Fly (well, at least it has wings ...)




4: Hairy thing




The rest of the day was spent touring the surrounding area



5: Another hairy thing, but a lot larger






There were some obliging birds

6: Siskin






7: Pheasant






8: And finally one that's more architecture than nature, from the disused signal box at Rannoch railway station.

[Geoff F]

All work well.

I think #3 is one of the sawflies, but a tricky group to fully identify. #4 is possibly a member of the dung fly family, but another tricky group.

[billtils]

All work well.

I think #3 is one of the sawflies, but a tricky group to fully identify. #4 is possibly a member of the dung fly family, but another tricky group.

Thanks Geoff.

I used your suggested IDs as a starting point for a web search, and images on Insectsofscotland.com agree well enough - I'll update the catalogue accordingly.

[Shadowman]

Nice series.

[rudi]

Good series Bill, liked to see some Grouses off course...I might know the name off the big hairy thing....

Like your 'Siskin' the best. I would be tempted to crop a little bit from the bottom, and maybe clone out the left OOF stemm, but YMMV....

[billtils]

Thanks Rudi.

I've not given up on the grouse so perhaps one day ...

Yes, the siskin needs a little cropped off the bottom, but I tend not to clone out things in my nature/wildlife shots becasue I enter some of them in the local club competition and that kind of digital manipulation is not permitted. Even if it is not a competition quality image, I follow those rules as a way to (hopefully) make me more disciplined at "look before I shoot".

In addition to that, I don't mind the OoF stem as it helps to gives sense of depth to the image.