25th April 2010 - Blossom

Walking around Southsea proved un-inspiring; but it is pleasant enough to see the blossom out in full, showering the deprivation with angelic petals, that putrify on impact with true 'Portsmouth Soil'...

24th April 2010 - Chichester Peregrines

After a fairly uneventful day, with a selection of sightings of the peregrines on the cathedral, a young upstart decided to invade!

The male had been sitting on guard, and avidly watching the skies around, when all of a sudden, the invading peregrine swept in. He was seen off in an instant by the male after a brief clash mid-air. I was lucky to get a whole series of images of the battle, of which these a just a few..













It turns out (from identifying the ring number on the other birds leg) that he is a male, who was born last year on a tower block in Brighton. He is likely to be searching for a patch of his own, to hopefully start breeding in a couple of years time. He certainly didn't receive a warm welcome here!

A gentle walk in Southampton, picking up A3 photo paper and a couple of bits and pieces proved fruitful. London Camera Exchange (Civic Centre) had a second hand 300mm f2.8 L (non-IS, the 'original') for sale... for less that £500... condition appears poor, but optically excellent... watch this space...!

A Goldfinch (Carduelis Carduelis) sat proudly singing in the tree- who says commercialisation drives the wildlife away?!


A walk at The Royal Victoria Country Park saw me taking some slightly different (for me at least) photos; I am yet to decide whether I like this or not.

A pleasant few hours were spent at Chichester today, with both adult Peregrines (Falco Peregrinus) showing well, atop their eclesiastical pinnacles. These were both with the 400/2.8 IS with both 1.4x and 2x used, with surprisingly sharp results. Both framed, printed at A3, sitting on our living room wall.


The male, surveying his territory.


The female, just before her launch.


We understand that 4 eggs have been laid, and are due to hatch around 26th April... will continue visiting...

10th April 2010 - The Hawk Conservancy Trust

As always a good day here, with excellent views of the wild Red Kites (Milvus Milvus) coming in to see what the excitement was all about.

Very busy day, but came back with some images I am not disappointed with.



Both full frame images (how could I have missed the second wingtip?!), and taken with the 400/2.8 with 2x.


Again with the 400/2.8, which proves to be a heavy but sharp lens- far too heavy for my tiny Giottos head- but the Gitzo 3541 legs don't blink twice!