Nightingale

Nightingale, Whisby, England. Summer 2008

Canon 20D + 300 f2.8 + 1.4 extender.

After a 5 hour familiarisation with this Nightingale [standing out in the open while it sang from all manner of trees and bushes], in late afternoon it suddenly it popped out on an open branch, not 20ft away, and commenced sunbathing.

You win some, you lose some.

Copyright: Kevin Smith

Gannet Profile

Gannet. Bempton RSPB. England.

Canon 20D + 300 f2.8. Hand held.

In the breeding season, often in late afternoons when the clifftop footpath is less busy, Gannets land on the grassy cliff tops and tear up greenery to add to their nests.

At 15ft distance, this Gannet could not be missed.

Copyright: Kevin Smith

Little Ringed Plover

Little Ringed Plover.

Pentax Spotmatic [film] + 400mm Soligor lens.

On a landfill site, where heavy machinery was missing this nest by 20ft or so, a pair of Little Ringed Plovers carried on as if it was all in a days work.

Copyright: Kevin Smith

Eagle Owl

Hypnotic

Canon 40D + 100-400mm.

A sentiment that the average mouse would find insane.

Copyright: Kevin Smith

Arctic Terns. England 2008

Arctic Terns, Northumberland, England.

Canon 20D + 300 f2.8. Hand held.

At the Longnanny beach reserve, most of the terns
take off in a "dread" and circle around for several minutes
before settling once again.

Copyright: Kevin Smith

Gannet juvenile

Gannet juvenile, Bempton RSPB, England 2008.

Canon 40D + 300 f2.8 + 1.4 extender.

As adult birds collect nest-grasses along the cliff top, a juvenile bird
hovers and observes the goings on.

Copyright: Kevin Smith

Puffins

Puffins, Bempton, England. 2008

Canon 20D + 100-400mm.

A breeding pair change over on the cliffs at Bempton RSPB, England.

A rival pair below them have their attention.

Copyright: Kevin Smith